Connemara Pony Breeders' Society

19/02/2025

Horse Sport Ireland is now inviting applications for the 2025 Pony, Junior, Children On Horses and Young Rider High Performance programmes. If you are aiming for the Youth European Championships, you will need to register for the relevant level.

Please use the link to the online form below to send in your expression of interest. Please note there is a non-refundable application fee of €50 for each athlete payable.

Apply for the Youth Showjumping High Performance Programme 2025 here: https://forms.horsesportireland.ie/250433059523957

08/02/2025

🌪️ Attention: Connemara Pony Owners Affected by Storm Éowyn 🌪️

To all Connemara pony owners and breeders in the West, we know Storm Éowyn has caused severe disruptions, including damage to properties, loss of supplies, additional costs and extended power and water outages. Support is now available to help you recover.

📌 HOW TO APPLY FOR SUPPORT:

📄 Stage 1: Emergency Support Payments

🔹 If you were without power or water for a significant period, you may be entitled to reimbursement for emergency purchases.

🔹 If you had to buy dinner out, booked into hotels, purchased extra duvets, hot water bottles, gas bottles, portable stoves, torches, or other essential items, you can apply for financial assistance.

🔹 ✅ No income test - support is based on immediate need.

🔗 Apply here:https://assets.gov.ie/42287/92faa7b2989d442c9359b57771888d44.pdf

📄 Stage 2: Replacement of White Goods & Furniture

🔹 Assistance for replacing essential household items, such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, and furniture damaged due to power outages or flooding.

📄 Stage 3: Primary Residence Repairs

🔹 Support for home repairs if your primary residence was damaged. Where you don't have house insurance.

🔗 Apply for Stage 2 & 3 here:

https://assets.gov.ie/281770/6c52d240-00f1-4210-8d69-80c84c7a32ba.pdf

🔔 NEED HELP?

If you’re unsure about the application process or need help accessing these supports, please reach out to your local Intreo office or Community Welfare Officer.

Please share this with fellow Connemara pony owners in need.

08/02/2025

🌟 PLANNING YOUR BREEDING SEASON? KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT HWSD! 🌟

💡 Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) is an inherited condition that affects Connemara ponies. It leads to weak, fragile hooves that crack and separate, causing discomfort and potential lameness. The good news? It’s 100% preventable through responsible breeding!

🐴💬 QUIZ TIME! 🐴💬

🤔 Can two carriers of HWSD safely produce a healthy foal?

🔹 A) Yes, the odds are in their favour
🔹 B) No, there’s a 25% chance of producing an affected foal
🔹 C) It doesn’t matter, HWSD isn’t a big concern

(Answer at the bottom! 👀)

✅ DO: RESPONSIBLE BREEDING PRACTICES ✅

✔️ TEST your breeding stock – HWSD is a simple genetic test. Both stallions and mares should be tested.

✔️ PLAN your pairings carefully – At least one parent should be N/N (clear) to avoid affected foals.

✔️ EDUCATE others – Share the importance of genetic testing to protect future generations of Connemaras.

🚫 DON’T: RISK PRODUCING AFFECTED FOALS 🚫

❌ Don’t breed two carriers (N/HWSD) together – This results in a 25% chance of an affected foal.
❌ Don’t assume a pony is clear without a test – Looks can be deceiving!
❌ Don’t let misinformation spread – Encourage breeders to get the facts and make informed decisions.

📢 SHARE TO SPREAD AWARENESS! 📢

🌿 Let’s keep our Connemara ponies sound, strong, and thriving for future generations. It is 2025, we should not be producing full affected (HWSD/HWSD) foals. 🏇✨

👇 ANSWER: B! Two carriers (N/HWSD) have a 25% chance of producing an affected foal (HWSD/HWSD). Always test before breeding!

07/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15u5XCrRuC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/02/2025

We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Joe McCann senior. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to all the family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 🕊️

It is with a heavy heart we at Connemara Pony Sales regret to inform you that Joe McCann has passed away, a friend to everyone for more than 30 years at Connemara Pony Sales. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements on RIP.ie later

04/02/2025

Calling all studs and stallion owners - we want you! 📣
Expressions of interest for the 2025 Stallion Showcase are available online 📲

This was a hugely popular event in 2024 and a great opportunity to showcase your stallion ahead of the 2025 breeding season to Irish and international breeders. click below or on our story to complete your expression of interest!

Showcasing stallions must be studbook registered and classified in a DAFM Approved Studbook.

If you have any questions please email [email protected] 💻
(https://forms.horsesportireland.ie/250133302760342)

29/01/2025

📢 CPBS Office Reopened 📢

We’re happy to share that the CPBS office has reopened, and all services are back to normal.

Thank you for your patience and understanding following Storm Éowyn.

27/01/2025

🚨 Office Closure Update 🚨

Due to the continued loss of services following the recent storm, our office will remain closed today. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

⚠️🌧️ Important Announcement from CPBS 🌧️⚠️

Please be advised that the CPBS office will be closed this Friday due to the red weather warning issued by Met Éireann.

🔗 Stay updated: met.ie/warnings-friday

📞 For your convenience, phone lines will be diverted to a single line, as per guidelines.

We expect to resume normal operations on Monday.

🌬️ Stay safe and take care during the storm! Thank you for your understanding.

23/01/2025

⚠️🌧️ Important Announcement from CPBS 🌧️⚠️

Please be advised that the CPBS office will be closed this Friday due to the red weather warning issued by Met Éireann.

