Cashel Bay Connemara Ponies

28/08/2024

12/08/2024

We are looking for an apprentice to start in September. You need to:-
* be 17 or over
* have experience of handling equines including knowing how to lunge/long rein/put on tack/pick out feet etc
* have experience in yard work
* have gcse maths and english
* be willing to undertake qualifications in rehab and/or horse management
* hours will be 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday (may be some overtime required from time to time)
* 28 days holidays
* pony club badges or other qualifications would be an advantage
* no riding with this position
* accommodation or stabling will not be provided
* 2 year apprenticeship

Please send your CV outlining experience to [email protected]

24/07/2024

Last Sunday the Cashelbay team ventured west to the Ballyconneely Agricultural Show with our yearling filly, Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate), and our 3 year old filly, Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederikisminde Ballerina). Though the weather looked threatening throughout the morning, the atmosphere in Ballyconneely was as warm and cordial as ever, and our morning was made all the better when Cashelbay Breeze placed 2nd in her large yearling class, with Seabreeze Bella winning a strong 3 year old class!
We are so proud of these ponies achievements to date, with Cashelbay Breeze having always placed in the top 3, and Seabreeze Bella having a strike rate of 100% to date, winning 3 times at the 3 shows that she has attended! We are really looking forward to seeing how these fillies progress in the future!
A huge thanks and well done to the Ballyconneely Agricultural Show organisers, judges, stewards, and volunteers for putting on another excellently run show, and a massive congratulations to all our fellow competitors.
Now in the midst of the whirlwind that is the summer showing season, we have no doubt that we will catch up with everyone again this coming weekend, see you all then!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography Baileys Horse Feeds in Ireland The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland Botanica International Ltd

16/07/2024

Last weekend the Cashelbay team made the best of the good weather, travelling on Saturday to Ardrahan show and on Sunday to the picturesque Roundstone Pony Show.
Ardrahan show is an ideal show for our younger stock, and first up in the morning was Michael and Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire) in the ridden hunter class, where Cashelbay Mr Solomons composed himself well placing 3rd. At the same time, our untried 3 year old sport horse gelding Cashelbay Valentine (Cappa Cassanova x Cashelbay Esmeralda) took to the in hand ring, gaining his first ever show experience, and placing a respectable 2nd! Later in the afternoon, Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) continued her showing campaign placing 2nd to a 2 year old, in the yearling and 2 year old filly class.
Sunday saw the centennial anniversary of the Roundstone show, where Cashelbay Breeze took to the ring once again placing 3rd in the yearling filly class.
Shows such as these play an important part of our showing calendar. For the younger stock, they act as an ideal training ground, with some of the best showgrounds in the country, they can gain an education in the showring, learning all about the hustle and bustle of competition life. For us these shows act as a valuable part of our social life, where we can meet up with our fellow exhibitors and exchange meetings and greetings over a good cup of tea.
Special thanks to Ardrahan and Roundstone show committees, the judges, stewards, and volunteers for putting on beautiful shows as always. A special well done David Devane on his excellent grounds and to Paddy “the yank” McDonagh and all the team for organising the successful Centennial Roundstone show. Roundstone show was the first ever Connemara Breed show, showcasing the Connemara pony to the world. Shows such as these are important to the future of the Connemara pony. Also, well done to all our fellow competitors, who put in so much hard work producing their horses and ponies to such a high standard.
With seemingly no time between one show and another, we are sure that we will see you all again at the ringside soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography Botanica International Ltd The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland Baileys Horse Feeds in Ireland

12/07/2024

Brilliant show, really good Connemara classes with top prize money. Well worth the trip A very well ran show, also lots of other activities to keep everyone well entertained.🐎🏇

