Traditionally, the Connemara Pony has thrived for centuries on the region’s rugged mountains and craggy seashore and has been shaped by that same harsh, rural terrain. For generations, families in Conamara have relied on this work pony for survival.
On May 29, TG4 will commence Capailliní, a four-part series examining the enduring popularity of the Connemara pony in Irish society today.
Today, the Connemara pony is one of the most well-loved and sought-after sports ponies in the world. Despite the Connemara pony’s worldwide appeal some owners and breeders have called for stricter breeding guidelines and height regulations; creating tension and debate in the pony world.
Across four episodes, we delve into this world of breeders, riders, buyers and sellers to establish why exactly this Irish pony is so revered.
In episode one, we meet Máirtín Ó Neachtain from Rosmuc, a generational pony-owner, who is preparing for another busy season of pony shows. Connemara Pony Breeders Society member Peter Ó Máille talks viewers through the process of inspecting Connemara ponies.
Also in attendance is Connemara Pony Breeders Society president Daragh Ó Tuairisg. The society has introduced a new measure this year which hopes to promote the breeding of the smaller traditional-type pony, by helping smaller ponies gain class 1 status. Later, they meet Gearóid and Patrick Devane who share strong opinions regarding the protection of the traditional-type Connemara pony.
In episode 2, Máirtín Ó Neachtain is at the Corrandulla show with Glencorrib Missy. Show organiser Lucille Smyth relates the importance of the country show in Irish society. The programme spends time in Cois Fharraige with generational pony-owner Róisín Ní Ghionnáin, as she prepares her stallion colt Old Stone Tucker for the Roundstone show. Kildare-based Connemara woman Finola Nic An Iomaire introduces her 4-year-old mare Eloise, who is being trained to compete in events this summer. Young rider Aoife Brennan is busy preparing Eloise for the Midlands Breeder’s Society Connemara Show in Mullingar.
In episode 3, Connemara pony owner Finola Nic An Iomaire attends the Midlands Connemara Pony Show with Knocmena Eloise, and her rider Aoife Brennan. In Clifden, they meet Connemara Pony Breeders Society secretary, Áine Ní Fhoghla as she prepares for her busiest week of the year and the highlight of the Connemara Pony calendar: The Clifden Show.
In Trá Bháin, generational pony owners, the Ó Ráinne family, are preparing their stallion to travel to Clifden. At the show, Seán Ó Conaire and his father-in-law Jerry have travelled from Limerick hoping to claim a rosette, while Máirín Ó Neachtain battles the rain with Glencorrib Missy. With the weather wreaking havoc, Connemara Pony Breeders Society and its President Daragh Ó Tuairisg has a tough decision to make.
In episode 4, viewers meet Mike Frank Ó Confhaola, a pony enthusiast who travels by pony and cart as a pastime. In Athenry, the remainder of the Clifden Show takes place.
We meet Colm Sullivan and his nephew Colm McCauley, inheritors of a farm in Léim, where the famous Connemara pony ‘Cannonball’ once lived and worked. At the Pony Sales in Clifden, the show learns about pricing trends, and in Carlow, Gloria Nolan shows her facility where elite ponies are prepared for the commercial market.
At the historic Maam Cross fair, buyers and sellers discuss what they believe the future holds for the Connemara pony.
Produced by Aniar TV for TG4.
