Tributes to pony that’s a breed apart

MINISTER of State Noel Treacy yesterday paid tribute to the organisers of the Connemara Pony Society and its dedicated breeders.

As crowds flocked to Clifden in Co Galway yesterday to celebrate the Connemara Pony, a distinct breed going back 2,500 years to the days of the Celtic warriors, Mr Treacy said the society was crucial to its survival.

The work of the society is helped by financial incentives for breed improvement, under the National Development Plan through the Department of Agriculture’s Improvement in Equine Measure.

Mr Treacy said the modern Connemara Pony has the ability to perform in all branches of equestrian sport.

“It demonstrates the way that the role of this pony has changed from that of a working animal on small farms, in the past, to one suitable for a range of sporting activities, in modern Ireland,” he said.

The only native breed of Irish pony, it has played a crucial role in the life of people in the west of Ireland and has since spread to the US, Australia, New Zealand and across Europe.

Founded 80 years ago, show organisers, the Connemara Pony Society, received almost 500 entries for 24 showing and ridden classes.

The 79th show, and 55th to be held in Clifden, also attracted buyers who viewed the stock ahead of today’s traditional sales at Clifden Mart.

Connemara Pony Societies have now been established in 17 different countries, reflecting the breed’s worldwide appeal.

The pony is much sought after for show jumping, dressage and eventing.

For the first time, the judging panel at yesterday’s show included overseas officials from England, France, Finland, Scotland and Sweden.

The Connemara Pony Society, headed by president Dermot Power, chairman Henry O’Toole and secretary Michael Ward, said it is delighted with the worldwide popularity of the breed.