The Council of the CPBS met last night for their second meeting of 2015. Interest in  the Connemara pony continues to flourish and  twenty four new membership applications were approved by the Council. It was agreed to introduce two new events as part of the stallion parade on Sunday 29th March. Class one Stallions will have the option of competing in either a showjumping competition over a 1.10 course with a round against the clock or a ridden stallion competition as well as being shown in-hand. Two new competitions will also be introduced on the Wednesday of show week - a four year old mare loose jumping competition and a showjumping competition for five year old ponies. There will be one centrally located loose jumping qualifier centre this year. An in-depth discussion of the Memorandum and Articles took place and Council members were encouraged to make submissions to the review committee. The Council were very grateful to Kate Murray (veterinary surgeon) who gave an interesting and informative presentation on Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD). Kate stressed the need for breeders to ensure their breeding stock are tested for HWSD. The next meeting of the Council of the CPBS is scheduled to take place on Monday 9th March.