MADAM,

I refer to your recent article titled “Clifden pony show future unknown as price hikes hit”.

I am very disappointed to read such news and am at a loss to understand these decisions. Having presided over two annual shows in 2022/23, assisted by a team of wonderful volunteers, I can honestly say I believe there is no reason, financially or operationally, that the Annual Show should not stay in Clifden as it has done since 1947, having rotated around Connemara in the early years.

The 2023 Show, held on our Centenary year, was one of the most successful, having record attendance and visitors travelling from all our international daughter societies. I often reflect on your editorial following the 2023 Show, which reported “the powers that be should sit up and take notice that the flagship five-star Dublin Horse Show, Millstreet International Horse Show and the Connemara Pony Festival combined this month alone will pump over €60 million into Ireland’s economy.”

In light of the success the Annual Show has enjoyed over the years, the suggestion to remove the show from Clifden defies logic. I have no doubt that volunteers who possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to run the show would once again be willing to offer their services.

The decision to increase the service charges is reckless to say the least and will undoubtedly be challenged by the membership. I am unable to understand why such a price increase would be necessary, when in November 2023, it appeared the Society was in a very healthy financial position. The question then arises why the Society finds itself in such a precarious financial position at the present time?

It should be noted that the present Council comprises 11 trustees, with 10 other trustees having resigned their seats in the past year. Why did these trustees, with a proven record of service to the Society, feel it necessary to resign?

The reported deficit is strongly disputed and clarification has been sought from the CPBS.

I am deeply concerned for the future of the Society and for its greatest achievements, that is the independent running of the studbook since 1924 and our Annual Show in Clifden.

Yours etc,

Dave Sheedy

Co Clare

President CPBS 2022/23