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From a promising foal to the bright lights of HOYS! Join breeder Fiona Grimes, owner Debbie Todd and rider Vikki Smith as they share the remarkable story of Copperbeech Encore, the 2026 Ridden Mountain & Moorland Champion. Three women, three perspectives and one extraordinary Connemara pony. An episode full of memories, laughter, breeding insights and the moments that made a champion.

A special thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for supporting Connemara Pony Tales through the Equine Technical Support (ETS) Scheme 2026.

This podcast series is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Scheme.

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For the very first time, Connemara Pony Tales went LIVE, recorded in front of a full house at the Station House Theatre during Connemara Pony Show week in Clifden.

Co-hosted by Lucinda Kelly and breeder Joe Burke, the night brought the conversations from the show ring onto the stage with some of the biggest names from an extraordinary week:

On the panel

• Judges: Sean Dunne and Vanessa Compton
• Ridden champions: Grace Murphy (champion) and Chloe Lacey (reserve champion)
• International guests: Tuula Pyöriä (Finland), Linda Haines (USA Connemara Council) and Kerrie Wainwright

The grand finale
This year’s Supreme Champion winners, Brian and Cathal Mullen, arrived with the Cup in tow. They shared the story behind the dam line of Supreme Champion Gurteen Jennifer.

Expect stories, opinions, laughs, ponies and more than a little Clifden magic.

With thanks to the Connemara Pony Show Committee, Clifden, and the Irish Horse Board for collaborating with us on this first Connemara Pony Tales Live, and to everyone who came along and filled the room.

This recording is part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Scheme. Our thanks to the Department for their continued support.

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With the 2026 Dublin Horse Show just days away, we hear from the riders, owners and breeders preparing to take part in the Connemara pony classes.

Through voice notes sent directly from yards, stables and jeeps across Ireland and beyond, our contributors introduce their qualified ponies, share the best Dublin advice they have received, reveal what nearly stopped them from getting there and imagine what their pony might say if interviewed on the morning of the class.

We are also joined by Tweetie Nimmo, Kirsty Aird and Madeline Beckmann, all of whom have previously judged the Connemara classes at Dublin. They share their memories, experience and insights into what makes competing at the Dublin Horse Show such a special occasion.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode, and the very best of luck to every breeder, owner, rider and pony heading to Dublin.

Part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Scheme.

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https://www.facebook.com/ConnemaraPonyWorld