As we approach the end of 2025, we reflect on what has been a great year with the ponies – many highs and a few lows.
We began the year with five foals hitting the ground: three colts and two fillies. A small but carefully selected crop, with the hope of retaining a filly to continue our breeding programme and preserve our bloodlines. We were truly blessed to keep two fillies, while the three colts head across the pond to fantastic homes.
This year we showed three ponies, two of which have won several championships in their day. But the real joy came from showing our 138cm mare for the first time, who demonstrated what can only be described as a true-to-type Connemara, complete with just the right hint of attitude.
Our success at the Clifden Show was particularly special, with Copperbeech Harriet winning the 138cm class and her dam Ember Grey placing 2nd in the 10-15 year old Mare class. Sadly, that same week we also faced one of the hardest moments any breeder can endure, making the heartbreaking decision to put our mare Copperbeech Star to sleep due to colic. Breeding is never for the faint-hearted – with the good always comes the bad.
In September we had the honour and privilege of judging at the French National Show. It is always an honour to be invited to judge abroad, but being asked back to the venue where we judged the 50th Anniversary Show was particularly special – the Association Française du Poney Connemara French National Show at Haras National de Pompadour. We also had the pleasure of judging alongside the wonderful Lolo Roux.
In October we travelled to HOYS to support Debbie Todd and Copperbeech Encore. To say we were proud is an understatement when he went on to place 2nd in the Connemara class. For his first year out as a novice he was simply unbelievable, and it feels like this boy has only just scratched the surface.
Looking ahead, we have five mares safely back in foal for spring 2026 and face into this with excitement and bated breath, knowing that this time of year can bring many challenges.
As winter sets in, our older girls Lackragh Beauty and Lishin Star remain with us, now rising 26 and 24. They are slower these days and beginning to show their years, but they continue to give us memories that any breeder could only ever wish for.
We would like to wish you all a very happy New Year, and here’s to another season – more dreams, more challenges, and more unforgettable moments with the ponies we love.
