Connemara Pony Tales

Send us a textWorking Hunter is having a moment — and native ponies like the Connemara are leading the charge. In this special episode of Connemara Pony Tales, host Lucinda Kelly is joined by three top experts — Jacqui Webb, Mathew Lawrence, and Jane Somerset — to unpack what it really takes to shine in the Working Hunter ring.From what judges are really looking for, to the evolution of style, turnout tips, course design debates, and the fine balance between type and performance — this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about native ponies and the competitive world of Working Hunter.Whether you're preparing for HOYS or just starting out at local level, you'll walk away with insights, advice, and maybe a few judging pet peeves too!

Send us a textIn this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we chat to Bridget and Peter Lee of Clover Hill Connemara Ponies, the breeders behind some of the top ponies in recent years. From their base in Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, the Lees have built an internationally respected breeding programme since founding the Clover Hill prefix in 2007.We explore their journey from beginnings to producing champions like Clover Hill Magic, the 2024 Supreme Champion at the British Connemara Breeders' Society show. Bridget and Peter share insights into the importance of dam lines, the breeding of their standout ponies—including Clover Hill Princess Jade and Clover Hill Troy's Beauty—and their hopes for the future of the Connemara breed.Whether you're a breeder, rider, or fan of the breed, this is an episode you won't want to miss.https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Send us a textWe hit the road to the heart of Ireland for the Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders Group Annual Stallion Parade and Yearling Show. In this Voxpop episode, we capture the voices, insights, and passion of breeders, handlers, and spectators who make this event such a highlight in the pony calendar. https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Send us a textIn this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we're turning up the heat and putting three international experts in the hot seat to tackle some of the biggest questions facing the Connemara Pony breed today.Joining us are: 

Send us a textEver wondered what really happens behind the judge's table? We're cutting through the noise and getting straight to the truth.We've brought together three of the most experienced and straight-talking judges in the game—people who've judged at the biggest shows across Ireland and the UK, including Clifden, RDS, and HOYS. They're here to answer the tough questions, tackle the controversies, and share what they REALLY think about the state of Connemara judging today.

Send us a textIn this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, host Lucinda Kelly explores the exciting world of ridden Connemara ponies in the show ring. Joined by three top riders and producers—Rebecca Penny, Harrison Taylor, and Ailsa Vines—we explore the journey to the London International Horse Show taking place at the Excel in London.Discover what it takes to prepare a Connemara pony for the big shows, insights into the unique format of the London finals, and what makes a champion pony stand out. Along the way, our guests share their favourite memories, training tips, and discuss their ponies.https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Send us a textIn this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, host Lucinda Kelly dives into the heart of the U.S. Connemara pony community with three passionate advocates for the breed. Joining her are Caroline Nesbitt, Carol Kozlowski, and Marynell Eyles—breeders, judges, and riders who have dedicated decades to promoting and preserving Connemaras in America.Together, they explore the evolution of the breed in the U.S., challenges and opportunities in breeding and importing, the role of the American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS), and the impact of Connemaras in competitive disciplines. Packed with insights, stories, and listener questions, this episode celebrates the essence of the Connemara pony while looking toward its bright future in the U.S. and beyond.Whether you're a breeder, rider, or admirer of Connemaras, this episode is a must-listen!https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Send us a textIn this episode, we're honoured to have John Noel Mullen of Fairyhill Connemara Ponies with us. Known for producing ponies true to type with quality conformation and movement, Fairyhill has been a cornerstone of the Connemara breed, beginning with John Noel's father, Michael. From legendary ponies like Kingstown Fairy and Fairyhill Paddy to his role as a judge and inspector, John Noel's insights reflect a lifetime of dedication. https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Welcome to a very special edition of Connemara Pony Tales! This October, we took our microphones to the heart of the action at the Clifden Pony Sales, where breeders, buyers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the best of the Connemara pony world. Enjoy!https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we are delighted to welcome Robbie Fallon from Cashel Bay Connemara Pony Stud in Connemara, County Galway. From breeding top performance ponies to producing in-hand champions, the Cashelbay prefix has achieved international acclaim. Tune in to hear  how Robbie was introduced to ponies,  insights on the studs success, the challenges they've faced, and his view on the future of Connemara ponies.https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

