EP150Q: Clifden High Performance Connemara Qualifier
Judges:
Ring 1; Jane Darragh, Co Kilkenny
Ring 2; Alaoise Halpin, Co Galway.
Ring 3; Shauna Finneran, Co Galway
Ring 4; David Kirkpatrick, Co Down
Ring 5; Nicholas Byrne, Co Galway
Colin Doyle, Co Westmeath
Entry Fees; Ponies €15; All Working Hunter Classes €20; Foals €10, unless otherwise stated.
Connemara Championship Classes €15
ISA Qualifiers €15
Prizes:
Ponies: 1st: €50, 2nd: €30, 3rd: €20, unless otherwise stated.
Foals: 1st: €50, 2nd: €30, 3rd: €20.
Pony Championship - Champion €75 / Reserve Champion € 50,unless otherwise stated
Rescue Pony Championship - CHampion €100 / Reserve Champion €50 (Prize money is donated to the Rescue Centre the winning ponies were originally rescued from)
I.S.A. Levy - 5% Deducted from Prize Money
Please note:
A. Any pony not in position of a current IPS showing card, may not be eligible for IPS points..
B. No person under 16 years on 1 January of the current year may lead a pony, with the exception of Young Handler classes.
C. Ponies one year old and over must wear a bit. No hind shoes allowed in Young Stock classes.
D. 1st and 2nd Prize winnerds are eligible to entry their respective Championships.
E. The committee reserve the right to cancel or amalgamate any class if insufficient entries are received.
F. NO Stallions allowed, with the exception of Foals & Yearlings, or unless specifically stated in a qualifier.
This show is a member of IPS and IPS rules apply
Ring 5 - starting at 10.00am sharp
CLIFDEN HIGH PERFORMANCE FINAL & QUALIFER RULES
AIMS: The prerequisite for this class is to display the versatility of the Connemara pony, highlighting the performance aspect of the pony over fences with the emphasis on the rideability, scope, versatility and suitability for child or adult.
OPEN TO: Connemara ponies in possession of a CPBS passport, stallions, mares or geldings aged 5yrs old and over suitable for and to be ridden by riders 10 years old and over on the 1st of January in the current year.
Stallions must be ridden by a rider that has attained their 14th birthday before the 1st of January 2026. Ponies must be registered in the current owner’s name. Microchips will be checked at the final. Please ensure to bring the passport for the pony. A maximum of four ponies may qualify at each qualifier.
AT THE QUALIFERS: A rider may compete no more than two ponies at any one of qualifier, but only one rider/pony combination may be chosen to compete at the final. This must be decided at the relevant qualifiers.
The qualifiers and the final will be run primarily under the Irish Pony Society rules for Working Hunter Classes using the same scoring system. Judge’s decision is final.
QUALIFIERS PHASE ONE: At the qualifiers, ponies will be required to jump a course of no fewer than nine numbered fences. The course must include one double and one triple combination.
Fences will be set at a minimum height and width of 1.00m, with at least three fences built to a maximum height and width of 1.10m.
Each fence will be marked out of 10. In addition, a mark out of 20 will be awarded for overall way of going. The total mark will then be divided by two, after which penalties will be deducted as follows:
· Knockdown: 10 penalties; · First refusal: 15 penalties; · Second refusal: 20 penalties; · Third refusal: elimination; · Fall of pony or rider: elimination
Combinations that incur more than 15 penalties will not proceed to Phase Two. Only clear rounds and combinations incurring 15 penalties or less will progress to the Ridden Phase.
PHASE TWO: RIDE AND CONFORMATION Combinations that successfully complete the jumping phase with less than 15 penalties will be invited to complete Phase 2.
Each pony will be asked to show walk, trot, canter and gallop. Unless otherwise requested. Ponies will be required to show canter on both reins with a simple change of canter lead through trot.
The pony will then be stripped and judged for movement, conformation and type trueness to breed.
The total marks for phase two will be 45 consisting of manners (10), performance (10), movement (10), breed conformation (10) and type (5).
AT THE FINAL: Ponies will be asked to jump a course of a minimum of 12 numbered fences which will include a double and a treble up to a maximum of 110cm and width of 110cm, minimum is 1m high and 1m wide.
The final will be run primarily under the Irish Pony Society rules for Working Hunter Classes using the same scoring system. . Judge’s decision is final.
PHASE TWO: RIDE AND CONFORMATION; Combinations that successful complete the jumping phase with less than 15 penalties will be invited to complete Phase 2. Each pony will be asked to show walk, trot, canter and gallop. Unless otherwise requested. Ponies will be required to show canter on both reins with a simple change of canter lead through trot. The pony will then be stripped and judged for movement, conformation and type trueness to breed.
The total marks for phase two will be 45 consisting of manners (10), performance (10), movement (10), breed conformation (10) and type (5). Judge’s decision is final.
PLACINGS: Top 6 ponies will be placed & receive prize money/rosettes.
TACK AND EQUIPMENT: BITS: Bitless bridles and gags are not allowed. Pelhams must have two reins leading from hands to the bit to a single leather rounding.
Three ring snaffles must have two reins or a set of rounding’s.
BOOTS: only front boots are permitted for Phase 1; boots must be removed for Phase 2.
SPURS: are not allowed. WHIPS: must not exceed 75cms.
RUNNING MARTINGALES ONLY: are permitted, but judges should pay particular attention to their effectiveness.
BODY PROTECTORS: riders who have not attained their 16th birthday before the 1st of January 2026 must wear a body protector for Phase 1. Body protectors must be removed for Phase 2.
Entry fee to Qualifying show €25; To final €40
No entries permitted on day of event.