Connemara Pony Show puts its best foot forward
It will represent the 90th birthday of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, which was founded in 1923 to raise awareness and appreciation of the breed as an integral part of Irish heritage. The iconic pony has been exported worldwide and is in much demand, with breeder societies in 15 countries.
Connemara Pony Show, which dates from 1924, brings together the largest collection of the breed in the world and is used as a market window for breeders from Ireland and overseas.
There will be 24 in-hand classes and 10 ridden classes, providing spectators with the opportunity to view the very best of the breed. The society will award five silver medals in selected classes to mark its 90th anniversary.
Horse Sport Ireland, Sweeney Oil Company and Galway Irish Crystal are sponsors of the show, part of a week-long festival that will include the Droege family from Germany giving demonstrations of carriage driving with four Connemara ponies.
A performance show on Friday will feature an attempt by Susan Oakes to set a world record for a Connemara Pony jumping side saddle.
A catalogue sale of registered Connemara ponies will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Clifden Mart.