09/07/2024

Cashelbay Stud has long been a supporter of local pony shows around Connemara, and none more so than the annual Maam Cross Pony and Livestock Show, which takes place on the first Sunday of July, and marks the start of the pony shows around Connemara for the summer.
From as far back as 1997, we have trophies and fond memories of winning with one of our foundation mares, the inimitable Ballybawn Cashel(Boden Park Finnard x Aran Kilchreast ex Gorteen Boy) who was led on the day by our own son Daniel. In more recent times, 2019, our mare Frederiksminde Mellow II (Hazy Dawn x Frederiksminde Mellow ex Hamlet of Oakleigh) and her foal Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederkisminde Mellow II) both won their classes, with Cashelbay Mellow then claiming the foal championship!
This year we brought our relatively untried 3 year old filly Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederiksminde Ballerina) to Maam Cross, and were absolutely delighted to win the 3 year old filly class against stiff competition! This is her 2nd win from 2 outings, including qualifying for the Ballinasloe Filly championship. This filly has exceeded our expectations so far this season, and we look forward to her achievements in the future!
Like so many of the local shows around Connemara, Maam Cross Show provides a brilliant service for all of the local breeders and producers, a platform from which these producers can showcase their ponies both locally and to the world, bringing the spotlight back to Connemara, the origin of the breed as a whole.
We want to most wholeheartedly thank the organisers, judges, stewards and volunteers of Maam Cross Show who, as always made it a great day out, and we would like to congratulate all our fellow winners and exhibitors, without which none of this would be possible.
Now with the showing season in full flight, we have no doubt that we will see you all again in the near future at the ringside!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography Botanica International Ltd The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland Baileys Horse Feeds in Ireland

24/06/2024

Corrandulla Show is always one of the must see agricultural shows of the year, and yesterday, under a glorious blue sky, the Cashelbay team made their annual visit with Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde MellowII) and a couple of the relatively untried youngsters, our yearling filly Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) and our 3 year old filly, Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederiksminde Ballerina).
Each one of these ponies conducted themselves beautifully, and exceeded our expectations, with Cashelbay Breeze winning a strong yearling filly class, Cashelbay Bella winning the Ballinasloe 3 year old filly Qualifier class, and coming second in the 3 year old filly class to Robert Nee’s beautiful Rathville Poppy (a pony by our own Cashelbay Prince!), and Cashelbay Mellow continuing in her winning ways, winning her ridden class, and claiming the ridden championship! To say that we are delighted and immensely proud would be an understatement!
The debut show for any pony is always fraught with anticipation. It is only when you see your own stock alongside their contemporaries, that you can see what you really have, as at home there is nothing to compare them to, but these youngsters proved themselves yesterday, and we have high hopes for their future!
A massive well done and thanks to all the Corrandulla Show committee, judges, stewards and volunteers for running another outstanding show, and a very special thanks to Cailin Conneely for saving the day, stepping in to show our Seabreeze Bella while Micheal was in the ridden class with Cashelbay Mellow. Also, well done to all our fellow competitors on another great day out.
With June soon drawing to a close, the summer showing season is now in full flight. Over the next month or more the shows will be thick and fast and we have no doubt that we will see you all at the ringside again soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Caillin Conneely Botanica International Ltd The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland

17/06/2024

The Dublin Horse Show is one of the pinnacles of the showing calendar every year, drawing visitors from all over the globe, and exhibitors from every corner of the country and beyond, competing for the much coveted titles.
Last weekend the Cashelbay team secured their place at the Dublin Horse Show when Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) and Michael Harty gained their qualification in Scarteeen, for the 4 and 5 year old ridden class, in an outstandingly strong field of 25 or more competitors!
With this qualification in place, we would like to congratulate all our fellow qualifiers and wish them all the best in the finals in Dublin!
Huge thanks to all of the Scarteen Team, the judges, stewards, and volunteers for hosting the qualifiers, and for putting on a great day’s show for all.
With that qualification now in place, we continue to prepare, not only for Dublin, but for the many agricultural shows around the country, which offer so much for breeders and producers alike.
No doubt we will see you all again soon at the ringside!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Botanica International Ltd The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland

15/06/2024

14/06/2024

The show season is now in full swing, and last weekend saw the Cashelbay team venture to Claregalway Agricultural Show where Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) and Michael Harty did us proud yet again, winning their ridden class!

