IT was said that the Connemara pony section at this year’s 153rd Balmoral Show was the best yet. With entries up by 10% and the return of the prestigious Clifden High Performance Qualifier, everyone was excited to get started bang on the 8.00am scheduled start time, with a full day of fantastic in-hand, ridden and Working Hunter competitions. Something which is becoming a feature of this section is the fact that there are waiting lists if an entry needs to withdraw! Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for those folk sitting on the side-lines this year, but it is testimony to the popularity of the classes.
With one short, slightly less than an hour break for lunch, the rings were kept busy until the final presentation at 7.30pm, and organisers are delighted to say that the 129 entries were facilitated without major incident, which is always good to report. There are numerous ponies who return year after year and they, and new manes and tails are always welcome, along with their owners of course. The ponies ranged in age from just three years up to the wonderful Working Hunter champion ‘Blackwood Fernando’, who is a young-at-heart 25, and still going strong! The arena party (who continue to rely on each other year on year), headed by Derek and Ann Henderson, would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the success of the classes. Gratitude goes to the RUAS for their continued support.
Of course, it is impossible to run these events without the assistance of long-term sponsors North Down Marquees, who were ably represented by MD Alastair McIlveen in the morning and Senior Project Manager Margaret McNair-Robinson in the afternoon. It was lovely to hear of their expansion plans and organisers wish this local company continued success as they branch into the worldwide market. Further appreciation goes to the very generous donations of beautiful rugs, sashes and trophies, which are hard fought wins – Derryronane Stud, Longstone Stud and Narrow Water Stud and Equestrian Centre (it was terrific to welcome Lillian Clements into the arena for the presentations again).
It is also essential to acknowledge the judges for the day, who performed their duties with diligence and enthusiasm, giving valuable feedback to all entrants. Long time supporter of the Connemaras at Balmoral, Robbie Fallon was for a change without a bridle rein in his hand. Robbie has overseen the Cashel Bay Stud in Co. Galway for 30 years and has bred some of the best Connemara ponies in Ireland. It must be said that he looked more nervous than if he was showing, such was the responsibility upon his very experienced shoulders. However, he rose to the occasion and even seemed to enjoy it! He kept smiling throughout the day and continually commented on the standard of the ponies in front of him. Organisers were delighted to welcome Cathy Snow, from Moorland Connemara Ponies, Co. Galway. Cathy’s mum Bridget started exporting Connemara ponies to the USA over 30 years ago and the family have grown up around quality ponies. In the past month, a son of the famous ‘Moorland Snowy River’, ‘Moorland Silver River’, was awarded Class 1 status at the CPBS inspections. Cathy thoroughly enjoyed her day and has even offered (threatened!) to submit an article to the press about her day at Balmoral. Organisers eagerly anticipate that, Cathy!
And so, it is all over for another year, but organisers will remember fondly the first May Balmoral since Covid with great warmth and appreciation for meeting old friends and some new ones. This breed continues to attract well deserved attention, and for good reason. See you all again next year, and some of you at Clifden.
RESULTS
In-Hand
Class 72 – Registered Connemara Pony mare, three years and upwards with or without foal: 1) Penny Campbell, Beechmount Lulu (Henderson and Graham Perpetual Challenge Trophy); 2) Victoria Teuton, Lisrua Star; 3) Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Princess Ella.
Class 73 – Filly foal at foot: No entries.
Class 74 – Colt foal at foot: No entries.
Ridden
Class 75 – Registered Ridden Connemara pony, mare or gelding four and five years old, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have attained their 12th birthday on 1st January in the current year: 1) Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Princess Ella (Robson Perpetual Challenge Trophy); 2) Zoe Price, Lough Derg Star; 3) Kitty Concannon, Mac Liam.
Class 76 – Registered Ridden Connemara pony, mare or gelding six years old or over, suitable for and to be ridden by riders 10 years old and over on 1st January in the current year: 1) Aoife O’Connor, Ballylee Castle Prince (R J Monteith Perpetual Challenge Trophy); 2) Elly-Rose Dixon, Monaincha Belle; 3) Grace Murphy, Addrigoole Andre.
Class 77 – Registered Ridden Connemara pony, mare or gelding four years old or over, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday but not their 16th on 1st January in the current year: 1) Rachel Flynn, Fiery Diplomat (Cashel Bay Stud Perpetual Challenge Trophy); 2) Marjorie Hardiman, Creganna Belle; 3) Melanie Marnane, Danny’s Pride.
Champion Ridden Connemara: Aoife O’Connor, Ballylee Castle Prince (Longstone Stud sash); Reserve: Rachel Flynn, Fiery Diplomat (Longstone Stud sash).
Working Hunter
Class 78 – Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding four years or over, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday but not their 16th birthday on 1st January in the current year: 1) Melanie Marnane, Danny’s Pride (Derryronane Stud rug); 2) Julie Kinkaid, Clonberne Beauty; 3) Marjorie Hardiman, Creganna Kerfuffle.
Class 79 – Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding four years or over, suitable for and to be ridden by riders who have attained their 16th birthday on 1st January in the current year: 1) Claire Devlin, Blackwood Fernando (Derryronane Stud rug); 2) Grainne Cronin, Newgrange Danny Boy; 3) Amy Grady, Glinsk Star.
Champion Working Hunter: Claire Devlin, Blackwood Fernando (Longstone Stud sash and NICPA Perpetual Challenge Trophy); Reserve: Melanie Marnane, Danny’s Pride (Longstone Stud sash).
Class 80 Clifden High Performance Qualifier: 1) Claire Devlin, Blackwood Fernando; 2) Marjorie Hardiman, Creganna Kerfuffle; 3) Michael Kirkpatrick, Lankill Lord Bui; 4) Gemma Murphy, Carraun Ferdy; 5) Booksellers, Correal Woods.
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