THE annual Connemara Pony Show could still be moved from its longstanding home of Clifden, despite previous assurances from the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) president that it would go ahead there in 2025. The society is also hiking up its membership and registration costs in 2025.

The news comes following a special meeting last Saturday in Athenry, with around 38 people in attendance. It was called to discuss the society’s financial position, but inevitably, the issue of the show came to the fore. This year, only in-hand classes were held in Clifden, with the ridden and performance classes being moved to a later date and another location due to weather and riding surface concerns.

As previously reported in The Irish Field, the financial statements from 2023 showed a deficit of €156,574.

The CPBS executive said discussions at the meeting included the sand arena at the Clifden showgrounds, the impact of 2022 renovations, the losses associated with 2023 and recent flooding.

“Key discussions included how the society could better address challenges like the financial losses in 2023, with some members calling for forensic investigations and others suggesting a ‘name and shame’ approach for unfulfilled commitments by sponsors and debtors”, the CPBS statement reads.

“Highlights included praise for clearing the 2023 passport backlog and securing passports for this year’s foals. However, some questioned the society’s preparedness for implementing the SNP process. The meeting also explored the future of the society, emphasising the importance of its role as a passport-issuing authority and in Connemara Pony inspections.

“Discussions on the annual show’s future were central, with debates over the benefits of the Clifden showgrounds, why the sand arena was not insured and suitable for use and proposals for rotation of the show across Ireland’s provinces. Attendees considered options like hosting an in-hand-only show or securing an alternative showground venue with the necessary upgraded arenas, stabling and parking.

“Members also discussed partnerships with the Connemara Chamber of Commerce to retain and enhance the event in Clifden, including using the grounds for additional events like the Clifden Music Festival.

“A consensus emerged that membership and registration fees would need to increase to support the society’s operations and ambitions, ensuring its future sustainability,” the statement added.

Cooperation

Clifden Chamber member John Sweeney was in attendance at the meeting and said the chamber had met with the society and would do whatever it could to assist them, so that the show could remain in the heart of Connemara.

“We absolutely believe that there should be more involvement, cooperation and collaboration with the chamber and with local entities in assisting and working with the society to ensure that the show goes ahead and is viable,” Sweeney said.

Speaking as a society member, he said it was he who proposed a forensic investigation of the accounts to answer outstanding questions about spending, debtors and unfulfilled sponsorship commitments.

“I’m firmly of the belief that, in the interest of clarity and in the interest of good governance, we can’t not have a forensic investigation of the 2023 accounts and then, if there are issues, highlight them and put them out there,” he said.

“I felt there was widespread support from the floor on that, but the response was that the society could not afford it.”

Voicing concern

Clifden breeder Nicola Heanue, whose husband and daughter attended the meeting, said she hoped members would stand up and voice their support for the show remaining in Clifden at the upcoming AGM (January 12th).“There is a lot of talk about the accounting but, in my opinion, that can’t be used as an excuse not to hold the show,” she said.

“I think the loss of the show (from Clifden) would be huge, it’s supposed to be the 100th show - but unfortunately there seems to be a lack of understanding of its importance from a heritage point of view. There is no other show where people from all over the world come to one small town to celebrate one specific breed, its so unique.

“The society may talk about its primary goal being passports, but I believe active members are interested in the society preserving and promoting the Connemara pony and there is no greater showcase than Clifden. I understand there are complications with the arena and the size of the show, but there are solutions to all of those.

“It’s important that people are not afraid to speak out about this. If people don’t attend the EGM and AGM and voice their concern, there is no doubt in my mind that the show will not go ahead.”

With regard to the price increases, the table below highlights some of the major changes in 2025, including membership, which will rise from €60 to €150 (up 150%) from March 2025 and initial foal registration with HWSD testing rising from €75 to €135 (up 80%) for members and from €130 to €200 (up 54%) for non-members.