Connemara Pony Tales

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Welcome to a very special episode of Connemara Pony Tales. We’re here in Clifden, the heart of Connemara, celebrating the 100th Connemara Pony Show – a true milestone in the history of our breed. Over the course of this episode, we’ll be chatting with exhibitors, judges, breeders, and riders to hear how they’re enjoying this historic gathering and what it means to them to be part of such a momentous occasion.

🙏 This episode is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support scheme.

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Next up on Connemara Pony Tales...we’re bringing you a feel-good mash-up episode featuring the riders and ponies who’ve qualified for the 2025 Dublin Horse Show in the Ridden and Performance Connemara classes.

From breeding lines to pre-show rituals, top tips for the ring, and the sweet relief of a class well-ridden — this is a mix of our top riders from Ireland!

🎙️ Whether you're a competitor, a pony enthusiast, or just love a good pony tale, you won’t want to miss this celebration of what it means to earn your place at Dublin.

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In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we’re honoured to welcome a truly iconic figure in the world of the Connemara Pony — historian, author, and former President of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society, Tom MacLochlainn.

In a conversation full of insight and storytelling, Tom takes us back to 1800s Ireland to uncover the lesser-known origins of the breed, the ponies exported to Liverpool, and the evolving landscape that shaped the type we know today.

We explore the impact of outside bloodlines, the overlooked influence of mares, and hear Tom’s personal reflections on breeding, legacy, and the future of the Connemara Pony.

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or simply passionate about native Irish heritage, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🐴 Hit play for a rare glimpse into the past of our Connemara pony!

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Laminitis in Connemara Ponies: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kieran O’Brien
Hosted by Lucinda Kelly | Connemara Pony World Podcast

At this time of year, the risk of laminitis in Connemara ponies is at its highest — but how much do we really understand about this complex condition?

In this episode, host Lucinda Kelly is joined by leading equine vet and Connemara breeder Dr. Kieran O’Brien to take a deep dive into laminitis in Connemaras.

💡 You'll learn:

• What’s really happening inside the hoof during a laminitic episode
• Why native ponies like Connemaras are more susceptible
• The latest thinking on Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and other underlying causes
• Early warning signs owners often miss
• How to manage grazing, forage, and body condition day to day
• New advances in treatment, pain relief, and long-term care
• Whether laminitis should influence your breeding decisions

Plus, Dr. O’Brien answers real questions from our listeners — from pasture choices to whether it's safe to put a laminitic mare in foal.

This episode is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support scheme.

Editing and Post-Production: Pam Clingan

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Working Hunter is having a moment — and native ponies like the Connemara are leading the charge. In this special episode of Connemara Pony Tales, host Lucinda Kelly is joined by three top experts — Jacqui Webb, Mathew Lawrence, and Jane Somerset — to unpack what it really takes to shine in the Working Hunter ring.

From what judges are really looking for, to the evolution of style, turnout tips, course design debates, and the fine balance between type and performance — this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about native ponies and the competitive world of Working Hunter.

Whether you’re preparing for HOYS or just starting out at local level, you’ll walk away with insights, advice, and maybe a few judging pet peeves too!

🙏 A big thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) for their continued support.

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In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we chat to Bridget and Peter Lee of Clover Hill Connemara Ponies, the breeders behind some of the top ponies in recent years. From their base in Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, the Lees have built an internationally respected breeding programme since founding the Clover Hill prefix in 2007.

We explore their journey from beginnings to producing champions like Clover Hill Magic, the 2024 Supreme Champion at the British Connemara Breeders' Society show. Bridget and Peter share insights into the importance of dam lines, the breeding of their standout ponies—including Clover Hill Princess Jade and Clover Hill Troy’s Beauty—and their hopes for the future of the Connemara breed.

Whether you're a breeder, rider, or fan of the breed, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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We hit the road to the heart of Ireland for the Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders Group Annual Stallion Parade and Yearling Show. In this Voxpop episode, we capture the voices, insights, and passion of breeders, handlers, and spectators who make this event such a highlight in the pony calendar. 

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In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, we’re turning up the heat and putting three international experts in the hot seat to tackle some of the biggest questions facing the Connemara Pony breed today.

Joining us are:
 🇸🇪 Madeleine Beckmann – Chair, Swedish Connemara Pony Society / ICPPS
🇬🇧 Kate Walters – Holnest Connemaras, former Council member of the BCPS
🇫🇮 Tuula Pyoria – Finnish Connemara Pony Society

This is an honest, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversation — all shaped by your questions.

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the judge’s table? We’re cutting through the noise and getting straight to the truth.

We’ve brought together three of the most experienced and straight-talking judges in the game—people who’ve judged at the biggest shows across Ireland and the UK, including Clifden, RDS, and HOYS. They’re here to answer the tough questions, tackle the controversies, and share what they REALLY think about the state of Connemara judging today.

🎙️ Featuring:
🔹 Mathew Lawrence (UK) – International judge & HOYS champion rider
🔹 Clare Oakes (Ireland) – CPBS judge & lifelong Connemara advocate
🔹 Jane Somerset (UK) – Judge, inspector & breed standard expert

💥 Discussions
✅ Fixed judging & favouritism – Is it happening? How do we fix it?
✅ Standardised marking – Should there be a universal?
✅ Overheight ponies – Are Connemaras turning into horses?
✅ Breed standard vs. trends – Are today’s winners true to type?
✅ Dublin Horse Show – Is the qualification system fair?

Plus, a quick-fire round where our judges drop some serious truth bombs! 💣

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In this episode of Connemara Pony Tales, host Lucinda Kelly explores the exciting world of ridden Connemara ponies in the show ring. Joined by three top riders and producers—Rebecca Penny, Harrison Taylor, and Ailsa Vines—we explore the journey to the London International Horse Show taking place at the Excel in London.

Discover what it takes to prepare a Connemara pony for the big shows, insights into the unique format of the London finals, and what makes a champion pony stand out. Along the way, our guests share their favourite memories, training tips, and discuss their ponies.

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