It is a pleasure to see the next generation of Cashelbay ponies excelling at their work, and means the world to us as breeders and producers.

Congratulations and massive thanks, to Val Noone, his fellow organisers, judges, stewards, and volunteers on the day, for making it a most welcoming show to attend. A fine job was done as always! Also well done to all our fellow competitors and exhibitors, a pleasure to meet up with everyone once again!

Now, after a brief breather, we set our sights on the various upcoming shows and qualifiers yet to come, and will no doubt see you all again at the ringside soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Botanica International Ltd The Irish Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness centre Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland

04/06/2024

The Cashelbay team celebrated the bank holiday weekend by attending both the Limerick Clare IPS show at Banner Equestrian on Saturday, and the Irish Pony Society Western Area show in Duffys Equestrian Centre on Monday.
Saturday was a splendid day all round with Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) winning her ridden class, and Cashelbay Prionsa Og(Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Lacha Fada) placing a respectable second in his working hunter class.
Monday saw more success, with Cashelbay Mellow placing 2nd against a well deserving winner in her ridden class, and our youngest sport horse campaigner, Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ISH) winning, not only his small hunter class, but the Ridden Horse Championship of the show!
Cashelbay Mr Solomons though young, is a complete gentleman, with the sweetest disposition, and seeing him gain his education with every show is a joy. Producing homebred young stock is an honour in itself, and to see Cashelbay Mr Solomons progress from his first ever ridden show last year, to this year winning a ridden championship, and a reserve working hunter championship in Athenry show, fills us with pride and great hope for him in the future.
Huge thanks and well done to both the Limerick/Clare and Western Area IPS branches for putting on such enjoyable shows, the hard work put in by the committee, judges, stewards, and volunteers is a credit to you. And also, well done to all our fellow competitors and to everyone who helped us on the days, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Now as the summer progresses, there is little time to relax with shows every weekend and the ever present yard duties in between. With this schedule, we will no doubt see you all by the ringside again soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography Irish Pony Society Western Area

27/05/2024

Athenry Agricultural Show marks the start of the Agricultural show season for many, and everyone here at Cashelbay are absolutely over the moon with the results!
Yesterday we decided to take our younger stock, Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II), Cashelbay Mr Solomons, (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ISH) and out newest recruit, and youngest rider Aoibhinn with Snowy, to try their luck at Athenry Show.
The day started brilliantly with Aoibhinn winning a very strong lead rein class (for her outstanding rising trot), and continued well with Cashelbay Mr Solomons winning his working hunter class. After lunch, Cashelbay Mellow took to the ring winning her 4-6 in hand mare class! Later in the afternoon Cashelbay Mellow returned to the ring and did us all proud by winning the Supreme Connemara Championship, with Cashelbay Mr Solomons claiming the Reserve Working Hunter Championship shortly afterwards!
We honestly could not anticipate these results and it was truly an honour to receive the Micheal Higgins Memorial Cup. Micheal was part of the very fabric of Athenry Show, and is dearly missed every year since his passing. Receiving this cup will forever remind us of this esteemed gentleman.
As always, the atmosphere was amazing at Athenry Show. The classes were well subscribed and there was a great turnout of spectators. The first show of the year is a brilliant opportunity to catch up with people not seen since the previous year, and this year was no exception.
We would like to extend our most sincere thanks and well done to Kieran O’ Keefe, and all the committee, and to the judges and all the volunteers, who work so hard year in and year out to make this show the success that it is.
Congratulations and well done to all our fellow winners and competitors, also we would like to thank everyone who helped us on the day, and look forward to seeing everyone at the ringside again soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon, Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography

13/04/2024

Here is a review of our April 6th sale, as always a massive thanks to all of our buyers, sellers and staff for making the sale such a success.

Some of the key callouts are below:
-Top price of €11,000.
-Clearance rate of 78% in 24 v 74% in 23.
-33% of lots were sold online.
-Lots were sold to many different countries: Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden & USA.

Our next sale takes place from Friday May 17th till Sunday May 19th, entries are open and can be submitted on our website.

