THE 98th Annual Connemara Pony Show returns to the Clifden Showgrounds from August 15th to 18th and the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society celebrates 100 years since its formation.

With 45 competitions scheduled across the four days, the CPBS has announced increased prize money across a number of classes sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland.

The week kicks off on Tuesday, August 15th with the All Ireland Loose Jumping Championships. In the evening, an international gathering will take centre stage in the Abbeyglen Hotel, bringing together Connemara Pony enthusiasts and breeders from around the world.

Wednesday, August 16th sees the most popular showcase as the in-hand pony classes take place across Ring 1 and 2 at the Showgrounds. The seven-year-old and over stallion class will boast an increased prize fund of €950 while the class for 138cm and under mares with or without foal at foot receives an increase to €600 overall.

Centenary year

In celebration of the centenary year, a special parade of past champions will take place on Wednesday afternoon. Offering a glimpse into the rich history of the breed, this parade will feature Connemara ponies who have made their mark in the show ring over the decades. The evening will see the coveted Supreme Champion and Broodmare Champion of the Show crowned.

Day three, August Thursday 17th will feature both ridden and working hunter classes. The Irish Connemara Green Hunter Final for four-year-olds will take place with qualified registered ponies competing across working hunter and ridden phases. Sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland, the class has an increased prize fund of €2,000.

On the final day, Friday August 18th, the High Performance classes and popular Puissance takes place. Finalists for this year’s High Performance Final will compete for a prize fund of €3,000.

Friday evening will culminate in a tradition unique to the Connemara Pony Show, the Parade of Champions. All winning ponies, handlers and rider combinations are invited to partake in a victory lap leaving from the showgrounds to parade through the streets of Clifden.

Entries for this year’s show are now open. Closing date for postal and hand delivered entries is Friday June 30th at 5pm. Online entries are available at itsplainsailing.com/org/cpbs#event-40297 and close at midnight on Wednesday, July 5th 2023.

The CPBS wishes to thank this year’s sponsors including Galway County Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Horse Sport Ireland, Galway Irish Crystal, Clifden Station House Hotel, Willows Ingredients, Enda Morley General Merchants and Bradys.