Connemara Pony Breeders' Society

07/10/2026

In loving memory of Lily Slattery. 🕊️

We are deeply saddened to hear of Lily’s passing. At such a young age, it is impossible to find the right words to express the sadness of such a loss.

Lily had a beautiful love for ponies and horses, a passion that brought her happiness and treasured memories. 🐴❤️

Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Lily’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the love and memories they shared with her.

Rest peacefully, Lily🕊🐴❤️

The death has occurred of Lily Slattery of Knock, Mayo Ireland, on 05/10/2026. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.

07/10/2026

🏆 WHAT A RESULT AT HOYS! 🏆

A fantastic achievement for two Connemara ponies bred by the same breeders! 💚

🥇 1st Place for one
🌟 Top 10 finish for the other

Two ponies, one successful breeding programme — and both making their mark at HOYS! 🐴✨

🥇 1st - COPPERBEECH ENCORE

(Carrowkeel Star x Glencarrig Knight)

Owner Debbie Todd, Rider Vikki Smith

Top 10 - Copperbeech Emperor
(Copperbeech Star x Glencarrig Knight)

Owner & Rider Megan Crowther

Both bred by Tomas & Fiona Grimes — huge congratulations to the proud breeders!

In photo from left to right Thomas Grimes, Debbie Todd, winner Copperbeach Encore and Rider Vikki Smith, Copperbeech Emperor and owner/Rider Megan Crowther, Fiona, James and Bĺathnaid Grimes .

Congradulations to all involved 👏👏

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Connemara Pony of the Year

Huge congratulations to all who competed in today’s National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain and Moorland Ridden Connemara Pony of the Year at HOYS. A fantastic line-up of Connemaras on the HOYS stage showcasing the quality and versatility of our native breed. Well done to all of today's prize winners. Owners, riders, breeders and connections. Winner Debbie Todd's Coperbeach Encore ridden by Vikki Smyth.

Full results to follow...

07/10/2026

🐴 2026 CPBS Inspections – Season Complete 🐴

The 2026 CPBS inspection season has now come to a close, with a fantastic number of ponies presented across our spring and autumn inspections.

📊 2026 Inspection Statistics

Spring 2026

- 446 ponies presented
- 442 classified
- 350 Class 1
- 84 Class 2
- 9 Class OH
- 24 Amnesty

Autumn 2026

- 404 ponies presented
- 400 classified
- 354 Class 1
- 47 Class 2
- 3 Class OH
- 29 Amnesty

👏 This gives a total of 850 ponies presented across the 2026 inspection season, with 842 classified.

A special thank you also to everyone who supported the inspections throughout the year.

🐴 That’s a wrap on the 2026 inspections – until next year! 💚

06/10/2026

A big thank you to everyone who came along to The Parks, Moycullen on Sunday for the final inspections of the 2026 season. 🐴

We really appreciate all the breeders, owners, handlers and supporters who came along and helped make the day a success.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the 2026 inspections run so smoothly. 💚

Until next time!

06/10/2026

🐴 THAT’S A WRAP ON THE 2026 INSPECTIONS! 🐴

Last weekend, the CPBS, concluded the Autumn phase of 2026 inspections. This was a very well supported phase with 404 ponies presented. The extended amnesty was well supported with 29 ponies passed. The amnesty has been extended to October 2029.


Firstly, the CPBS wishes to extend thanks to all the venues who help make these inspections run throughout the country – Creagh Equestrian Centre, The Parks Moycullen, Hanley’s Claremorris, Banner Equestrian Centre, Greenogue Equestrian Centre, Tipperary Equestrian Centre, Tubberbride Equestrian Centre, Greenacres Equestrian Centre and the Clifden Showgrounds.


The CPBS thanks the team of inspectors, the arena party, vets, safety officers, photographers, helpers, council members and office staff. It takes huge involvement and participation to run inspections and the CPBS is very appreciative to all. The CPBS would also like to acknowledge and thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) for their funding for the inspections under the Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes.

Lastly, the CPBS wishes to thank all members, breeders and owners for bringing their colts, fillies and geldings to inspection. The dedication to the Connemara Pony ensures the pony remains of the highest quality for the future and continues to represent Irish bred ponies throughout the world.


All digital Linear Profiles and inspection photos are currently being uploaded to each pony’s profile on the Online CPBS Database.

All results are available to view on our website https://cpbs.ie/article/autumn-inspection-results

Key figures for Autumn 2026 Inspections

13 days of inspections in 9 venues throughout Ireland

Team of 13 inspectors and 5 arena party

29 ponies passed under the amnesty

20 138cm or under ponies passed

11 Class 1 geldings

Average height and bone of colts – 145cm, 7.8”

Average height and bone of fillies – 145cm, 7.5”

Oldest ponies presented – 21-year-old mare and 21-year-old stallion

404 ponies awarded Class 1, 2 or OH

And with that, the 2026 inspections come to a close. Until next time… 🐴💚

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06/10/2026

🎉 TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST! 🎉

Don’t leave it too late! Tickets are moving quickly, so get yours now before they’re sold out! 🥂💃🕺

We’d love to see you there for a fantastic night! ❤️

Book your tickets now and join us for a great night of fun, music and dancing! 🎶🍾