NI Connemara Pony Association

Check out our new facebook page!

Anyone who has photos/results from shows, or anything else of interest please get in touch and we'll get them online! Also free sales ads, email us at info@connemarasni.com

 Midlands Stallion Parade Cancelled

Please keep an eye on the Midlands Group website for up to date information but at present it states that this event is cancelled.

http://www.irishconnemara.com/

2012 Clifden Spring Festival & Stallion Parade

The annual Connemara Pony Spring Festival takes place in Clifden from Thursday 22nd March to Sunday 25th March. The festival will have a wide range of activities including photo exhibition, colt inspections, table quiz, kid's party, educational seminars and stallion parade.This year the stallions will have the option of being shown under saddle or jumping a course of fences. The stallion parade takes place on Sunday 25th March.

The Connemara Pony Review 2011

edited by Ruth Rodgers

If you havent already ordered your copy now is the time to do so!  Full colour publication of News, Views and Show Reviews, International Reports, Breeding Information, Specialist Features, & Stallion Profiles.

Contact;

rodgersruth@eircom.net

Attention Balmoral Ridden Entrants!!

Regarding warm up facilities prior to the ridden connemara classes Balmoral has confirmed that there will be a 5 minute warm up allowed in the ring prior to each class.

Balmoral Show Entries!

Membership fees due!

Subscriptions for 2012 are now due and Martin Hinchliffe, Ballydoolagh, Garvary, Enniskillen, BT74 4JU would like to receive your subscription of £10. New members always welcome, please get in touch by phone or email, and any existing members who would like to become more involved in the committee please get in touch.

Stallion Nominations

We are pleased to announce that we have four Stallion nominations kindly donated by Mr. Jimmy Canavan and Mr. Robbie Fallon. Jimmy who owns and runs Fernville Connemara Pony Stud in Moycullen,Co. Galway has given us two nominations from either Rosscastle Fred (s. Abbeyleix Owen) or Fernville Danny (s.Fredriksminde Hazy Match) or I Love You Melody (s. Idenoir Fr.) Melody’s stock  are coming to the fore in performance, one of which is the Stallion Cashelbay Prince, owned by Robbie Fallon, who was Champion Performance Pony  at Peterborough in 2007 and is now starting an eventing career. If you want to breed a performance pony this stallion has it all. For pictures and more information on the stallions visit www.fernvilleponystud.com

Robbie Fallon of Cashelbay Connemara Pony Stud,Athenry has donated two nominations to Cashelbay Rocket a 3 year old dun stallion by Cashelbay Cruise out of an Ashfield Bobby Sparrow mare. Although this is a young stallion his type, temperament, strong conformation and athletic movement make him an exciting prospect for the future. See www.cashelbay.com  for more information, videos and pictures are also available.

More information contact:-      

Ann Henderson      028 9187262

Joan Hinchliffe        028 66326243

Stallion Parade

 Midlands Group

Stallion Parade at Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday 18th March at 12noon

http://www.irishconnemara.com/index.html

Inspection Clinics

The CPBS are organising two Inspection Clinics. The clinics are aimed at anyone who is planning to present a pony at Inspections. It will also be beneficial to anyone who shows ponies or is interested in the general care and welfare of ponies. The first clinic will take place in Cavan Equestrian Centre on Saturday 11th February at 1pm. The second clinic will take place in Glen Aire Equestrian Centre, Mallow , Co. Cork on Sunday 4th March at 1pm. Admission to both clinics is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Topics covered will include nutrition, hoof care, presentation and turnout of a pony, and what an inspector looks for in a pony.

Cavan Equestrian Centre

Connemara Pony Sales

http://www.cavanequestrian.com/

Abbey Storm Fionn

Pictured below at the 2011 Dublin Horse Show is the beautiful Abbey Storm Fionn owned by Carol Belford and ridden by Sylvia Henry, where he was placed a well deserved 4th in a very strong class of 17 in the Ridden mare or gelding class.

