Record number of colts forward at British Connemara Pony Society inspections

2008 has seen a record number of colts forward for inspection by the British Connemara Pony Society (BCPS). Out of the 26 colts presented, 10 passed to become class 1* stallions – nine of which were British bred.
The society’s inspection process consists of ponies two years old and upwards being presented for both visual and veterinary inspections to have breed type, conformation, gait and temperament evaluated. Ponies must not exceed 148cms at maturity, and are therefore expected to not exceed 144cms at two years old. Ponies are inspected by a panel of three from the society’s list of accredited inspectors, which this year includes: Mrs Joanna Macinnes, Mr Jerome Harforth, Mrs Margaret Furness, Miss Blanche Miller, Miss Ginette Mason, Mr Michael Sharpley, Mr Mark Fitton Mrs Sheila Clarke and Mr Dougal Dick.
BCPS President and inspection organiser Dorothy Anne Eustace said: “We are thrilled to have had so many young colts forward for inspection this year. But it’s not just quantity, we are seeing some real quality coming through, and having nine new British bred stallions on the register is super for the future of the breed in this country.
Connemaras are increasingly popular as ridden show and performance animals, and they excel at it – but it is vital that we remember they are native ponies and that we perpetuate the characteristics which have allowed them to survive for generations in the harsh conditions of their native habitat. We are particularly concerned to maintain their pony height. Recently we have seen a worrying increase of larger animals and some owners who are seemingly unaware that Connemaras which exceed 148cm should not be shown in breed classes.