This article is from page 51 of the 2007-08-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 51 JPG
FINAL preparations are being made for this year’s Annual Connemara Pony Show, which takes place in Clifden this weekend. A large Clare contingent is expected at the show, which takes place this year for the Jes Ke NEN ALon
Organisers of the show have claimed that sales of Connemara po- nies could double over the next five years if a proper marketing plan can be implemented. Marketing the Con- nemara Pony at home and abroad is the primary focus of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society.
In 2006 the three main annual pony sales in Clifden Mart yielded a turno-
ver of €5 million. “This is a fantastic achievement,’ said Tom MacLoch- lainn, President of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society.
“However, with the development of a focused marketing plan we believe that this figure can be increased to €10 million by 2012.
According to Padraig Heanue, Manager, Clifden Pony Sales, there iS an ever-increasing interest in the Connemara Pony from a sales per- spective. This year sees the biggest ever entry for a one-day mart with 320 ponies already catalogued for sale at Clifden, this Friday, August 17.
‘There is a very good mix of fillies, in-foal mares, riding ponies, broken
and ridden geldings and young colts from one year upwards. Guide price for a young mare in-foal is between €7,000 and €10,000 while riding ponies, broken and ridden geldings four years and upwards fetch be- tween €3,200 to €5,500,” he said. The temperament, stamina and versatility of the Connemara Pony marks it apart as an unique native breed and a desirable animal for multi-purpose use. The week-long schedule of events from August 13 to 17 includes a mixture of in-hand, performance and educational events that highlight the potential and dis- position of the Connemara Pony. Events throughout the week include loose jumping, dressage demon-
stration and the new worker hunter classes where the ponies will be challenged over a particular course of fences.
A new stallion list will be launched on August 15 while the highlight of the week is undoubtedly Show Day on August 16. Apart from the pony events there will also be a dog-show, domestic arts show, Irish Dancing and a photography competition.