In this episode we chat to Lady Maria Levinge of Grange Connemara ponies and past, present and future ponies.  https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Introducing some of our best show riders and producers of native ponies across UK & Ireland!1. Aimee Devane2. Charlotte Smiley3. Amber ThorpeThese riders are at the top of their game competing successfully at HOYS on many occasions.Want to pick up some tips before the full season kicks off? Listen Now!https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

In this episode, Daragh O'Tuairisg, the CPBS President and Cait Hennessy, HR Executive of theCouncil take on a whirlwind of quickfire questions from our listeners.Get an exclusive peek into the Council's plans for the upcoming year, as they share insights, strategies, and exciting developments. Unfiltered and candid, they address pressing issues head-on, outlining their commitment to resolving challenges and fostering transparency. Join us for a fast-paced, no-holds-barred session as the CPBS Council provides genuine, honest answers to the questions that matter most.https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Foreward – by Pam ClinganI have the honour of writing the foreward for this extraordinary bumper podcast of our host, Lucinda Kelly, in conversation with Kingstown Connemara's Malachy Gorham.Mal and Joe, like their father Joe Gorham snr before them, have vast knowledge of the Connemara Pony, as judges, inspectors, CPBS councillors and breeders.  Throughout the trends they have staunchly maintained their preferences on the type of traditional Connemara pony that they wish and believe should be bred.Mal has asked me to extend his thanks to his and brother Joe's endlessly patient wives, Jane and Monica.  Anyone acquainted with showing ponies knows about the infamous condition, ‘Showitis'! But Jane and Mon find themselves scrambling every summer to stock up on enough ‘tablets' for the ailment Mal's daughter, Maria and brother Joe seem to suffer from the most. They endure marathon sessions of pony talk, nodding through the polite and perpetually reserved debates over last year's (and the previous 30+ years') Clifden Show placings…until inevitably a sip of the black stuff sends the conversation spiralling into a linguistic quagmire better suited to a blue movie set.For 41 years, since my mother fell in love with Ocean Gipsy at Clifden 1983, my family have had the honour of participating in a fair few in-depth discussions with the Gorham's. Thank you Malachy for your invaluable contribution to the podcast series.  Despite its length, I know that we have only scratched the surface of your knowledge and memories. But this is a great start to adding your families' invaluable input into the ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and heritage of the Connemara for generations to come.Thank you, Lucinda, for the amazing historic audio archive you are creating and to the listeners across the world who continue their support by listening, ‘for the love of the Connemara Pony'.https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld

Welcome to the first episode of the 2024 series!Joining me are two highly respected Midland Connemara pony breeders, Sean Dunne of Garryhinch Stud and Pat Rabbitt of Monaghanstown Stud. These two individuals have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting the unique qualities of the Midland Connemara pony, and today, they'll be sharing their insights, experiences, and their views on our beloved pony.