Connemara Ponies on TV!

Good to see the connemara pony getting some air time! Here are the links to some recently televised programmes;

An interview with Tom MacLochlainn on TG4 http://www.tg4.ie/en/tg4-player/tg4-player.html

(go to TG4 archive, choose "entertainment" & "Comhra" & there are 2 parts to the programme)

Also a programme filmed at the recent Connemara Pony October Sales in Clifden, watch & see how many people you know!  http://www.irishtv.ie/

Diary dates for 2012 

The annual Stallion Parade in Clifden will take place Sunday 25th March, while the annual Connemara Pony Festival will take place a week earlier in 2012 to avoid a clash with Dublin Horse Show who had to change their date due to the Olympics. The Connemara Pony Festival will now take place from Sunday 5th August to Sunday 12th August. On Thursday 9th August the in-hand and ridden classes will take place and the performance classes will be on Friday 10th August.

 Blessingbourne Pleasure Ride 

Joan Hinchliffe & Colleen Lowry with some of the riders who took part in the pleasure ride at Blessingbourne.

Thanks everyone who came along and supported both the recent NICPA rides. Last weeks ride took place at Blessingbourne by permission of Colleen and Nicholas Lowry, so a big thank you to them, and to Joan & Martin Hinchliffe who organised it. In spite of the rain everyone enjoyed themselves and all the money raised will go towards running the Connemara In Hand & Ridden Classes at Balmoral Show which the NICPA sponsor each year. More photos shortly!

 Robert and his pure bred Connemara "Rosa" setting off on the ride.

 Norma Spurr and Nicola Judge enjoying their ride.

Everyone enjoyed a cuppa in the Coach House afterwards.

Ballyalt Oscar wins at Ballyvannon One Day Event!

Showing the versatility of the pure bred connemara in the performance field Ballyalt Oscar was winner of Eventing Irelands Ballyvannon One Day Event in the Tri Equestrian Sponsored Intro Class League with rider Steven Graham. He also finished 3rd and 4th at Craigantlet and Scarvagh House ODE this autumn. Bred by Derek & Ann Henderson Ballyalt Oscar is by Moy Hazy Cove out Snabo Lily (by Moy Johnnys Pride). Several of Snabo Lily's progeny are now making their mark in the eventing field.  Congratulations to Ann, Derek & Steven, we wish them continued success for the future! 

 Connemara Pony Festival Article

 The next issue of the UK Native Pony Magazine that has a 4 page spread on the Connemara Pony Festival and 22 photos, and as you can see it features Blackwood Fernando on the cover. The magazine is published bi-monthly in February, April, June, August, October and December and can be ordered only by subscription. Phone 01 380 734374 or order via their website

http://www.thenativepony.com/

Now that the evenings are drawing in why not put your feet up and watch video highlights of this years Clifden Show & Roundstone Show...

All eyes on me!

Clifden Show 2011

A documentary on the Clifden Show was shown on TG4 on Tuesday 06 September. The documentary gave highlights of the show, interviews, and a real insight to what takes place in Clifden over the week, it can be viewed on the TG4 Player at the link below. Click on "Documentary" at the right hand side and then click on the Connemara Pony programme below it. http://www.tg4.ie/en/tg4-player/tg4-player.html

Video of Champion of Champions Roundstone Show 2011

Follow the link to watch a very interesting & well made short programme on this years Roundstone Show, it includes interviews with Mary Rabbitt, Robbie Fallon, Paddy "Yank" McDonagh and judge Hugh Leonard. The Roundstone Committee are in the process of putting together a DVD.

 http://sportonhorses.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=653:champions-of-champions-at-roundstone-connemara-pony-show&catid=53:other-news&Itemid=123

All Ireland Champion Foal 2011

This years All Ireland Foal Championship held at Country Comes to Town in Portadown was won by Deirdre & Francis O'Reilly's colt foal out of their mare Glenmore Kellys Owen and their young stallion Cuileog Cashel.

