Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Australia

22/10/2026

Macnamara (175) b.1960 was by Macdara(91) out of Nòra (682). He was bred by Joe King, Dunloughan and won the c**t foal class in Clifden. As a registered stallion, dark grey, 13' 3" he stood with Blanche and Ruth Miller at the Rosenaharley Stud in Dorset.
Nòra was twenty two when he was born and was by the seven time champion stallion Noble Star (17).
Macnamara was a serial winner at the ECPS and NPS shows in England as were many of his progeny.He was in constant demand as a sire for his bone, conformation, type and strength.
He bred particularly well with the Millers' May Retreat giving them four stallion sons. Three of those went to Denmark including the highly influential Rosenaharley Mac Milo.
Macnamara was a beacon of pony Type at a critical time in the development of the pony as the Thoroughbred and Arabian bloodlines of Little Heaven and Naseel respectively threatened to move the traditional pony away from its essential qualities.
Other sons of Macdara to provide the same corrective influences were Atlantic Sentinel in England, Marconi and Gael Linn in America and Slieve Dara in Sweden.
How we could do with him right now!

Ph. Fiona Forbes. Macnamara with Blanche Miller.

11/10/2026

The final visit of the stud tour was to Marglyn Connemaras and most generously hosted by Che Hetherington and Sarah Kenny. Sarah had driven the 15 hours from Normanton Nth Qld, which is an indication of her commitment to showcasing her lovely well cared for ponies. The highlight was of course the introduction to the recently imported black stallion Numenor of Metella. He is certainly an exciting addition to the Australian herd. Marglyn have an interesting mix of brood mares - Connemaras, Warmbloods and Percheron . Thank you so much Sarah and Che for the opportunity to view your ponies and for your interesting and insightful discussions.

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

Life Membership to the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society has been awarded to two long standing and valued members - Gary Johnson of Garnet Stud and Karen Holloway. Life membership is a small recognition of the enormous contribution both Gary and Karen have made to both the Connemara pony and the growth of the Australian Society. The full resumes of their contributions will be published in the upcoming e-bulletin. Congratulations and thank you Gary and Karen.

11/10/2026

Special thanks to Dianne Collins at Capell Park Connemaras for hosting a stud tour for our Annual AGM event. Dianne was generous in her introduction to her ponies ang explanation of her breeding decisions. Congratulations also in the classification of 4 mares and the young stallion that she bred into Class 1 status. Dianne also hosted the AGM and provided a fabulous lunch under cover in very trying Victorian weather.

05/10/2026

Respect to Dianne Collins of Capall Park Connemara Ponies who presented stud tour attendees with this beautiful catalogue and history of her stud. The inclusion of pedigrees speaks to Di’s commitment and interest in bloodlines and a testament to her beautiful ponies.

05/10/2026

Our tour of Keysla Connemaras hosted by Leara Keysers provided the best fine weather of the day so there are some more photos here. Leara introduced us to her lovely stallion Exmoor Orion and her mares and youngstock, generously providing information about her ponies and the breeding decisions she is making. Others might add extra photos or details about each of the ponies.

05/10/2026

First host for our 2026 Stud Tour was Jacqui Panozo and her family at Argatnel Connemaras. It was a very wet day and this made it difficult to take great photos - other attendees might be able to add more in the comments. Thanks Jacqui for your hospitality and the opportunity to meet your ponies. Jacqui’s stud is a great example of a boutique breeder making thoughtful decisions about who to breed her foundation mares too. There are a few youngsters for sale at Argatnel so contact Jacqui direct for more information.

04/10/2026

30/08/2026

CPBSA - EOI INVITED FOR ROLE OF SECRETARY/TREASURER
Due to the retirement of the current incumbent, expressions of interest are invited for the honorary position of Secretary/Treasurer of the CPBSA. This is a casual role of nominally 20 hours per month. Whilst processing the necessary data input and email traffic is regular, the role requires flexibility for servicing members’ needs and will require that personal interaction can occur any day of the week and not necessarily in defined business hours.
Some of the requirements for applicants to the position are as follows:
• Be customer service orientated,
• Committed to maintenance and further development of our systems,
• Complete a satisfactory Police Check,
• Be prepared to travel interstate to attend the AGM when required,
• Be familiar with the Constitution, By Laws, Role and Vision as well as our strategic plan.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Organising meetings and taking minutes,
• Administrative functions,
• Formatting reports, proposals, agendas and general business correspondence,
• Conduct/compute and record results of annual elections of Committee,
• Assist with management of electronic Stud Book, Web Page and pages.
The following qualities are essential:
• Absolute discretion and professionalism,
• Computer literate to an intermediate level (Microsoft Office Suite),
• Ability to work in a team and, more importantly, autonomously,
• A high level of verbal and written communication skills – with demonstrated ability to write clear reports, agendas, minutes and complex and sensitive correspondence,
• Ability to multitask, prioritise and work flexible hours,
• Ability to manage funds, audits, balances as treasurer using MYOB.
Applicants must supply three references/referees.
To apply or for further details and a complete job description and probation period please contact:

Vicki Plummer on 0403 558 732 or email [email protected]

All applications will be forwarded to Committee for consideration.