·· 6 September at 18:48 ·
Although the summer remained glum and wet, the action was heating up in preparation for the final shows of the season for the Cashelbay Team, and it was all hands on deck for the annual Connemara Pony Breeders' Society Clifden Show where Cashelbay Amanda, Cashelbay Breeze, Seabreeze Bella, Cashelbay Prionsa Og, and Cashelbay Rocket were flying the flag for Cashelbay Stud.
Cashelbay Amanda (Cashlebay Shadow x Shanna Mandy) was out on Tuesday for the Three Year Old Loose Jumping and jumped clear.
Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) was first up for the in hand classes on Wednesday Morning, and placed 4th in a strong yearling filly class.
Simultaneously, in ring two, Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) was shown in hand for the in hand gelding class, placing 4th.
Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederiksminde Ballerina) took to the ring shortly after and placed 2nd in an outstandingly strong three year old filly class
In the afternoon Cashelbay Rocket (Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty) represented the Cashelbay stallions placing 3rd in the In Hand seven year old and over stallion class.
Clifden Show has always been lucky for us, and the weather didn’t dampen out spirits! We are delighted with our ponies and the results against some of the best Connemaras in Ireland and beyond, and thoroughly enjoy the Clifden Show experience every year.
Only a week and 4 days later the weather took a turn for the better, and the sun, not seen for months, shone out marvellously for the
Taispeantas Chois Fharraige, Cois Fharraige Show, Spiddal Show, where I took to the show ring myself again, showing our three year old filly Seabreeze Bella.
Seabreeze Bella has done incredibly well this season, and her good fortune continued, when she won her three year old filly class, and went on to claim the Reserve Junior Championship!
The welcome and company at Spiddal Show was as warm as the weather, and that, combined with the results, made for another spectacular day out.
Now that things have calmed down a bit at Cashelbay, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone from Clifden Show, Spiddal Show and all the shows throughout the season for the opportunities to showcase our ponies. For the work put in by the committees, judges, stewards and volunteers we want to give you our most sincere thanks, and congratulations for a job well done. Likewise, we wish to thank and congratulate all our fellow exhibitors and competitors for their hard work throughout the season and beyond. Apart from being competitors in the ring, they are always there to lend a helping hand when needed, and make the showing community the close family that it is, and for that we thank you wholeheartedly.
·· 24 July ·
Last Sunday the Cashelbay team ventured west to the Ballyconneely Agricultural Show with our yearling filly, Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate), and our 3 year old filly, Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederikisminde Ballerina). Though the weather looked threatening throughout the morning, the atmosphere in Ballyconneely was as warm and cordial as ever, and our morning was made all the better when Cashelbay Breeze placed 2nd in her large yearling class, with Seabreeze Bella winning a strong 3 year old class!
We are so proud of these ponies achievements to date, with Cashelbay Breeze having always placed in the top 3, and Seabreeze Bella having a strike rate of 100% to date, winning 3 times at the 3 shows that she has attended! We are really looking forward to seeing how these fillies progress in the future!
A huge thanks and well done to the Ballyconneely Agricultural Show organisers, judges, stewards, and volunteers for putting on another excellently run show, and a massive congratulations to all our fellow competitors.
· 16 July ·
Last weekend the Cashelbay team made the best of the good weather, travelling on Saturday to Ardrahan show and on Sunday to the picturesque Roundstone Pony Show.
Ardrahan show is an ideal show for our younger stock, and first up in the morning was Michael and Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire) in the ridden hunter class, where Cashelbay Mr Solomons composed himself well placing 3rd. At the same time, our untried 3 year old sport horse gelding Cashelbay Valentine (Cappa Cassanova x Cashelbay Esmeralda) took to the in hand ring, gaining his first ever show experience, and placing a respectable 2nd! Later in the afternoon, Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) continued her showing campaign placing 2nd to a 2 year old, in the yearling and 2 year old filly class.
Sunday saw the centennial anniversary of the Roundstone show, where Cashelbay Breeze took to the ring once again placing 3rd in the yearling filly class.
Shows such as these play an important part of our showing calendar. For the younger stock, they act as an ideal training ground, with some of the best showgrounds in the country, they can gain an education in the showring, learning all about the hustle and bustle of competition life. For us these shows act as a valuable part of our social life, where we can meet up with our fellow exhibitors and exchange meetings and greetings over a good cup of tea.
