Connemara Pony Breeders' Society

16/10/2026

The late Lady Anne Hemphill fondly recalled the day she was driving through Recess and saw Noreen Grey(2287) running along the road at Doire Fhada. She immediately knew that she wanted to buy her and having traced her owner the deal was done and Noreen spent the rest of her days at Tulira.
She became one of the great Tulira mares. Five of her foals became registered stallions under the Tulira prefix. They were Rocket (343), Cloonee(363), Nimble Dick (476), Sparkler (560) and Smasher(689)
Registered in 1959 as a 2yo at 12' 2" she reached her full height at 13' 1". A treasure.
Pic Mary Tarry

16/10/2026

✨️A New Chapter for the CPBS✨️

The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society would like to warmly welcome Amanda Uí Dubháin to her new position as General Manager and wish her every success in her new role. We look forward to working with Amanda and wish her all the very best as she takes on this new chapter with the Society.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Mike Burns as he moves on to his new venture. We are very grateful for his many years of dedication and service to the CPBS, and for all the great work he has contributed throughout his time with the Society.

We thank Mike for his commitment and contribution to the CPBS and wish him every success and happiness in the future.

Best wishes to both Amanda and Mike as they embark on their new chapters!

15/10/2026

❌️Entries closing at 2pm Friday, only a few places remaining in Clifden.❌️

Upcoming Educational Course to Enhance Breeding Knowledge📚

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is pleased to announce an educational course aimed at enhancing breeders’ knowledge and understanding of responsible breeding practices, linear assessment and Connemara pony breed standards.

This initiative will provide breeders with valuable information and expert guidance to support informed breeding decisions, promote responsible breeding practices and contribute to the long-term preservation, quality and integrity of the Connemara Pony.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Enhanced Breeding Knowledge

The course will equip breeders with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and select quality mares and stallions that align with Connemara pony breed standards. By strengthening their understanding of breeding selection, participants will be better prepared to make informed decisions that support the continued development and preservation of the breed.

Guidance from Certified Inspectors and a VCI-Accredited Veterinary Surgeon

Participants will benefit from the expertise of a trained and certified inspector skilled in linear assessment, alongside a Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)-accredited veterinary surgeon.

Together, they will inform and advise breeders on assessment criteria, breeding considerations and responsible decision-making. This expert guidance will help participants develop a clearer understanding of the factors that contribute to breeding quality Connemara ponies.

Supporting Breed Standards and Preservation

A key objective of the course is to encourage greater understanding and compliance with Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) breed standards. By promoting responsible breeding practices and informed selection, the Society aims to support the long-term preservation, quality and future of the native Connemara pony for generations to come.

Course Dates, Venues and Registration

Clifden Showgrounds - Saturday, 17 October 2026 – 10am
Linear Profile Speaker: Malachy Gorham
Veterinary Speaker: Dr. Vera Lichtenhahn DVM

https://form.jotform.com/262804526770056


Creagh EC, Ballinasloe - Sunday, 18 October 2026 – 10am
Linear Profile Speaker: Grace Maxwell Murphy
Veterinary Speaker: Dr. Vera Lichtenhahn DVM

https://form.jotform.com/262804731362354

Limited Places Available

To provide a focused and valuable learning experience, each course has a maximum capacity of 40 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as places are limited.

Course Fee: €50.00

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society welcomes breeders, owners and all those with an interest in the future of the Connemara pony to participate in this important educational initiative.

This is an excellent opportunity to expand your breeding knowledge, learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the responsible breeding and preservation of the Connemara Pony.


Enquiries can be made to
[email protected]


Organised by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and supported by the DAFM under the Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes.

15/10/2026

Please share. The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society is asking everyone to keep an eye out for seven stolen Connemara ponies in Derry. Any information, no matter how small, could help bring these ponies safely home.

7 Connemara ponies stolen in Derry 6 filly’s from 2-3 year olds and a 3 yo gelding with big white face please keep an eye at any sales fairs or ports these are homebred ponies which are all microchipped make them hot to handle any direct lead to the ponies will be rewarded

14/10/2026

7 Connemara ponies stolen in Derry 6 filly’s from 2-3 year olds and a 3 yo gelding with big white face please keep an eye at any sales fairs or ports these are homebred ponies which are all microchipped make them hot to handle any direct lead to the ponies will be rewarded

14/10/2026

Upcoming Educational Course to Enhance Breeding Knowledge📚

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is pleased to announce an educational course aimed at enhancing breeders’ knowledge and understanding of responsible breeding practices, linear assessment and Connemara pony breed standards.

