On December 12^th 1923 the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was formed. December 2013 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the CPBS. To celebrate this milestone the Society is organising a ‘Celebration of the Connemara Pony’ in Creagh Equestrian Centre, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway on Saturday 14^th December. Starting at 10am, there will be a colt foal and a filly foal class. The winner of the colt foal class will receive the Irish Dragoon Galway Irish Crystal trophy and the winner of the filly foal class will win the Eileen Alanna Galway Irish Crystal trophy. Foals must be weaned.

Well known pony producers Clare Oakes and Denise Norton will deliver a clinic on conformation, giving a detailed assessment of four geldings both from an in-hand and performance point of view. Dressage rider Mary Mitchell will give a display with musical accompaniment on her homebred Western May.

A new book published by the CPBS will be launched entitled “The Connemara Pony – Celebrating 90 Years”. It is a photographic tribute to the Connemara Pony, containing over 160 photos and priced at €20 it will make an ideal Christmas present for any equine lover.

The CPBS acknowledges that the success of the Connemara pony would not be possible without the loyalty of it’s breeders and members. The two longest serving members of the CPBS and the two families who have owned the same pony family for the longest period of time will each be presented with a certificate of loyalty.

Part of Christmas is about having fun and the CPBS is encouraging riders to have fun with their Connemara ponies. A team obstacle race will be held and a fancy dress class will be held for adults and children. Everyone is welcome to attend and partake in Celebrating the Connemara Pony. Admission is free. There will be a pig on a spit and mulled wine for everyone and a special guest in a red suit will be there on the day. We hear the reindeer are busy getting ready for their big trip so he may have to arrive on his Connemara pony.