A successful outing to Portadown for some of our members also....

Ridden by Sylvia Henry, Carol & Alfie Belford's Abbey Storm Fionn won his class (Rider over 16) & the Overall Ridden Championship. Congratulations!

 Jackie Lindsay's 2 year old Lady Mirah (ex Westside Mirah) won the 2 and 3 year old class and took Reserve Junior Champion. Jenny Lindsay (below) also won the Ridden Connemara Class (rider under 16) with her pony White Star (ex Westside Mirah) & got placed 3rd in the Young Handlers. Well done team Lindsay!

Photo courtesy of Jenny Lindsay

Ballyalt Calla Lily's first event

Ballyalt Tiger Lily at Balmoral

 Clifden 3 year old Loose Jumping Final

Congratulations to John McKay from Cushendun, Co Antrim whose home bred filly Glendun Sue took home an excellent 4th place in the 3 year old loose jumping final at Clifden. Sire Glenayre Mystical Bobby, dam Misty Isle (Calla Boy).

Ballyshannon Show 2011

Mare & foal class & Overall Championship won by Joanne Grogan with her 7 year old mare

Mountain Heather by Laerkens Cascade dawn & Mountain Lady, the colt foal is Hillside Joker by Monaghanstown Prince.

Yearling class

Yearling class

 Finola Mulholland's Donegreagh Meitheamh in the 2 & 3 yo class

Lisa Campbell and Rockall

In a very strong 2 & 3 year old class Joanne Grogan's 3 year old Hillside Rose (by Laerkens Cascade Dawn & Mountain Lady) took 1st place

with Jackie Lindsay's lovely 2 year old Lady Mirah (Westside Mirah) in 2nd place.

 2 & 3 year old class

                                         James Naan's Tawneydun Caramel (Grianagh Petrus ex Carraig Cailín) won 4yo & over class & took Reserve Champion

                                                                      2nd place went to Carn Mags by Linsfort Barney ex Glenmore Kelly's Rebel (Murphy Rebel)

                                                                    3rd place was Eilish O'Hagan's Fenrose Silver Chalice by Lishmar Rebel x Silver (Killyreagh Kim)

 Dublin Horse Show 2011

Photo courtesy of Jenny Lindsay.

 The Connemara Pony Breeders Championship held for the first time at this years RDS was won by Francis & Deirdre O'Reilly with Glenmore Kelly's Owen and her colt foal by Cuileog Cashel, 2nd place went to Sinead Lusby McGrath with Lucky Hazel and filly foal by Smokey Idea, and 3rd Mick McMenamin with Newgrange Beauty and colt foal by Mighty Man. Qualifiers were held for this class, and it was judged with marks being awarded 60% to the mare and 40% to the foal. Congratulations to our friends in the North East Group Francis, Deirdre & Mick on their respective placings!

First place in the stallion class was Killacloran owned by M Huntley-Jones, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, in 2nd place was Coolollaun Cushlawn owned by Eamon Burke, Castlegar, Co Galway and in 3rd was Mountain Cascade owned by Joanne Grogan, Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Two of our own group members took more rosettes home to the north on Thursday with Mrs Carol Belford's Abbey Storm Fionn (pictured below) awarded 4th place in the Ridden Mare or Gelding class, and in close 5th place was Mrs Norma Spurr's Making Waves. Well done ladies!

                             N. I.W.H.A. Summer Championship Show

Abbey Storm Fionn, ridden by Sylvia Henry and owned by Carol Belford, won the Overall Connemara Championship at the NI Working Hunter Association Summer Championship Show that took place July 20th, 2011 at Balmoral. Congratulations to Sylvia & Mr & Mrs Belford.

Castlewellan Show 2011

A lovely result for Ann & Derek Henderson's Ballyalt Comet (by Crusheen Comet, dam Snabo Lily) winning the M&M Class & the Championship at Castlewellan Show. One to watch out for!  

