More than 8,000 expected at the celebrated Connemara Pony Show

MORE than 8,000 people are expected to attend the celebrated Connemara Pony Show at Clifden, Co Galway, on August 20.

Always the high point of Clifden Pony Festival (August 17-23), it will have 23 in-hand classes and ten ridden classes on the schedule. The show is sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland, Galway Irish Crystal and the Station House Hotel, Clifden.

Traditionally, a one-day sale was held on the Friday of the show-week, but this year there has been a change to that format.

Instead, that day (August 21) will be devoted to showcasing the versatility of the Connemara pony through a number of performance events.

A Puissance competition with a prize fund of €1,500, open to all Connemara ponies aged four and over, will be one of the highlights.

Connemara Pony Breeders Society president Dermot Power said the Puissance will be a huge test of the pony. It will generate considerable interest among owners and breeders in measuring the pony’s extraordinary potential, he said.

With the performance events taking place on the Friday, the annual sales at Clifden Mart have been expanded to two days on Saturday and Sunday (August 22 and 23).

A record 480 ponies are listed for the first ever two-day August sales of Connemara ponies at Clifden, Co Galway, on August 22 and 23.

Clifden Marts manager Padraig Heanue said despite the economic downturn quality Connemaras are commanding good prices.

Mares for breeding are reaching about €7,000 while geldings for riding are fetching about €4,500.

“We are delighted with the response to this year’s two-day sale. In these difficult times, it will be a fitting end to the 85th Connemara Pony Show festivities,” he said.