Have a great weekend.

https://connemaraponysales.com/irish-field-review-of-our-april-6th-connemara-pony-sales/

13/04/2024

Congratulations to Judy and Team, on putting on a magnificent workshop over the winter months. We are all looking forward to the year end show on next Sunday and I have no doubt it will be a major success with all the great clinics over the winter that will show the fruits of their labor. It’s going to be a fun day for everyone 🏇👏👏

After a very successful series of clinics, West Workshops in Showing & Dressage will have its Grand Finale on Sunday 21st April in Duffys Equestrian Centre.
The categories on the day will be:

SHOWING / WORKING HUNTER

1. Riding class O16
2. Riding class U16
3. In hand section for Ridden & Working Hunter
4. First Ridden U12
5. Lead Rein U10
6. Beginners Working Hunter
7. Working hunter 60 cm
8. Working hunter 90 cm

DRESSAGE

1. Lead rein: M&W LR
2. Intro: DI test A
3. Preliminary: BD 7
4. Novice: BD 24

MOST IMPROVED

1. Dressage O16
2. Dressage U16
3. Rider’s Position (MARGARET WALSH will be accessing rider biomechanics and making evaluations)

IPS judge and showing mentor PHILIP SCOTT will put the riders and horses/ponies through their paces in both the Ridden and Working Hunter sections and will give valuable advice for the showing season ahead.

Connemara pony breeder & judge JIMMY CANAVAN will be assessing the in-hand section for the Ridden & Working Hunter categories and answer any queries that handlers may have.

Listed Dressage Ireland Judge HELEN NOLAN will oversee the dressage, giving helpful pointers and advice to help polish your test.

Award winning photographer Rynes Walker Photography will be snap-happy, capturing all the special moments at the event.

On the day there will be prizes for Best Turned Out, Stars of each category, Most improved in both dressage and rider’s position.

All are welcome to attend the Final but limited places and preference giving to riders that have attended previously so please book your place before WEDNESDAY 18th APRIL.

All enquires to JUDY CAZABON 083-3888135

It promises to be a fun day and looking forward to seeing you all there so please SHARE and spread the word ....

Many thanks to all the sponsors throughout the season, your support has been greatly appreciated.

Andrew Cahill International Horse Transport
Belmont Equine Products
Car Parts Stillorgan Dublin
Cashel Bay Connemara Ponies / Robbie Fallon
CJ Paws Dog Grooming
Elite Trophies and Rosettes
Elliott Equinetherapy / Susan Elliott
The Equine Warehouse
Heanue Electrical
Kylemore Abbey
Maam Valley Equine Transport

11/04/2024

This week we took advantage of the brief spell of good weather, and took our youngsters Cashelbay Matthew (Cashelbay Prince x Cashelbay Saphire) and Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire) to the beach for a fun day out, guided by Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada).
It was the first time either of these young horses had been brought to the beach, and they appeared to embrace the experience wholeheartedly!
Recreational days like these are invaluable for the physical and psychological development of the horses and ponies in training, giving them a chance to experience new sights and sounds, and the opportunity to let their hair down and thoroughly enjoy themselves, outside of the demands of day to day training.
Cashelbay Prionsa Og, is well acquainted to the beach and provided a confident lead for the youngsters, whilst also enjoying a good splash around!
Though the weather is so often grim at the moment, days out such as these are a reminder that Summer is only around the corner, and we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray

