AN independent show management entity, made up of a board of trustees, has been established to run the annual Connemara Pony Show in Clifden for the next three years.

The news comes following the Annual General Meeting of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) last Sunday, January 12th, where the proposal was put to the members, adopted and, thereafter, ratified by the newly-elected CPBS council.

The new independent show entity, known as ‘Connemara Pony Show - Clifden’ has a board of trustees composed of representatives from Connemara Chamber of Commerce, equine representatives, local political representatives, and community leaders. The Trustees, together with a dedicated wider team, will assume full management and running of the show going forward.

Agreement

A joint statement today, Wednesday January 15th, from the CPBS and the ‘Connemara Pony Show - Clifden’ said: “In its centenary year, the annual Connemara Pony Show at Clifden is now set for its most exciting event ever. Over the past few months, detailed discussions have been ongoing between the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and a newly formed and independent Show Management entity on a potential path forward for the much-loved Connemara Pony Show at Clifden.

“On January 12th, an agreement in principle was reached between both entities on how the Show (and related events) will be run and supported for an initial period of three years, starting in 2025. At the recent AGM of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, a proposal from the new entity for the transition and management of the Clifden show was outlined by the CPBS Executive Committee to the CPBS membership. The proposal was adopted by the membership and thereafter ratified by the newly elected CPBS Council.

“The new independent show entity, known as ‘Connemara Pony Show - Clifden’ has a board of trustees composed of representatives from Connemara Chamber of Commerce, equine representatives, local political representatives, and community leaders. The Trustees, together with a dedicated wider team will assume full management and running of the show going forward.”

Daragh Ó Tuairisg, President of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society commented: “The Show, by adopting a more localised approach to its management, emphasises the importance of collaboration between both Cumann Lucht Capaillíní Chonamara and the greater Connemara community. This partnership is pivotal in delivering a successful show in its centenary year. The CPBS acknowledges the Connemara Pony Show at Clifden as Ireland’s premier Connemara Pony event. We are confident that this new agreement will not only honour the legacy of this iconic event, but also ensure its continuation as a cornerstone of not only Connemara, but also Irish equine culture for many years to come.”

The new show committee will be headed up by chairperson Mary Coyne, who commented: “Following successful discussions with the CPBS, our dedicated regional committee now looks forward to delivering the famed Connemara Pony Show at Clifden for the benefit of the Connemara Pony community and wider region.”

The news puts an end to any concerns that the show could be moved from Clifden. The show will run from August 19th to 22nd, 2025.