Connemara Pony Showcase

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Photographs contained in the Photo Gallery section of this site may be copied for individual use, however we ask that a small donation be made to Riding for the Disabled Association in return.

 On Sunday 13^th July, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society Inc Barwon Region Action Group in conjunction with the Australian Pony Stud Book Society Connemara Enthusiast Group presented the first Victorian Connemara Pony Showcase at Juravon Park in Melton.  The purpose of the showcase was to promote the Connemara Pony, a Mountain and Moorland pony breed originating in Ireland and having been established in Australia since the 1960’s.  These large ponies are typically athletic, and versatile, excelling in any equestrian discipline their owners wish to pursue. Also, because of their superb nature, they often make great young rider, RDA or riding school ponies.

 The showcase day dawned bright and sunny, which reflected the cheerful and enthusiastic mood of both the organizers and all those who attended the showcase.  Twenty-five purebred ponies, including stallions, mares, geldings and youngstock representing a variety of studs and bloodlines, and five Connemara sporthorses were presented for viewing in Juravon Park’s indoor arena.  In addition to the ponies being paraded in-hand, a number were presented under saddle, and a variety of demonstrations were conducted that displayed the ponies’ great versatility. 

The first demonstration, a favourite with the spectators, was a given by the Oaklands Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group, with Bradley Downing riding Gunnah. At the ride’s conclusion there were smiles on every face, but none bigger than that of Bradley as he accepted the clapping and cheering of the appreciative crowd.  Jean Dart then gave an elegant display of riding side-saddle on her lovely mare Glenormiston Breege, followed by a harness demonstration given by Jackie Mellett and her mare Celtic Seadrift.  A description of the Governess Cart used by Jackie for the demonstration can be found in the 'Connemara Pony Profiles' page.  This cart is very similar to the traditional Tub Trap used in Ireland - and it can be seen in use today on the Aran Isles.  The demonstrations concluded with four dressage demonstrations, performed with flair and precision by Nina Lloyd and her two-star eventer Springfield Fergus, Paige Gardiner and Ballintapper Galahad, Emmeline McKenzie and Tinderry Jinden, and 1989 Australian FEI dressage representative Pam Shepherd with Celtic Sandstone.

Two guest speakers, original Australian Connemara Pony breeders Dr Kate Storey-Whyte and Mrs M Kelly, gave wonderful presentations that added greatly to the educational aspect of the showcase.  Kate discussed the history, conformation and characteristics of the breed, and M focused on the selection, breeding and care of Connemaras and sporthorses.  M included some interesting personal insights into her introduction to the breed and the selection and importation of some of her own ponies, among the first to come to Australia.

All of the ponies presented on the day, including those with limited show or event experience, behaved beautifully and their presentation was a credit to their owners – particularly at this time of the year when pony coats are at their longest and woolliest. The organizing committee is to be commended for an outstanding program.  A delicious lunch was provided for all those in attendance, plus an interesting photograph, video and book display that provided visual interest during the quieter moments of the day.  I’m sure all who attended are looking forward enthusiastically to the second Victorian Connemara Pony Showcase to take place in 2009.

The CPBSA Barwon Region Action Group, the APSB Connemara enthusiasts Group and the Connemara showcase sub-committee would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations:

• Barwon Region Action Group
• Central Victorian and Tasmanian Action Group
• ARC Plastering
• Ardon Constructions
• Tarron Constructions
• Saddleworld, Ballarat
• Davey and Rose, Creswick
• Liz Bailie
• Pam Mazur
• Boonahburra Stud
• Kilroe Stud
• Clare Downs Performance Galloway Stud
• Greenlich Stud
• Avyndell Stud
• Green Hills Stud
• Blandings Stud
• Kahean Stud
• Bimini Stud