05/04/2024

It was a most enjoyable easter weekend for all of the Cashelbay Stud team at the Hollypark Spring Show last Monday. Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) and Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) Were in top form and exceeded even our expectations. Cashelbay Mellow won her novice ridden class, and Cashelbay Og swept the boards winning: exc 143 M&M working hunter, The over 16’s working hunter, the Connemara Ridden Championship, the Reserve M&M Championship, and the Overall Supreme Championship!
There was no way that we could have anticipated these results and are truly delighted for these up and coming stars. Huge thanks and well done to all of the Hollypark Spring Show team, and well done to all our fellow competitors. These results also give us the deepest pride seeing the homebred progeny of our beloved stallion Cashelbay Prince(I Love You Melody x Coosheen Pheasant) excelling in their disciplines.
As breeders we always hope the choice of crosses over the years will be successful. Choosing the iconic I Love You Melody to cover our foundation mare Coosheen Pheasant all those years ago, proved providential for Cashelbay Stud. This cross gave us Cashelbay Prince, who excelled not only in hand, but under saddle in various disciplines, and he became the first class 1 stallion to stand at Cashelbay Stud.
For any stallion to prove themselves as a sire takes time, and as Cashelbay Prince now turns 23, we can look back and see the progeny that he has produced with immense pride. Along with our own young stars, Cashelbay Prionsa Og and Cashelbay Mellow, we see the likes of our homebred Cashelbay Kate(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mathilda), who won the Supreme and Broodmare Championships in Clifden in 2022, Cashelbay Clancy (Cashelbay Prince x Grey Molly) who is competing and winning at 1.20m in Italy, Ardfry Ariel (Cashelbay Prince x Ross Castle Ardfry Fuschia) FEI Pony Championship Gold Medalist 2019, Cashelbay Milton a Class 1 stallion, and many many more.
We believe that it is important as breeders to have belief in our choices, and would like to give our best wishes to all our fellow breeders for the covering season, and look forward to seeing all the superstars of the future.
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray

01/04/2024

Congratulations to all involved,it’s magnificent to see our beloved Connemara Pony getting showcased in its home surroundings. Excellent photos 👏👏👏

26/03/2024

It was another spectacular weekend for all the Cashelbay Team! Michael and our young sporthorse, Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ish) went to Ower Equestrian Centre, where Cashelbay Solomons jumped like a horse more advanced in years and experience, winning and qualifying for the Northern Ireland Festival in both the 80cm working hunter class and the 95cm small hunter horse class!
For a horse who has never competed over jumps and only once before competed in flat ridden, we simply could not ask more of him! We are absolutely thrilled and are eagerly looking forward to his future and the Northern Ireland Festival!
Special thanks to all at Ower Equestrian Centre, Co. Galway for another brilliant show and to everyone who helped out on the day, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray

25/03/2024

Congratulations to Judy Cazabon and Team on putting on such a great workshop over the winter, looking forward to seeing the results over the coming show season, and I have no doubt but we will, as all the participants were great and eager to learn. Onwards and upwards 👏👏👏

22/03/2024

Last Monday the Cashelbay Team had a most enjoyable bank holiday at the Irish Pony Society Western Area Spring Show at Duffys Equestrian Centre!
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) proved that he is ready to take the world by storm, winning his working hunter class, winning his ridden class, qualifying for the Northen Ireland Festival, and winning the Ridden Connemara Championship!
While Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) was not the judges choice on this occasion, as she was a bit fresh on the day, she still placed a respectable 3rd in her class, and continues to learn and grow with every outing she has.
Hugely well done and thank you to all at the Irish Pony Society Western Region for putting on another spectacular Show, it was a great day out, and a thoroughly enjoyable way to wrap up the St Patrick’s weekend festivities.
Photo courtesy of Joe Burke
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray

21/03/2024

Here is a breakdown of the 230+ lots that will be on offer at our Saturday April 6th sale.

Looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Clifden for what promises to be a great sale!

05/03/2024

It with great sadness that we learnt of the death of the Connemara stallion Ice and Fire D’Albran, A stallion that surely left his stamp on the world for both his performance record and as a highly respected sire of champions.
Heartfelt condolences to the Diamond’s and all at Diamond's Equine Renvyle - The Connemara Pony National Stud, and to all connections worldwide
Ice and Fire D’Albran’s legacy lives on around the world with his offpring, and with us here in Cashelbay, through his daughter Cashelbay Jenny (Ice and Fire D’Albran x Cashelbay Lady Sue ex Cashelbay Rocket) who herself has recently foaled. Filly foal by Seabreeze Mirah ensuring the next generation of champions.

