The purpose of the showcase was to promote the Connemara Pony, a Mountain and Moorland pony breed originating in Ireland and having been established in Australia since the 1960’s.  These large ponies are typically athletic, and versatile, excelling in any equestrian discipline their owners wish to pursue. Also, because of their superb nature, they often make great young rider, RDA or riding school ponies.

The showcase day dawned bright and sunny, which reflected the cheerful and enthusiastic mood of both the organizers and all those who attended the showcase.  Twenty-five purebred ponies, including stallions, mares, geldings and youngstock representing a variety of studs and bloodlines, and five Connemara sporthorses were presented for viewing in Juravon Park’s indoor arena. 

In addition to the ponies being paraded in-hand, a number were presented under saddle, and a variety of demonstrations were conducted that displayed the ponies’ great versatility. 

The first demonstration, a favourite with the spectators, was a given by the Oaklands Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group, with Bradley Downing riding Gunnah pictured left.

At the ride’s conclusion there were smiles on every face, but none bigger than that of Bradley as he accepted the clapping and cheering of the appreciative crowd. 

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