The council of the CPBS met on Wednesday evening for their fourth meeting of the year; it was a lengthy meeting with a mammoth agenda to get through. As promised at February’s meeting, a continuation of Jack Murphy’s report was discussed. A large range of topics were examined from breed standards & over height ponies to whether or not to continue with classification? An email address is being set up for breeders, owners and members to give their thoughts on such subjects. Praise was given to the successful spring festival last weekend with thanks given to those who helped with the running of both the show jumping and the stallion parade. It is hoped that more show jumping competitions will take place in our showgrounds in the future. Mr. Gearoid Curran has left the council. Gearoid was a diligent and hardworking council member and show chairman. The council wish him well and thank him for the trojan work he and his family have given the society. It was decided that all foals will be tested for HWSD (Hoof wall separation disease) at registration coinciding with the parentage test. Whilst this does increase breeders’ costs, it must be seen as a preventative measure so that through knowledgeable breeding, the affected numbers will decrease and possible eradication of the disease in the future. The Spring Inspection programme has been finalised with the following dates & forms cans be printed from our downloads tab.  

Date		Venue
3rd May		Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath (am) Creagh Equestrian Centre, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (pm)
4th May		Ecclesville E.C, Fintona, Co. Tyrone (am) Keirns E.C, Tubberbride, Collooney, Co. Sligo (pm)
6th May		Hanleys Equestrian Centre, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
9th May		Glenaire E.C, Mallow, Co. Cork (am) The Showground’s, Ennis, Co. Clare (pm)
10th May		Carrigbeg E.C, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
11th May		Connemara Day 1 (Carraroe, Carna, Roundstone, Ballyconneely, Clifden)
12th May		Connemara Day 2 (Maam Cross, Moycullen)