Despite being a Connemara pony owner and aficionado of the breed for many years I am nearly ashamed to say I have yet to make the jaunt to Clifden in August to see the annual pony show. My own wonderful Connie gelding was bought at the Clifden sales and bred in An Cheathrú Rua – this is my only link/claim to fame with the Connemara pony! 

 I usually keep up to date with the show by watching clips online of the fabulous greys, occasional bay and dun dotted here and there. Like most other equestrians I was saddened to see last week the cancellation of the ridden classes on Thursday and Friday, reportedly due to the storm forecasted. 

While I will be the first to say the safety of all should be paramount, the updates on the show and the fall out of this all seemed to take a chaotic turn. And from trying to keep up to date with this online overall many Clifden residents and exhibitors en route or already at the show are feeling very hard done by. 

Storm Ernesto was forecasted to make landfall last Thursday, no one can deny that. Thankfully, it seemed to cause much less damage than originally anticipated. No one has a crystal ball, but could the announcement of cancelling the ridden classes have waited until Thursday AM? Play it by ear? Push the times back a little later in the day? Considering many had paid extortionate amounts to book hotels and stables months in advance I think this would have been appreciated. To paraphrase Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” – “since when can weathermen predict the weather?” (not an intended dig at Met Eireann!). 

But look, we have been dealing with the Irish weather for long enough; I feel to cancel outright was jumping the gun a little bit. This show is in its 99^th year, I am sure they have dealt with adverse weather before now. 

While the weather might not have been ideal on Thursday morning, but in a united front riders who were already at the show saddled up at Omey Beach. This was in protest at the cancellation of the ridden classes. As if further confirmation was needed that the weather, while not in any way related to what you could expect for Summer – was bearable. These were fabulous scenes, even though not in great circumstances.   

A quick online search of “Connemara Pony” and Wikipedia notes. 

“Distinguishing Features – Good bone, hardy, intelligent, good temperament.”

It is actually hard to comprehend that a breed, for years famed for their hardiness/toughness/ bred for the often-harsh Connemara landscape had their annual show cancelled on account of the weather. 

But we know the weather forecast was part of a larger problem. 

RTE reported the following when covering this story; “There have been on-going concerns about the condition of the showgrounds.” As someone who has by default become increasingly involved in the disastrous effect insurance, or lack of and Ireland’s constant claims culture is having on all equestrian pursuits. This to me screams insurance or insurance issues. 

Further it notes there were inspections carried out on the “surface quality” of the sand arena earlier in the year that uncovered “safety issues.” 

Firstly, if this was done earlier in the year. Why was something not done before now? Again, this is an annual show. Competitors did not just descend on Clifden of their own accord last week. I would go so far as to say Christmas comes twice in Clifden, in December and in August. Local businesses and spokespeople for the pony show constantly outline how it not only showcases the Connemara pony but brings much needed business to town. So why were measures not taken to ensure the show could run smoothly for its 99^th year? 

It is all largely baffling. 

In their statement the CPBS have said that a new surface and drainage system would take time and money. This is to be expected, but measures should have been taken to either have this replaced or up to scratch for the show. 

Further explanation outlines the existing mixture of sand does not meet the standard of proper arena surface (insurance requirements in my experience.) Additionally due to the location of the grounds, being on a protected flood plain all water runoff and drainage needs to be managed to protect the local river. 

This is all totally understandable, but we have never lived in a time with such technology and not to mention machinery capable of rectifying all of the above. 

If it is insurance, and I personally feel it playing a large role. I would wish for nothing more than the CPBS to outline this and be clear on this. I would hope it may highlight on a higher level the ongoing problems us equestrians are facing with insurance. If a large show such as this could be public in any struggles they are having with insurance I am sure it would be of help to all of us and possibly bring the conversation to higher government level. Which again personally, I think needs to happen at this point. 

For my own interest and newfound fascination with all things insurance/safety statements and RAMS I would like to see the insurance for this event. Notably what it costs and if entry fees are covering this cost? 

It was reported that a record number of entries were recorded this year; I am sure if it was explained before now the situation, and should renovations be needed at the showgrounds competitors could understand if fees were increased to cover these costs. Or if a one-off payment was needed. This is all hypothetical of course but just an idea on what could be done. 

It will be interesting to see if the ridden classes rescheduled for September will be well received. Unfortunately, I can’t say if competitors will be willing once again to make the journey to Clifden to compete. I think the rescheduling of these and also the fact that it was outlined the classes would take place at Galway Equestrian Center on an “all weather surface” prompted the rumor mill to go into overdrive. Even though it has been made clear, the change in venue is for this year only.  

Hopefully competitors will look favourably on the fact that the classes will at least take place this year, even if at a different venue. I also hope it may finish the 2024 show on a positive note. 

I am not trying to poke holes at the organisation of the show or CPBS in general. As I said I am a massive enthusiast of the breed. I could easily write an essay on each Connie I have had the pleasure of owning, knowing or riding.

I love everything about the breed and the work that went into and continues to go into promoting these fantastic ponies. (never to be called “horses” even though many are now measuring in at 15hh+, an article for another day) I like to read through the Connemara Pony online database for fun! I think the breed should be protected and showcased as much as possible. It is just unfortunate the 2024 show has left a poor impression on many. 

Fingers crossed the 100^th Annual Connemara Pony show in 2025 will be a much better success.