In this episode we meet with 3 of Australia's Connemara pony breeders who are passionate about the pony and the promotion of the breed through the Connemara Pony Breeders Society Australia.1. Catherine Hollingsworth Catherine is the CPBSA Registrar and breeds under the Badine prefix. Catherine has been associated with Connemara ponies in Australia for 20 years. Originally involved with the Wychwood Stud for 13 years, she has more recently been operating under the Badine prefix and breeding one or two ponies. While at Wychwood Catherine produced both pure bred and part bred ponies and competed predominantly ‘in hand' and in endurance.Notable ponies included a two time 160km championship part bred who placed 2nd and then 3rd Middleweight, while afull brother won the Sydney 3DE, 4 year old young event horse championship and later qualified as an 80km endurancehorse, and a pure bred mare who was an in hand supreme champion and reserve champion preliminary dressage pony.Catherine is a Society inspector and travelled to Ireland in 2009, attending the Clifden Show and visiting a number of breeders.2. George Hillis-Howe George and her Family are long term breeders of Welsh Ponies and Cobs under Nawarrah Park prefix for over 50 years – the Howe Family have imported several Welsh Cob stallions from UK. George is now also breeding Connemara ponies under the Nawarrah Park Prefix. George purchased her first Connemara pony mare in 2014 and enjoyed her so much she purchased a colt foal and future sire in 2018 when the stud officially became recognised as a Welsh Pony, Cob and Connemara Pony Breeder. Since this time George has imported 2 stallions, Castle Ceasar from the UK & Skaergarden Discovery Night from Denmark. George also has a foal on the ground this season by AI to Skellorn Harrison UK.George is well known in the showing world, competing in both breed classes and open show hunters as a competitor and accredited judge and it is great asset for the Connemara Pony here in Australia to have a new convert to the breed which will help increase their popularity here in Australia. She is also a committee member and advocate for the Mountain& Moorland Pony Promotional Group raising awareness and funding classes for M&M ponies at major shows in Australia. 3. Dianne Collins CPBSA Committee member and breeds Connemara ponies under the “Capall Park” prefix – Owned & ridden since she was 3. Her father was born in Johnstown Co. Kilkenny and emigrated to Oz aged 36. He grew up with horses, more so working ID horses, on their family farm. He loved Connemara ponies and is foremost responsible for her addiction to them. At 7yrs of age she dreamed of bringing a Connemara Pony back from Ireland. She was lucky enough to accompany him back to Ireland in 1978 and went to Dublin Horse show when they used to have lots of in hand classes and the annual Clifden Pony Show. She went back to Ireland in 2008 with her daughter and decided on a 10 yr plan to bring her long awaited pony back from Ireland. She visited Ireland on several occasions for the new few years and went seriously looking in 2018. Dianne was originally intending to bring back a colt but decided on a mare after visiting a lot of breeders and the common denominator was a great mare line. Through her friend Karen Holloway she was introduced to Padraic Hynes and the Canal ponies. She had always loved the much decorated mare Village Laura and was introduced to her granddaughter, Canal Lucy who was by Gl Knight out of Canal Linnett. Canal Lucy was Junior Champ at the Midlands Show 2017 and placed in her 3 yr old class at Clifden. She was not for sale that year. Dianne came back again in 2019 and explored the possibly of purchasing Canal Lucy, this time she was successful. Her intention was for her to be shown at Clifden in 2020 and then flown out to Australia. However Covid p

 The Horse of the Year Show 2022 kicks off at the NEC in Birmingham tomorrow!  In this episode, I speak to three riders who have qualified their ponies.   Joining me are  Vicky Casey (UK), Vikki Smith (UK) and Ciara Mullen (IRE).We chat about their ponies, show preparation, behind the scenes and some of their top tips.

In this episode, I speak to a group of our top pony judges about the evolution of the Connemara pony in line with todays market demand,.Joining me are the following guests: Ernie Somerville from IrelandJacqueline Webb from the UKMadeleine Beckmann from SwedenThis chat focuses on the changing Connemara pony, what our judges are seeing in the show ring, what they like and where they believe the market for the pony is going. We also address the question on the future of the part-bred pony.

In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, I speak to breeders who have imported Connemara stallions to help with their breeding goals.Guests:

HAVE ANY SKIN PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PONIES? Sweet Itch/Itching Ringworm Mud Fever Sunburn RainRotIn this episode we speak to Dr Kieren O'Brien about skin issues that are common in Connemara ponies.Kieran qualified as a vet in Ireland and after a short spell in two equine hospitals, he completed a PhD at Cambridge. He then spent twelve years as a lecturer and clinician at Bristol Veterinary School before moving in 1998 to an equine veterinary practice on the Devon/Cornwall border. He is an FEI Event Veterinarian and has officiated at many international events, including at three World Equestrian Games. He is the author of the book ‘Essential Horse Health'. He breeds and imports Connemara sports ponies.  

In this episode we are delighted to welcome Priscilla and Talitha Diamond of Diamonds Equine in Renvyle, County Galway in the West of Ireland. Diamond Connemaras go back 4 generations to Willie Diamond who founded it in the ‘30s, his son Liam who continued the focus on performance breeding and most recently Priscilla and her daughter Talitha who are really driving home a strong performance breeding and competition agenda. We chat about their new stud plans,  their stallions Silver Shadow, Ice and Fire D'Albran, Clifden Silver and Poetic Kelly and overall get their feedback on the future of the pony.

In this episode we chat to three young breeders about how they got into ponies, their breeding goals and what they have lined up for 2022.Joining us are Eimear Coleman, Lorcan Glynn and Emma Jane Murray, all with a huge passion for our beloved Connemara pony.

