The 98th annual Connemara Pony Show take places this year from August 15th to 18th at the Clifden Showgrounds.

Each day will be filled with captivating events, showcasing the breed’s exceptional talent, and paying homage to its remarkable history. With 45 competitions scheduled across the four days, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society is delighted to announce increased prize money across a numerous of classes kindly sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland.

Programme:
Tuesday 15th
-All Ireland Loose Jumping Championships; thrilling displays of Connemara ponies demonstrating their natural jumping ability.
-An international gathering will take centre stage in the Abbeyglen Hotel. This event will bring together Connemara pony enthusiasts and breeders from around the world, to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share stories, and exchange knowledge about the breed.

Wednesday 16th
– In-hand pony classes take place across Ring One & Two at the Showgrounds. In-hand competitions allows
breeders to present their Connemara ponies in-hand, highlighting their conformation, movement, and overall presence. Foals, young stock and mature broodmares & stallions will take to the two rings to be judged throughout the course of the day.
-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. It will be a tribute to the achievements and contributions of these remarkable ponies, honouring their legacy.
-The coveted Supreme Champion and Broodmare Champion of the Show crowned with these ponies set to go down in the Show’s history books.

Thursday 17th
-Both ridden and working hunter classes. A dynamic day that demonstrates the breed’s capabilities under saddle, visitors to the show will witness a wonderful array of classes including the elegance of ladies’ side saddle, the enthusiasm of children starting their equestrian journey, and the bravery of ponies navigating performance working hunter tracks.
-The Irish Connemara Green Hunter Final will take place with qualified registered ponies competing across working hunter & ridden phases.
(While the competitive action is taking place in the rings, a dedicated ‘Kids Corner’ will cater to the younger audience. Children can engage in horse show painting, expressing their creativity and love for ponies through art. They can also create their very own hobby horses, sparking their imagination and providing an interactive play experience. Additionally, a special story time reading by the author of “Showtime in Connemara” Nicola Heanue will captivate young minds, transporting them into the enchanting world of ponies and their magical adventures.)
-At the Station House Hotel in Clifden, national and international visitors and guest speakers will be welcomed. Esteemed speakers from the equestrian community will share their insights and expertise, exploring strategies to promote the breed on a global scale.

Friday 18th
-High Performance and Puissance classes. These events are always highly anticipated, as riders and ponies tackle challenging courses and face increasing fence heights with each round.
– Puissance Competition then takes the excitement to new heights—literally. As the Clifden Wall gets increases in height brick by brick, Connemara ponies competitors exhibit their bravery and determination, aiming to clear obstacles that test their limits and leave spectators in awe.
-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. A distinctive custom to Connemara Pony Show, parade showcases the remarkable accomplishments of the top performers throughout the four-day event. As ponies, riders, and their supporters march triumphantly through the town, it is a truly exceptional sight to see the combinations celebrated by the cheering crowd lining the streets- a moment of pride and recognition for their dedication and skill.

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is committed to support its members to establish the Connemara Pony as the world’s premier pony for sport and recreation through the provision of services of the highest standards of excellence, and to act in the best interests of its members and  its affiliated Societies throughout the world.

Feature photo by Rynes Walker