Special thanks to Ardrahan and Roundstone show committees, the judges, stewards, and volunteers for putting on beautiful shows as always. A special well done David Devane on his excellent grounds and to Paddy “the yank” McDonagh and all the team for organising the successful Centennial Roundstone show. Roundstone show was the first ever Connemara Breed show, showcasing the Connemara pony to the world. Shows such as these are important to the future of the Connemara pony. Also, well done to all our fellow competitors, who put in so much hard work producing their horses and ponies to such a high standard.
· 9 July ·
Cashelbay Stud has long been a supporter of local pony shows around Connemara, and none more so than the annual Maam Cross Pony and Livestock Show, which takes place on the first Sunday of July, and marks the start of the pony shows around Connemara for the summer.
From as far back as 1997, we have trophies and fond memories of winning with one of our foundation mares, the inimitable Ballybawn Cashel(Boden Park Finnard x Aran Kilchreast ex Gorteen Boy) who was led on the day by our own son Daniel. In more recent times, 2019, our mare Frederiksminde Mellow II (Hazy Dawn x Frederiksminde Mellow ex Hamlet of Oakleigh) and her foal Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederkisminde Mellow II) both won their classes, with Cashelbay Mellow then claiming the foal championship!
This year we brought our relatively untried 3 year old filly Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederiksminde Ballerina) to Maam Cross, and were absolutely delighted to win the 3 year old filly class against stiff competition! This is her 2nd win from 2 outings, including qualifying for the Ballinasloe Filly championship. This filly has exceeded our expectations so far this season, and we look forward to her achievements in the future!
Like so many of the local shows around Connemara, Maam Cross Show provides a brilliant service for all of the local breeders and producers, a platform from which these producers can showcase their ponies both locally and to the world, bringing the spotlight back to Connemara, the origin of the breed as a whole.
We want to most wholeheartedly thank the organisers, judges, stewards and volunteers of Maam Cross Show who, as always made it a great day out, and we would like to congratulate all our fellow winners and exhibitors, without which none of this would be possible.
Now with the showing season in full flight, we have no doubt that we will see you all again in the near future at the ringside!
· 24 June ·
Corrandulla Show is always one of the must see agricultural shows of the year, and yesterday, under a glorious blue sky, the Cashelbay team made their annual visit with Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde MellowII) and a couple of the relatively untried youngsters, our yearling filly Cashelbay Breeze (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) and our 3 year old filly, Seabreeze Bella (Seabreeze Mirah x Frederiksminde Ballerina).
Each one of these ponies conducted themselves beautifully, and exceeded our expectations, with Cashelbay Breeze winning a strong yearling filly class, Cashelbay Bella winning the Ballinasloe 3 year old filly Qualifier class, and coming second in the 3 year old filly class to Robert Nee’s beautiful Rathville Poppy (a pony by our own Cashelbay Prince!), and Cashelbay Mellow continuing in her winning ways, winning her ridden class, and claiming the ridden championship! To say that we are delighted and immensely proud would be an understatement!
The debut show for any pony is always fraught with anticipation. It is only when you see your own stock alongside their contemporaries, that you can see what you really have, as at home there is nothing to compare them to, but these youngsters proved themselves yesterday, and we have high hopes for their future!
A massive well done and thanks to all the Corrandulla Show committee, judges, stewards and volunteers for running another outstanding show, and a very special thanks to Cailin Conneely for saving the day, stepping in to show our Seabreeze Bella while Micheal was in the ridden class with Cashelbay Mellow. Also, well done to all our fellow competitors on another great day out.
With June soon drawing to a close, the summer showing season is now in full flight. Over the next month or more the shows will be thick and fast and we have no doubt that we will see you all at the ringside again soon!
The Dublin Horse Show is one of the pinnacles of the showing calendar every year, drawing visitors from all over the globe, and exhibitors from every corner of the country and beyond, competing for the much coveted titles.
Last weekend the Cashelbay team secured their place at the Dublin Horse Show when Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) and Michael Harty gained their qualification in Scarteeen, for the 4 and 5 year old ridden class, in an outstandingly strong field of 25 or more competitors!
With this qualification in place, we would like to congratulate all our fellow qualifiers and wish them all the best in the finals in Dublin!
Huge thanks to all of the Scarteen Team, the judges, stewards, and volunteers for hosting the qualifiers, and for putting on a great day’s show for all.