We are hugely grateful to the British Connemara Pony Society for organising the guests for this episode: 1. Andrew Morrey, President of the BCPS, Woodbank Stud, UK2. Kerry Wainwright, Skellorn Stud, UK3. Dianna Staveley, Eastlands Stud, Scotland  These breeders chat about Studbooks, pony height and type and what they like to see in a good pony. A really interesting listen for anyone interested in breeding Connemara ponies

In this episode, we chat to Jimmy and John Canavan of Fernville Pony Stud in Moycullen, Co Galway.  Jimmy talks about Abbelyleix Owen, Hazy Match and I Love You Melody. He shares his thoughts on how he believes the Studbook should evolve so that we retain and improve the pony as a top performing pony but also retaining the traits of the traditional pony. John speaks about the UK market and upcoming plans with the stock based in the UK and Ireland.

In this episode we once again chat with Padraic Heanue and Joanne Hannigan about the Connemara pony market this year. What are prices like? What trends are they seeing? WHat should prospective buyers look out for?

Get ready to learn about Connemara genetics like never before!This episode we speak to Dr Melissa Cox and Fiona Comer about a range of genetic topics related to the pony:1. Genetic diversity in our stallions2. HWSD3. PSSM1 and PSSM24. SCC5. MelanomasA short time to hit on quite a few genetic topics but hope you enjoy it!

For the first time, the Irish Pony Society was awarded qualifiers for the M&M ridden and working hunter classes as well as the In-Hand Championship for the Price Family In-Hand Championship in Ireland. We chat to our qualified riders and producers:1. Joe Burke qualified Manor Duke for the Price Family In-Hand Championship2. Grace Maxwell Murphy qualified Addrigoole Andre for the Ridden Connemara3. Amber Marnane qualified Fernville Danny for the M&M Under 143cm Working Hunter4. Alicia Devlin Byrne qualified Blackwood Fernando for the M&M Over 143cm Working Hunter

Get ready to learn like you never have before! The topic of AI is a beast  but something that we felt was worth discussing on the podcast.Hosted by Carol Henley of TBS Stud (and owner of Cheeky Bobby Sparrow), we are delighted to have two of Ireland's top repro vets on the show:Larry Dunne runs Ballyorney Veterinary Clinic in County Wicklow and specialises in all areas of equine fertility. His expertise is highly sought after not only in Ireland but across Europe. Kate Murray graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at agricultural Academy in Wroclaw Poland in 2003 and moved to Ireland in the same year. For the last 13 years Kate has  focused exclusively on equine reproduction, offering fresh, chilled and frozen inseminations, embryo transfer and semen freezing. The family business also involves  breeding Connemara mares as well as producing and standing stallions at stud.Happy listening!

In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales we discuss all matters related to saddle fitting for your ponies.We have two amazing guests answering your questions:Fiona Cork, a professional rider on the showing circuit having won HOYS and RIHS several times. Fiona has had most success on Native ponies namely Welsh cobs and Connemaras. Fiona launched her own saddle brand approximately 8 years ago after she was never happy with the saddles on offer. Fiona Cork Saddles believe that the starting point for every saddle is getting the tree the right shape for each individual pony. Lauren Coxhead, a Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddle fitter who lives in the West of Ireland.  Lauren has covered the whole of Ireland as a saddle fitter for the last number of years covering over 100,000km per year........When Covid took her off the road, she took up a position as chief advisor for www.saddlesireland.ie and will continue working with them in the future. Lauren deals with all horses from happy hackers to Elite Level and Olympic horse/rider combinations.

In this episode we chat to the Danish Stud, Skærgården Connemara ponies. Mother and daughter duo Birgitte and Anna fill us in on the history of their stud and how they strive to continue breeding superb moving ponies for dressage and showing. We chat about their foundation stallions including Wirtsmühle Delaney. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, Carol Henley of Thornbrook Stud in Kildare chats to Mary McCann of Hartwell Stud and Ger Foley of Foley Ponies. We chat about Ashfield Bobby Sparrow, Blackwoodland Rock and Pumkins Pondi. What is great about the jumping Connemara, how can we promote and grow the smaller pony and what do we need to do to ensure our pony is at the top of its game for the International jumping tracks?Enjoy!