This initiative will provide breeders with valuable information and expert guidance to support informed breeding decisions, promote responsible breeding practices and contribute to the long-term preservation, quality and integrity of the Connemara Pony.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Enhanced Breeding Knowledge

The course will equip breeders with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and select quality mares and stallions that align with Connemara pony breed standards. By strengthening their understanding of breeding selection, participants will be better prepared to make informed decisions that support the continued development and preservation of the breed.

Guidance from Certified Inspectors and a VCI-Accredited Veterinary Surgeon

Participants will benefit from the expertise of a trained and certified inspector skilled in linear assessment, alongside a Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)-accredited veterinary surgeon.

Together, they will inform and advise breeders on assessment criteria, breeding considerations and responsible decision-making. This expert guidance will help participants develop a clearer understanding of the factors that contribute to breeding quality Connemara ponies.

Supporting Breed Standards and Preservation

A key objective of the course is to encourage greater understanding and compliance with Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) breed standards. By promoting responsible breeding practices and informed selection, the Society aims to support the long-term preservation, quality and future of the native Connemara pony for generations to come.

Course Dates, Venues and Registration

Clifden Showgrounds - Saturday, 17 October 2026 – 10am
Linear Profile Speaker: Malachy Gorham
Veterinary Speaker: Dr. Vera Lichtenhahn DVM

https://form.jotform.com/262804526770056


Creagh EC, Ballinasloe - Sunday, 18 October 2026 – 10am
Linear Profile Speaker: Grace Maxwell Murphy
Veterinary Speaker: Dr. Vera Lichtenhahn DVM

https://form.jotform.com/262804731362354

Limited Places Available

To provide a focused and valuable learning experience, each course has a maximum capacity of 40 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as places are limited.

Course Fee: €50.00

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society welcomes breeders, owners and all those with an interest in the future of the Connemara pony to participate in this important educational initiative.

This is an excellent opportunity to expand your breeding knowledge, learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the responsible breeding and preservation of the Connemara Pony.


Enquiries can be made to
[email protected]


Organised by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and supported by the DAFM under the Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes.

13/10/2026

🎙️ Connemara Pony Tales LIVE from Clifden Show week 2026 🐴🍀

A fantastic listen for anyone with a love of Connemara ponies! Well worth tuning in to relive the Clifden magic.

A wonderful celebration of the people, ponies and passion that make the Connemara pony world so special! 💚🌟

Well done to all involved 👏👏👏

12/10/2026

🏆✨ **ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE!** ✨🏆

**A CHAMPION'S STORY, TOLD THREE WAYS… AND WE WANT YOUR QUESTIONS! 🎙️**

What a moment for the Connemara pony! 💚

At the 2026 Horse of the Year Show, the magnificent Copperbeech Encore stole the spotlight, taking the prestigious Mountain & Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year Championship — the ultimate accolade against the very best of Britain's native breeds!

And what a journey it's been for this seven-year-old stallion, affectionately known as Brian! 🐴

🇮🇪 Winner at the Dublin Horse Show
🇮🇪 Runner-up at the Clifden Connemara Pony Show
🎟️ A last-chance HOYS qualification at Moreton-in-Marsh
🏆 And finally… HOYS M&M SUPREME CHAMPION!

But behind every champion is a story — and this one has three wonderful women at its heart.

🎙️ COMING UP ON CONNEMARA PONY TALES…

We're bringing together:

🌟 Fiona Grimes — the breeder who knew him before the world did.

🌟 Debbie Todd — the proud owner who believed in him from the very beginning.

🌟 Vikki Smith — the rider who guided him into the HOYS spotlight and delivered that unforgettable victory.

Three women. Three perspectives. One extraordinary pony.

From his earliest days at Copperbeech to the roar of the HOYS crowd, we're going behind the rosettes to uncover the real Encore — the dreams, the determination, the funny stories, the setbacks and the moments that made it all worthwhile.

💬 NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

What would YOU love to ask Fiona, Debbie or Vikki?

Perhaps you've a question about his breeding, his character, his journey to the top, or what really happened behind the scenes at HOYS?

👇 Drop your questions in the comments! We'll be putting a selection to the ladies during our recording tomorrow night.

And here's one to get you started…

If you could ask a HOYS champion just ONE question, what would it be?

🎧 *Connemara Pony Tales — ENCORE! A Champion's Story, Told Three Ways.