Pony Celebration, Dec’13

Late Autumn 2013

 ‘Celebration of the Connemara Pony’     14 Dec.’13

Our lovely Autumn has passed, Winter has finally arrived and December 2013 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the formation of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society  in Connemara.  To celebrate this milestone the Society is organising a ‘Celebration of the Connemara Pony’ in Creagh Equestrian Centre, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway on Saturday 14^th December, starting at 10am.

Polly in Winter snow

You might well ask “whats this, a Connemara Pony Show in the middle of Winter, sure are’nt they all out now in their woolly coats enjoying their winter break”? But this pre-Christmas event will bear no resemblance to the usual summertime  show formula. For one thing, only Colt and Filly foals will be  shown In-Hand to compete for the Irish Dragoon and the Eileen Alanna Galway Crystal trophies.

December

The names of these trophies – as you may remember – commemorate an iconic event in the history of the Connemara Pony, when in 1912 two ponies bearing these names were heroically travelled from deepest Connemara to London to highlight the existence of the little- known breed to a wider audience at the Olympia International Show.  Michael O’Malley of Rosmuc along with his friend and groom Joe Walsh were the two intrepid travellers who created a historic marker in the history of Ireland’s Native pony.  Eleven years later, on 12 December 1923, the CPBS was born.
In line with the anniversary celebrations a new pictorial record book – which will feature many images of Connemara ponies of the past ninety years – is being launched by the Society during the day’s events  To sell at €20  on the day, it’s bound to be a ‘must-have’ for all Connemara pony fans.
Experienced and skillful pony producers Clare Oakes and Denise Norton will deliver a Clinic on conformation, giving a detailed assessment of four geldings both from an in-hand and performance point of view. Dressage rider Mary Mitchell will give a display with musical accompaniment on her homebred Western May.
On this auspicious anniversary the CPBS has decided to honour the loyalty and dedication of the two longest serving members of the Society and also the two families who have owned the same pony-family for the longest period of time.  Each one will be presented with a certificate of loyalty.

In keeping with the Christmas spirit  (just 10 days away), Fun Pony Events will follow which will include a team obstacle race, mounted games, and a fancy dress class for adults and children. Everyone is welcome to attend and partake in celebrating the Connemara Pony. Admission is free. There will be a pig on the spit and mulled wine for everyone and it is hoped that a special guest in a red suit will be there on the day on his very own Connemara pony.!
For program of events and for further information.   www.cpbs.ie
For directions   www.creaghequestriancentre.com