High demand for Connemara classes at Balmoral
Standards at the highest level across in-hand, ridden and Working Hunter classes
Once again, the Connemara pony section at the Balmoral Show provided the much-anticipated spectacle for which it has become synonymous with, especially since the move to Balmoral Park. This move has enabled a substantial increase in entry numbers - however, the class demands are still unfortunately exceeding supply.
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Try as organisers might, there are only so many competitors who can compete, but this ensures that the standard of the exhibitors is of the highest level. This year was no exception, and it was with pride that the team secured the expert eyes of two of the most esteemed Connemara pony judges on the circuit. They were Kay Gibb from Scotland and Madeleine Beckman, all the way from Sweden. They spent almost 12 hours judging the various sections from in-hand mares to Champion Working Hunters. Organisers are indebted to them for their diligence and feedback to every participant and would welcome them back to the Show at any time. Of course, thanks are also extended to long-time sponsor North Down Marquees and the various other companies, businesses and individuals, who contribute to the in-kind prizes of sashes, rugs and prize money.
The competitions provided for a fantastic day for everyone, regardless of placings and organisers very much look forward to 2025 - see you there!
RESULTS
Class 62 - In hand registered Connemara pony mare, 4 years and upwards, with or without foal at foot:
1) Joe McNamara, Lehid Ellen (Henderson and Graham Perpetual Trophy); 2) Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Princess Ella; 3) Avril Kelly, Monaghanstown Rosie.
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Class 63 - Registered Connemara pony, filly or gelding two and three years old:
1) Jasmin Dean, Doyles Pixie Shadow; 2) Sylvia Henry, Peaceful Aimhirgin; 3) Helen Forgrave, Shanbo Silver.
Class 64 - Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding, 4 or 5 years old, to be ridden by riders who have attained their 12th birthday:
1) James McMillen, Fivealley Nutmeg (Robson Perpetual Trophy and Narrow Water Stud rug); 2) Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Kingman; 3) Aoife O’Connor, Teach Mór Sparrow.
Class 65 - Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding, 4 or over to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday but not their 16th:
1) Jennie Curran, Caherpuca Chappy (Balmoral Show cup and rug presented by Mandy Boyle); 2) Jodie Moran, Dunguaire Mick; 3) Penny Campbell, Oxhill Andreas.
Class 66 - Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding, 6 or over to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday:
1) Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Princess Ella (Monteith Perpetual Trophy and rug presented by Narrow Water Stud); 2) Nikola Concannon, Bridgo’s Knight; 3) Cathy McGimpsey, Rathbane Legend.
Champion Ridden Connemara pony:
Jennie Curran, Caherpuca Chappy; Reserve Champion Ridden Connemara pony: Grace Maxwell Murphy, Glencarrig Princess Ella.
Class 67 - Clifden High Performance Qualifier for registered Connemara pony, stallion, mare or gelding, 5 and over, to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday:
1) Anna Wyse, Clareville Kodiac; 2) Diarmuid Ryan, Pem Boy; 3) Marjorie Hardiman, Creganna Kerfuffle.
Class 68 - Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding, 4 or over to be ridden by riders who have attained their 10th birthday but not their 16th:
1) Cathy Cooper, Tullaree Fear Bui; 2) Mary Caffrey, Illaunurra Bay; 3) Katrina Savage, Coffee Luke Thunder.
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Class 69 - Registered Connemara pony, mare or gelding, 4 or over to be ridden by riders who have attained their 16th birthday:
1) Claire Devlin, Blackwood Fernando; 2) Carol Murdoch, Doon da Vinci; 3) Emily Magowan, Derrylackey Playboy.
Champion Working Hunter Connemara Pony:
Claire Devlin, Blackwood Fernando; Reserve Champion Working Hunter Connemara Pony: Cathy Cooper, Tullaree Fear Bui.