With that qualification now in place, we continue to prepare, not only for Dublin, but for the many agricultural shows around the country, which offer so much for breeders and producers alike.
No doubt we will see you all again soon at the ringside
· 14 June ·
The show season is now in full swing, and last weekend saw the Cashelbay team venture to Claregalway Agricultural Show where Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) and Michael Harty did us proud yet again, winning their ridden class!
It is a pleasure to see the next generation of Cashelbay ponies excelling at their work, and means the world to us as breeders and producers.
Congratulations and massive thanks, to Val Noone, his fellow organisers, judges, stewards, and volunteers on the day, for making it a most welcoming show to attend. A fine job was done as always! Also well done to all our fellow competitors and exhibitors, a pleasure to meet up with everyone once again!
Now, after a brief breather, we set our sights on the various upcoming shows and qualifiers yet to come, and will no doubt see you all again at the ringside soon!
· 4 June ·
The Cashelbay team celebrated the bank holiday weekend by attending both the Limerick Clare IPS show at Banner Equestrian on Saturday, and the Irish Pony Society Western Area show in Duffys Equestrian Centre on Monday.
Saturday was a splendid day all round with Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) winning her ridden class, and Cashelbay Prionsa Og(Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Lacha Fada) placing a respectable second in his working hunter class.
Monday saw more success, with Cashelbay Mellow placing 2nd against a well deserving winner in her ridden class, and our youngest sport horse campaigner, Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ISH) winning, not only his small hunter class, but the Ridden Horse Championship of the show!
Cashelbay Mr Solomons though young, is a complete gentleman, with the sweetest disposition, and seeing him gain his education with every show is a joy. Producing homebred young stock is an honour in itself, and to see Cashelbay Mr Solomons progress from his first ever ridden show last year, to this year winning a ridden championship, and a reserve working hunter championship in Athenry show, fills us with pride and great hope for him in the future.
Huge thanks and well done to both the Limerick/Clare and Western Area IPS branches for putting on such enjoyable shows, the hard work put in by the committee, judges, stewards, and volunteers is a credit to you. And also, well done to all our fellow competitors and to everyone who helped us on the days, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Now as the summer progresses, there is little time to relax with shows every weekend and the ever present yard duties in between. With this schedule, we will no doubt see you all by the ringside again soon!
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27 May ·
Athenry Agricultural Show marks the start of the Agricultural show season for many, and everyone here at Cashelbay are absolutely over the moon with the results!
Yesterday we decided to take our younger stock, Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II), Cashelbay Mr Solomons, (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ISH) and out newest recruit, and youngest rider Aoibhinn with Snowy, to try their luck at Athenry Show.
The day started brilliantly with Aoibhinn winning a very strong lead rein class (for her outstanding rising trot), and continued well with Cashelbay Mr Solomons winning his working hunter class. After lunch, Cashelbay Mellow took to the ring winning her 4-6 in hand mare class! Later in the afternoon Cashelbay Mellow returned to the ring and did us all proud by winning the Supreme Connemara Championship, with Cashelbay Mr Solomons claiming the Reserve Working Hunter Championship shortly afterwards!
We honestly could not anticipate these results and it was truly an honour to receive the Micheal Higgins Memorial Cup. Micheal was part of the very fabric of Athenry Show, and is dearly missed every year since his passing. Receiving this cup will forever remind us of this esteemed gentleman.
As always, the atmosphere was amazing at Athenry Show. The classes were well subscribed and there was a great turnout of spectators. The first show of the year is a brilliant opportunity to catch up with people not seen since the previous year, and this year was no exception.
We would like to extend our most sincere thanks and well done to Kieran O’ Keefe, and all the committee, and to the judges and all the volunteers, who work so hard year in and year out to make this show the success that it is.
Congratulations and well done to all our fellow winners and competitors, also we would like to thank everyone who helped us on the day, and look forward to seeing everyone at the ringside again soon!
· 11 April ·
This week we took advantage of the brief spell of good weather, and took our youngsters Cashelbay Matthew (Cashelbay Prince x Cashelbay Saphire) and Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire) to the beach for a fun day out, guided by Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada).
It was the first time either of these young horses had been brought to the beach, and they appeared to embrace the experience wholeheartedly!
Recreational days like these are invaluable for the physical and psychological development of the horses and ponies in training, giving them a chance to experience new sights and sounds, and the opportunity to let their hair down and thoroughly enjoy themselves, outside of the demands of day to day training.