In this episode, we chat about the height of the Connemara pony, both the demand for the larger pony and then the lack of smaller, quality ponies now around. What do we do about it and what changes should we consider in the Studbook?Joining us on this episode are Ernie Somerville, breeder, judge and inspector, Kevin Bolger, CPBS council member, breeder and producer and Kate Murray, equine reproduction vet and pony breeder but also mother to two pony rider.

In this episode we chat with Shirley Jones from Topspec, a leading equine nutrition company, about feeding your ponies this winter. She is joined by Emma James and Phoebe Beaumont. Both riders are at the top of their games and offer some of their tips for optimum performance.If you would like any free advice on feeding your Connemara pony, please contact Shirley at shirley.jones@topspec.com. She would be delighted to help you with your feeding plan.

We were delighted to chat to Blanche Miller of Rosenaharley Stud in Dorset, UK. Blanche has been involved with Connemara ponies since the 1950s and only this week it was announced that she was awarded the Michael J. O’Malley Award by the International Committee of Connemara Ponies (ICCPS). This award is given to an International owner or breeder who has selflessly promoted the Connemara Pony during their lifetime.We hope you enjoy this podcast and are so grateful to Blanche for taking the time to talk to us.

With the Connemara Pony Show meant to be taking place this week at Clifden in Galway, Ireland, this episode is with the ex CPBS President Tom Mac Lochlainn taking us through the history of the show.

In this episode, we chat to one of Ireland's most successful Connemara pony producers, Joe Burke. Joe is a CPBS and IPS judge and also on the CPBS inspector panel. He has won the national confirmation assessment as part of the HSI young breeders program. Joe has won All-Ireland Championships with Connemara ponies and RIDs. With his ponies he has been Clifden Champion twice, RDS champion, qualified for HOYS in-hand and won Olympia with Sandra Burton riding.

In this episode we chat to top show riders Ciara Mullen, Harrison Taylor and Sadhbh O'Connor about what's going on in their yards, ponies to watch and some of their favourite shows. All riders have competed and won at the top level including HOYS, Royal International and Dublin Horse Show.

In this episode we speak to the incredibly knowledgeable William Micklem.William is a keynote speaker, author (best selling manual "The Complete Horse Riding Manual), coach, inventor of the Micklem bridle, columnist and breeder (Mandiba, HIgh Kingdom and Jackaroo). In 2014, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Eventing Ireland and in 2018 a lifetime achievement award for welfare and performance by the Saddle Research Trust. "William is a consummate horseman." Capt Mark PhillipsWilliam takes us through his history of Connemara ponies and highlights some of the best performing horses and ponies in the world, all either pure or half Connemara.A fascinating listen for anyone interested in breeding and how there is such a big opportunity to continue and grow Connemara pony lines into performance horse breeding at the highest level.

In this episode we sit down with Tom MacLochlainn, former President of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society. Tom gives us an insight on the history of the pony, influential stallions and how custodians used to operate before private stallion owners came about. Tom also answers some questions from social media on HWSD, Coral Prince and the changing height of the Connemara pony.

This episode we chat about buying and selling Connemara ponies with Padraic Heanue and Joanne Hannigan. Padraic Heanue is the Manager of the Connemara Pony Sales in Connemara and breeder of Lough Fadda ponies. Joanne Hannigan produces Connemara ponies for sales and export.

In this episode, we cover Hoof Wall Separation Disease, also better known as HWSD. This is a condition that has been identified in Connemara ponies. HWSD is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes the hoof wall to easily break and crack.Joining us on this podcast are the following guests:1. Sheila Ramsay is from New Zealand and has performed research in Animal Science, Parasitology and Genetics. Her current project is 'Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) in Connemara Ponies.' 2. Melissa Cox is based in Germany and specialises in animal genetics, having earned her doctorate in Genetics through the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Texas A&M University, and has concentrated on comparative genomics with an interest in domestic animals throughout her career.3. Marian Pritchard is from the UK and is a Connemara enthusiast who bought a Connemara pony from Ireland that she later found out was HWSD/HWSD.

Our first episode we have with us renowned Galway girl Grace Maxwell Murphy hosting a session with top UK riders and producers Vanessa Compton, Sam Roberts and Amy Smith. The girls chat about some of their favourite ponies and what they are up to whilst in lockdown.