🔗 Stay updated: met.ie/warnings-friday

📞 For your convenience, phone lines will be diverted to a single line, as per guidelines.

We expect to resume normal operations on Monday.

🌬️ Stay safe and take care during the storm! Thank you for your understanding.

23/01/2025

🐴✨ Don’t forget to renew your Connemara Pony Breeder Society membership for 2025! ✨🐴

👉 Membership here: https://itsplainsailing.com/org/cpbs/member?id=646

Thank you! 💙

18/01/2025

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have issued an information note of the foot and mouth disease outbreak confirmed in Germany.

The note can be found here:https://www.horsesportireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FMD-Info-Note-For-Equine-Stakeholders-16.01.25.pdf

Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/839d7-foot-and-mouth-disease/

18/01/2025

17/01/2025

🌟🐴 Exciting Day for Cumann Lucht Capaillíní Chonamara! 🐴🌟

Members gathered in Athlone last Sunday for both an EGM and AGM, marking one of the largest turnouts in recent years! 🙌 Despite some questions about notice and procedures, members voted to proceed, and all proposed amendments to the Articles of Association were approved ✅🎉.

📄 The updated articles (allowing online council meetings and new membership approvals) can be viewed here: https://new.cpbs.ie/memberships

Key Topics Discussed:

💰 Financial Challenges:

2023 and 2024 have presented significant financial difficulties for the society, with losses attributed to rising operational costs and breeder expenses. Members emphasized the urgent need to reassess and adjust breeder-related costs, including fees and support, to maintain the society’s sustainability. Creative fundraising and strategic financial planning will be crucial going forward.

🎉 Show Centenary Year Plans:

The Show’s 100th year will focus on a localised approach, fostering deeper connections between Cumann Lucht Capaillíní Chonamara and the broader Connemara community. Collaborative efforts with Clifden community and business leaders are already underway to deliver a truly memorable event that celebrates the heritage and future of the Connemara Pony.

🐴 Breeding Program Concerns:

Discussions were sparked by motions from individual members addressing critical issues in the breeding program:
• The use of Hoof Wall affected/carrier ponies in breeding was debated, with concerns raised about long-term impacts on the breed’s reputation and genetic health. Members strongly rejected the removal of carrier ponies from the stud book due to the narrowing of the bloodlines.
• A proposal to introduce new bloodlines into the breeding program was also rejected, as members prioritized preserving the unique genetic traits and heritage of the Connemara Pony.

Overall, it was a day of productive conversations and proactive decision-making, as members laid the foundation for the society’s growth and sustainability in the years to come. 🐎💪

15/01/2025

Agreed Statement - 15th January 2025

***Full steam ahead for the Connemara Pony Show (Clifden) 2025 after a joint agreement.***

In its centenary year, the annual Connemara Pony Show at Clifden is now set for its most exciting event ever. Over the past few months, detailed discussions have been ongoing between the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and a newly formed and independent Show Management entity on a potential path forward for the much loved Connemara Pony Show at Clifden. On the 12th of January, an agreement in principle was reached between both entities on how the Show (and related events) will be run and supported for an initial period of 3 years, starting in 2025.
At the recent AGM of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, a proposal from the new entity for the transition and management of the Clifden show was outlined by the CPBS Executive Committee to the CPBS membership. The proposal was adopted by the membership and thereafter ratified by the newly elected CPBS Council.

The new independent show entity, known as ‘Connemara Pony Show - Clifden’ has a board of trustees composed of representatives from Connemara Chamber of Commerce, equine representatives, local political representatives, and community leaders. The Trustees, together with a dedicated wider team will assume full management and running of the show going forward.

“The Show, by adopting a more localised approach to its management, emphasises the importance of collaboration between both Cumann Lucht Capaillíní Chonamara and the greater Connamara Community. This partnership is pivotal in delivering a successful show in its centenary year. The CPBS acknowledges the Connemara Pony Show at Clifden as Ireland’s premier Connemara Pony event. We are confident that this new agreement will not only honour the legacy of this iconic event but also ensure its continuation as a cornerstone of not only Connemara but also Irish equine culture for many years to come.”

Daragh Ó Tuairisg - President - Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society

“Tá Coiste Taispeántas na Capallíní- Clochán 2025 ag súil le taispeántas den chéad scoth a reáchtáil i mí Lúnasa agus muid ag ceiliúradh 100 bliain den seó capaillíní sa Chlochán. Following successful discussions with the CPBS, our dedicated regional committee now look forward to delivering the famed Connemara Pony Show at Clifden for the benefit of the Connemara Pony community and wider region.”

Mary Coyne - Chairperson - Connemara Pony Show, Clifden Committee

This is agreed joint statement by:
Daragh Ó Tuairisg - President
On behalf of Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society

Mary Coyne - Chairperson
On behalf of Connemara Pony Show, Clifden Committee
____
Connemara Pony Show - Clifden
19th to 22nd August 2025
Queries to: [email protected]

10/01/2025

📢 Reminder: CPBS EGM & AGM

A quick reminder to all members that the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will take place prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

📅 Date: 12th January 2025
🕛 Time: EGM at 12 PM, AGM at 2 PM
📍 Location: Athlone Springs Hotel

Your presence is important as we discuss key matters ahead of the AGM. We look forward to your insights and contributions!

06/01/2025

The FEI Pony Measuring session will take place on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January, 2025 in Cavan Equestrian Centre. FEI Pony Owners should note that only one Irish FEI measuring session will take place in 2025 and should ensure that their Ponies are presented for measuring if needed (Please...