The 51st Connemara pony show at Clifden in County Galway lives up to expectations.
Always a highlight in the west of Ireland the 51st annual show of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society is held in Clifden County Galway. Entries are up on last year, and there is keen competition in all classes.
Over 400 ponies were exhibited and in the words of the judges the standard was extremely impressive.
The Connemara pony has developed into a multimillion pound industry. Official Connemara Pony Breeders' societies have been established in Britain, the United States, Australia and Europe. Several overseas buyers at the show gave the event an international flavour.
There are an estimated 3,500 Connemara ponies in Ireland, and at least that amount worldwide.
According to the show secretary John Killeen, the popularity of the Connemara pony shows no sign of abating or being eclipsed by newer breeds.
From our experience I think their popularity is as wide and as active as ever it was really.
Some ponies can raise up to £1000 and previous year a yearling colt was sold for £600 but these prices are the exception rather than the rule. Generally, the price for registered ponies for example two-year-old fillies can be £300 upwards, and broodmares £700 - £800.
The demand for Connemara ponies is very good on the continent. However, the cost of transporting the ponies to America is affecting the American market.
Over the past 10 years the government has given the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society an annual grant of £1000 towards the show. John Killeen hopes this grant will be increased as costs such as printing have grown tremendously.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 August 1974. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
