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Jean Dart then gave an elegant display of riding side-saddle on her
lovely mare Glenormiston Breege, followed by a harness demonstration
given by Jackie Mellett and her mare Celtic Seadrift.
The demonstrations concluded with four dressage demonstrations,
performed with flair and precision by Nina Lloyd and her two-star
eventer Springfield Fergus, Paige Gardiner and Ballintapper Galahad,
Emmeline McKenzie and Tinderry Jinden, and 1989 Australian FEI
dressage representative Pam Shepherd with Celtic Sandstone.
Two guest speakers, original Australian Connemara Pony breeders Dr
Kate Storey-Whyte and Mrs M Kelly, gave wonderful presentations that
added greatly to the educational aspect of the showcase. Kate
discussed the history, conformation and characteristics of the
breed, and
Mrs M Kelly focused on the selection, breeding and care of Connemaras and
sporthorses.
Mrs M Kelly included some interesting personal insights into her introduction
to the breed and the selection and importation of some of her own
ponies, among the first to come to Australia.
All of the ponies presented on the day, including those with
limited show or event experience, behaved beautifully and their
presentation was a credit to their owners – particularly at this
time of the year when pony coats are at their longest and woolliest.
The organizing committee is to be commended for an outstanding
program. A delicious lunch was provided for all those in
attendance, plus an interesting photograph, video and book display
that provided visual interest during the quieter moments of the
day.
I’m sure all who attended are looking forward enthusiastically to
the second Victorian Connemara Pony Showcase to take place in 2009.
Further information about the day, including photographs may be
found at the website: www.freewebs.com/connemaraponyshowcase |
