THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society were delighted to formally donate the €1,000 paid to Galway Equestrian Centre for running the CPBS Connemara Pony Show to Galway Hospice.

The fantastic facilities of the O’Brien family were greatly appreciated by the CPBS and everyone who enjoyed the day out in Athenry, after the ridden show days had to be rescheduled due to high levels of rainfall the week of the show. This, combined with not having the warm-up arena available, rendered the ground conditions unsafe.

The O’Briens not only made their centre available for the rescheduled classes, but then also agreed to donate the fee paid to this worthy cause.

With regard to the 2025 show, the CPBS confirmed the Clifden Chamber came to a meeting with the CPBS a few weeks ago. The Chamber were invited to come on board to work with the society and secure funding to carry out the necessary corrective works on the sand arena to ensure its safety and suitability for both competitors and ponies attending next year’s show.

In other CPBS news, a meeting is scheduled for December 7th and the AGM, due to be held on January 12th, will discuss the future of the show and many other parts of the society.