Clogher Valley Show 2011

Congratulations to one of our newest members Jackie Lindsay who had a very successful day at Clogher Valley with her lovely homebred 2 year old filly Lady Mirah. Lady Mirah is out Classiebawn Head Lass by Westside Mirah, she was 2nd in a very strong 2yo class and second Reserve NPS Champion M&M Youngstock.

A good turnout of Connemaras at Clogher Valley, some of the classes pictured below...

Jackie & Lady Mirah placed 2nd in the 2 year old class.

Laura McWeeney with 2 year old Roo Bella who won the Connemara Championship.

Reserve Champion was Mick McMenamin's Newgrange Beauty

John Riordan (Lishmar Stud) in 1st place with Branchfield Hannah, 2nd Ivan Adams and Loguestown Papaver.

North East Connemara Pony Breeders Inaugural Show

2011

 The North East Connemara Pony Breeders are to be congratulated on this their first show (hopefully first of many!). It was held in the beautiful grounds of Newbridge House, and many made the trip from near & far to take part. Judged by Denise Norton & P.J. Watson it was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. Eddy Duffys 4 year old mare Riona Og was Supreme Champion of the show. Riona Og is by Currachmore Cashel, out of Lough Fadda Girl. One of our own members who had a very worthwhile journey was Mrs Joan Hinchliffe showing Lochan Lisa, a lovely 3 year old mare by Oxhill Mairtin, dam Lochan an Bhfeach. At this her first show Lochan Lisa showed great promise for the future by winning her class, then going on to win the Junior Championship. Well done Joan!

Finn Valley Show 2011

Congratulations to Joan & Martin Hinchliffe who won the Brood mare class with Ballydoolagh April Song, with their filly foal placed 3rd.

Ballinalee Show 2011

The NICPA would like to offer their congratulations to Mr James Naan who won the Junior Championship at Ballinalee with his home bred filly Galloon Orchid. The yearling filly is by Monaghanstown Pat out of Newtown Golden Rose. The Supreme Championship went to Glencarrig Rosemarie owned by Caillin Conneely. Well done James & Geraldine!

Lurgan Show 2011

Congratulations to all our members who were in the ribbons at the recent Lurgan Show, especially Mr. and Mrs. Belford and Mr. Charlie Smiley and his daughter Charlotte who had great success in the Ridden section.

Connemara Ridden class

The Ballad of Cannonball

North East Connemara Pony Show

 Our friends in the North East Connemara Pony Breeders are running a Connemara In Hand Show featuring a Connemara Puissance on Sunday 17th July at Newbridge House, Donabate, Dublin. Entries close July 4th. Contact Show Secretary Lorna McWeeney 0857254012, more details of classes on our Shows & Schedules page. With a beautiful venue and a prize fund of €3000 it should be an excellent day, so please get your entries in and come along to support the group!      

Balmoral Show 2011

The NI Connemara Pony Association would like to congratulate all the competitors who travelled the length and breadth of the country to take part in all the Connemara classes in this years Balmoral Show. The Connemara section of the show continues to go from strength to strength, and the introduction of a second ridden class this year was a great success. Judged by Elizabeth Petch and Philip Scott the standard was extremely high, and we offer our hearty congratulations to all the winners! A full list of results can be viewed under the Balmoral section, but a special mention must be made to the individual class and championship winners. Our own Martin & Joan Hinchliff from Enniskillen won the class for Connemara Pony Mare (3years and over with or without foal) with their lovely I Love you Melody mare Ballydoolagh April Song. Second and third in this class went to Michael Mc Menamin's Newgrange Beauty, and John Riordan's Lishmar Bambi respectively. The Championship (Henderson & Graham Perpetual Challenge Trophy) also went to Ballydoolagh April Song, with Newgrange Beauty awarded Reserve Champion. The red rosette for filly foal went to Martin & Joan's filly (Ballydoolagh April Song by Linsfort Barney), while Michael Mc Menamin's colt foal (Newgrange Beauty) also won his section, and went on to take the The Hinchcliff Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Champion foal, with Reserve going to the filly.

