national_pony_herd

Management & Care of National Pony Herd to be handed over to the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society

galway.net , 9 September 2002

Connemara Pony Show, August 2002. Photo: Joe Desbonnet.

Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will attend the official handover of the Management Contract for the National Pony Herd to the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society at 1 p.m. today in the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway.

Minister Ó Cuív will speak at the event on behalf of his Cabinet colleague, Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister for the Environment & Local Government, and at the request of Dúchas (the Heritage service of that Dept.) and Cumann Lucht Capaillíní Conamara.

Dúchas, The Heritage Service have managed a herd of Connemara Ponies since the establishment of Connemara National Park in 1980. Following the presentation of 6 mares with some foals to the late President Childers in October 1974 it was decided subsequently that a herd of pure-bred Connemara ponies should be established in the National Park to assist in the preservation of this unique equine breed.

The largest mammal in the Park is, of course, the Connemara Pony, which has walked this rough terrain for centuries now, possibly since the arrival of the Celts in the 4th century. Although a domestic animal, this pony is very much part of the Connemara countryside. This beautiful yet challenging countryside has developed a breed of tough hardy ponies that have adapted to the terrain and variable climate and made it their home. The presence of the Connemara Ponies in the National Park is among its most popular attractions and during the summer months there are "Pony information" sessions three times a week.

It is almost 80 years since the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society was formed in 1923 and they purchased their first two stallions for £20 each a year later. The Society has achieved many of its objectives since its formation, including

• The encouragement of the breeding of Connemara ponies and their development and maintenance as a pure breed

• The publication of a studbook for animals which have been passed as eligible for registration

• And the organisation of the annual Connemara Pony Show

Through this agreement the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society and Dúchas the Heritage Service will ensure the preservation of this special breed for many years to come. This agreement will also ensure the presence of a healthy stock of animals in the National Park, which in turn will enhance the lives of the communities that have protected this special breed over the years.

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