Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Australia

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Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Australia The Australian Connemara Pony Breeders' Society is affiliated with the International Society based in Ireland and is a sister society to other countries.

ABOUT the CONNEMARA PONY

The Connemara Pony is native to that part of Ireland, west of Galway, known as CONNEMARA. The environment is harsh, lashed with gales from the Atlantic and consisting mainly of bog, mountain terrain with granite outcrops and scree, small, sparsely scattered grassed areas interspersed with granite outcrops. Ponies graze this land and feed on grasses, herbs, reeds, rushes, bog plants and, where access is available, they feed on seaweed which is rich in minerals and Iodine. Shelter is difficult to find and the ponies utilise the deep gullies of the mountains, rocky outcrops and the shrubbery, where it exists. This environment requires a hardy, surefooted and frugal pony for survival. This Pony is the CONNEMARA PONY. In 1963 Dr Fred Wiltshire imported the Connemara Pony Stallion ISLAND KING. With this import began the Connemara Pony breed in this country. The first purebred Connemara foal born in Australia was Connemara Park Kenneth, (Island Prince (cps 136) x Ardan (1001) (cps 2465)) in 1966, and with him the first Australian Connemara Stud Prefix. In 1966 Connemara Park Ann, (Island King (1) (cps 122) x Ardan (1001) (cps 2465) the first purebred filly was born and she was the first Australian bred purebred. Dr Wiltshire's original reason for importing the Connemara was to improve the Australian Pony. He hoped to add movement, bone and scope to this breed and Island King was in fact registered as an Australian Pony Stallion. Since that day in 1963 the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Australia Inc. has continued to grow with Studs in every State of Australia and many ponies being moved around the nation. Milestones have been achieved and achievements have gone beyond expectations in the stock that has been bred and is now being bred by the various breeders. Australian Connemara ponies have been and are being sought by overseas buyers, and with the Australian Society being granted "Approved" Status within the International Society of Connemara Breeders this trend is expected to escalate. The latest import in 1999 being Castle Baron, (Abbeyleix Owen x Castle Dame), imported by Glenormiston Stud in Queensland. This Stallion has his first stock on the ground and it looks like the tradition will continue. Interest is being resurrected and new breeders are appearing on the scene, but former breeders have also discovered a new interest in the Society with the addition of this new bloodline.

The final visit of the stud tour was to Marglyn Connemaras and most generously hosted by Che Hetherington and Sarah Kenn...
11/10/2026

The final visit of the stud tour was to Marglyn Connemaras and most generously hosted by Che Hetherington and Sarah Kenny. Sarah had driven the 15 hours from Normanton Nth Qld, which is an indication of her commitment to showcasing her lovely well cared for ponies. The highlight was of course the introduction to the recently imported black stallion Numenor of Metella. He is certainly an exciting addition to the Australian herd. Marglyn have an interesting mix of brood mares - Connemaras, Warmbloods and Percheron . Thank you so much Sarah and Che for the opportunity to view your ponies and for your interesting and insightful discussions.

11/10/2026
11/10/2026

Life Membership to the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society has been awarded to two long standing and valued members - Gary Johnson of Garnet Stud and Karen Holloway. Life membership is a small recognition of the enormous contribution both Gary and Karen have made to both the Connemara pony and the growth of the Australian Society. The full resumes of their contributions will be published in the upcoming e-bulletin. Congratulations and thank you Gary and Karen.

Special thanks to Dianne Collins at Capell Park Connemaras for hosting a stud tour for our Annual AGM event. Dianne was ...
11/10/2026

Special thanks to Dianne Collins at Capell Park Connemaras for hosting a stud tour for our Annual AGM event. Dianne was generous in her introduction to her ponies ang explanation of her breeding decisions. Congratulations also in the classification of 4 mares and the young stallion that she bred into Class 1 status. Dianne also hosted the AGM and provided a fabulous lunch under cover in very trying Victorian weather.

05/10/2026

Respect to Dianne Collins of Capall Park Connemara Ponies who presented stud tour attendees with this beautiful catalogue and history of her stud. The inclusion of pedigrees speaks to Di’s commitment and interest in bloodlines and a testament to her beautiful ponies.

Our tour of Keysla Connemaras hosted by Leara Keysers provided the best fine weather of the day so there are some more p...
05/10/2026

Our tour of Keysla Connemaras hosted by Leara Keysers provided the best fine weather of the day so there are some more photos here. Leara introduced us to her lovely stallion Exmoor Orion and her mares and youngstock, generously providing information about her ponies and the breeding decisions she is making. Others might add extra photos or details about each of the ponies.

First host for our 2026 Stud Tour was Jacqui Panozo and her family at Argatnel Connemaras. It was a very wet day and thi...
05/10/2026

First host for our 2026 Stud Tour was Jacqui Panozo and her family at Argatnel Connemaras. It was a very wet day and this made it difficult to take great photos - other attendees might be able to add more in the comments. Thanks Jacqui for your hospitality and the opportunity to meet your ponies. Jacqui’s stud is a great example of a boutique breeder making thoughtful decisions about who to breed her foundation mares too. There are a few youngsters for sale at Argatnel so contact Jacqui direct for more information.

04/10/2026
30/08/2026

CPBSA - EOI INVITED FOR ROLE OF SECRETARY/TREASURER
Due to the retirement of the current incumbent, expressions of interest are invited for the honorary position of Secretary/Treasurer of the CPBSA. This is a casual role of nominally 20 hours per month. Whilst processing the necessary data input and email traffic is regular, the role requires flexibility for servicing members’ needs and will require that personal interaction can occur any day of the week and not necessarily in defined business hours.
Some of the requirements for applicants to the position are as follows:
• Be customer service orientated,
• Committed to maintenance and further development of our systems,
• Complete a satisfactory Police Check,
• Be prepared to travel interstate to attend the AGM when required,
• Be familiar with the Constitution, By Laws, Role and Vision as well as our strategic plan.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Organising meetings and taking minutes,
• Administrative functions,
• Formatting reports, proposals, agendas and general business correspondence,
• Conduct/compute and record results of annual elections of Committee,
• Assist with management of electronic Stud Book, Web Page and pages.
The following qualities are essential:
• Absolute discretion and professionalism,
• Computer literate to an intermediate level (Microsoft Office Suite),
• Ability to work in a team and, more importantly, autonomously,
• A high level of verbal and written communication skills – with demonstrated ability to write clear reports, agendas, minutes and complex and sensitive correspondence,
• Ability to multitask, prioritise and work flexible hours,
• Ability to manage funds, audits, balances as treasurer using MYOB.
Applicants must supply three references/referees.
To apply or for further details and a complete job description and probation period please contact:

Vicki Plummer on 0403 558 732 or email [email protected]

All applications will be forwarded to Committee for consideration.

05/07/2026

Annual AGM.

Notice will be forthcoming for arrangements for the CPBSA AGM to be held the weekend of 3/4 OCTOBER in Victoria. Exact time and location to be advised. In person presence at meeting welcome and also live streamed. Emails with final details arriving soon.

Address

PO Box 613
Goolwa, SA
5214

Telephone

61490241627

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