                      Joan & Martin Hinchliffe being awarded the Henderson & Graham Perpetual Challenge Trophy by Ann Henderson

Grace Murphy riding her lovely young mare Thiergartenhofs Larissa by Skousboe Morning Rock travelled far to take part, but the journey was well worthwhile! This duo won the ridden class for ponies 4 and 5 years old, and later went on to take the overall Championship. Taking second place in the 4 and 5 year old class was Farran Zephyr Blue (Jane Hancock) while third place went to Crossowen Lochlann (Wray Horses). The second ridden class was open to ponies 6 years and over, and was won by Ballyalt Star owned by Cafre, second place went to Dunally Grey (Julie Corbett) and third to Abbey Storm Fionn (Mrs C. Belford).

Supreme Champion went to Thiergartenhofs Larissa and Grace Murphy, who were awarded the Robson Perpetual Challenge Trophy and the R.J. Montieth Perpetual Challenge Trophy. Ballyalt Star gave Grace & Thiergartenhofs Larissa a run for their money and collected a well deserved Reserve Championship. A big thank you to all our sponsors who were so generous in providing prizes. We look forward to seeing everyone back again next year.

More photos online soon, if anyone has pictures they would like included please email to info@connemarasni.com

                                                                             Grace Murphy taking home the silverware!

                                                                                              (Photo by kind permission of G.Murphy)

              Michael McMenamin with Newgrange Beauty who won Reserve Champion in hand

                                                    Grace Murphy riding Thiergartenhofs Larissa Overall Balmoral Champions

                                                                                                (Photo by kind permission of G.Murphy)

                                                     Thiergartenhofs Larissa (Supreme Champion), and Ballyalt Star (Reserve Champion)

Judge Elizabeth Petch inspects Ballydoolagh April Song owned and bred by Joan & Martin Hinchliffe who went on to win the Pony Mare Class & Championship, and also qualified for the The Midland Connemara all Ireland Brood Mare Championship.

                                           Deirdre O'Reilly shows Glenmore Kellys Commotion

                         James Naan took 4th place with Tawnydun Caramel

                                                                                                ( Photo by kind permission G.Murphy)

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 Schedule now online (see Shows & Schedules section) for Connemara Pony World show Saturday 4th June, Co Wicklow

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The Connemara Pony, from the past to the future!

Many thanks to Éamonn Mac Lochlainn and John Varley for making the trip up north and providing us with an informative and enjoyable evening. Éamonn gave a talk on the book "The Moycullen Ponymen" by Tom Mac Lochlainn, looking at how the pony was used in days gone past for work and leisure, and its evolving role as a performance pony. Afterwards John Varley spoke about the recent CPBS AGM, and a discussion took place regarding the future of the breed and the society. Although numbers were few, I think I speak for all present when I say it was a very interesting evening, and we look forward to seeing Éamonn and John back in the future, and we wish Tom & Éamonn every success with their book.

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THE MOYCULLEN PONYMEN    From Working Ponies to International Stars.

The northern Connemara Pony enthusiasts get the chance to buy the newly published book “The Moycullen Ponymen” and meet the auther Tom Mac Lochlainn, a former President of the Connemara Pony Breeders society.   Storytelling, working methods and conditions, old photos and verse - all involving the family farm ponies and their owners - fill over 200 pages.  The book deals with the history and development of the pony from the mid-20′s to the mid-60′s. Tom deals in detail with the Moycullen ponies, as examples of the breed for throughout all Connemara. He examines the old practices of the ‘dragging home’, posting, and jaunting, and the book will contain scores of old photos that have never been published before.  Tom is also accompanied by council member John Varley.   All are welcome, 7.30pm Wednesday 6^th April 2011, The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan.  Further details can be obtained from Joan Hincliffe Tel: 02866326243