https://fb.watch/qD68j3WJhc/

22/02/2024

❤️💚💛💜💙🧡

17/02/2024

The Irish Pony Society Western Area Winter Woollies Training Show at Ower Equestrian Centre, Co. Galway yesterday was an excellent opportunity to get the ponies out and about for light competition in the pre-showing season, and the Cashelbay ponies did not disappoint!
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) was first out in the Working Hunter Class and jumped beautifully securing the first red rosette of the day. Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) was next out in the ridden classes where she too behaved immaculately, earning her first place in both of her classes! Results such as these can never be taken for granted and we are thoroughly delighted, and very proud of these homebred ponies!
Well done to all fellow competitors and organisers for a great day out!
Now as spring progresses we look to various qualifiers for the upcoming show season, look forward to meeting all our new arrivals and we gladly welcome the lengthening days, warmer temperatures and drier conditions!
Looking forward to catching up with everyone after the long winter, see you all at the ringside soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography

16/02/2024

Spring has finally landed, and so has the first foal of 2024 here at Cashelbay Stud! We were delighted to be introduced to this charming filly foal by Seabreeze Mirah out of our own homebred mare Cashelbay Jenny (Ice And Fire D’Albran x Cashelbay Lady Sue ex Cashelbay Rocket) on Tuesday morning, and she has continued to charm us ever since.
Despite the rather dreary weather this is the first sign that spring is most definitely here, and we look forward to welcoming the rest of our new arrivals, along with longer days, and balmier temperatures in the coming weeks and months ahead!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray

20/12/2023

2023 was a year in which we can look back and remember fondly as a year of celebrations. Starting in the Spring, with the beginning of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society centenary celebrations we were more than honoured, and deeply appreciative to receive induction to the CPBS Hall of Fame during the Spring festival. Following that, qualifying and competing with our established and younger stock in the Northern Ireland Festival, Dublin Horse Show and Clifden where we managed to pick up more wins, and fond memories. Cashelbay Shadow achieving Class 1 status in the Autumn inspections did us proud, and featuring on RTE’s Nationwide was another exceptional high point during our year (if not our career!). Having our home bred Cashelbay JJ winning the Horse & Hound, Horse Of A Lifetime Award at the Annual awards in November was a dream we didn’t ever expect to achieve, and we are thrilled beyond belief.

This year was also about new beginnings and transitions. Many of our younger stock made their debut appearances in the likes of Dublin and Clifden, Ballinrobe and Monivea learning their craft and honing their skills with each outing. Others, such as Cashelbay Shadow, have gone to 5 star homes to continue flying the flag for Irish bred Connemara Ponies and horses around the world.

The next generation are the superstars of the future, and that is not restricted to just the ponies, but to the next generation of breeders, riders, and handlers that we had the pleasure showing alongside and working with, most recently at the West Workshops in Showing & Dressage which have been taking place on a monthly basis over the Autumn and Winter. These young competitors are the future of showing and breeding in Ireland, and it is a joy to see them progressing with each workshop, under the careful eye of Judy Cazabon and the team, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of that team.

Our list of thanks to everyone this year is surely exhaustive. Special thanks to all at the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society for our Hall of Fame induction, truly an honour, and for organising the year-long centenary celebrations. To Ann Marie O Callaghan, Anne Cassin and Martin Hartnett from RTE Nationwide for showcasing the Connemara Pony so beautifully to the world. To everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for Cashelbay JJ in the Horse and Hound, Horse of A Lifetime Awards, we offer our deepest thanks and appreciation, as a breeder it really is a dream come true! To all the various show committees for working tirelessly to make sure that shows run smoothly, it is a pleasure to attend each and every one throughout the season. And to everyone who has helped us in any way throughout the year, Thank you!

2023 was a year of reflection, but also a year in which we look to the future. 100 years ago this month the first Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society meeting took place. We look back on the hard work they did, and where we are now, due to their hard work and perseverance. We now look ahead to what we can do for the generations of the future, and what we can do to ensure the future of our beloved Connemara Ponies.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope to see you all again soon!
Robbie Fallon Barbara Fallon Michael Harty Kaysha Murray Rynes Walker Photography Cinzia Mattio 1st Class Images