Cashelbay Prionsa Og, is well acquainted to the beach and provided a confident lead for the youngsters, whilst also enjoying a good splash around!
Though the weather is so often grim at the moment, days out such as these are a reminder that Summer is only around the corner, and we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead!
· 5 April ·
It was a most enjoyable easter weekend for all of the Cashelbay Stud team at the Hollypark Spring Show last Monday. Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) and Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) Were in top form and exceeded even our expectations. Cashelbay Mellow won her novice ridden class, and Cashelbay Og swept the boards winning: exc 143 M&M working hunter, The over 16’s working hunter, the Connemara Ridden Championship, the Reserve M&M Championship, and the Overall Supreme Championship!
There was no way that we could have anticipated these results and are truly delighted for these up and coming stars. Huge thanks and well done to all of the Hollypark Spring Show team, and well done to all our fellow competitors. These results also give us the deepest pride seeing the homebred progeny of our beloved stallion Cashelbay Prince(I Love You Melody x Coosheen Pheasant) excelling in their disciplines.
As breeders we always hope the choice of crosses over the years will be successful. Choosing the iconic I Love You Melody to cover our foundation mare Coosheen Pheasant all those years ago, proved providential for Cashelbay Stud. This cross gave us Cashelbay Prince, who excelled not only in hand, but under saddle in various disciplines, and he became the first class 1 stallion to stand at Cashelbay Stud.
For any stallion to prove themselves as a sire takes time, and as Cashelbay Prince now turns 23, we can look back and see the progeny that he has produced with immense pride. Along with our own young stars, Cashelbay Prionsa Og and Cashelbay Mellow, we see the likes of our homebred Cashelbay Kate(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mathilda), who won the Supreme and Broodmare Championships in Clifden in 2022, Cashelbay Clancy (Cashelbay Prince x Grey Molly) who is competing and winning at 1.20m in Italy, Ardfry Ariel (Cashelbay Prince x Ross Castle Ardfry Fuschia) FEI Pony Championship Gold Medalist 2019, Cashelbay Milton a Class 1 stallion, and many many more.
We believe that it is important as breeders to have belief in our choices, and would like to give our best wishes to all our fellow breeders for the covering season, and look forward to seeing all the superstars of the future.
26/03/24
It was another spectacular weekend for all the Cashelbay Team! Michael and our young sporthorse, Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire ish) went to Ower Equestrian Centre, where Cashelbay Solomons jumped like a horse more advanced in years and experience, winning and qualifying for the Northern Ireland Festival in both the 80cm working hunter class and the 95cm small hunter horse class!
For a horse who has never competed over jumps and only once before competed in flat ridden, we simply could not ask more of him! We are absolutely thrilled and are eagerly looking forward to his future and the Northern Ireland Festival!
Special thanks to all at Ower Equestrian Centre, Co. Galway for another brilliant show and to everyone who helped out on the day, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
22/03/24
Last Monday the Cashelbay Team had a most enjoyable bank holiday at the Irish Pony Society Western Area Spring Show at Duffys Equestrian Centre!
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) proved that he is ready to take the world by storm, winning his working hunter class, winning his ridden class, qualifying for the Northen Ireland Festival, and winning the Ridden Connemara Championship!
While Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) was not the judges choice on this occasion, as she was a bit fresh on the day, she still placed a respectable 3rd in her class, and continues to learn and grow with every outing she has.
Hugely well done and thank you to all at the Irish Pony Society Western Region for putting on another spectacular Show, it was a great day out, and a thoroughly enjoyable way to wrap up the St Patrick’s weekend festivities.
Photo courtesy of Joe Burke
17/02/24
The Irish Pony Society Western Area Winter Woollies Training Show at Ower Equestrian Centre, Co. Galway yesterday was an excellent opportunity to get the ponies out and about for light competition in the pre-showing season, and the Cashelbay ponies did not disappoint!
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) was first out in the Working Hunter Class and jumped beautifully securing the first red rosette of the day. Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) was next out in the ridden classes where she too behaved immaculately, earning her first place in both of her classes! Results such as these can never be taken for granted and we are thoroughly delighted, and very proud of these homebred ponies!
Well done to all fellow competitors and organisers for a great day out!
Now as spring progresses we look to various qualifiers for the upcoming show season, look forward to meeting all our new arrivals and we gladly welcome the lengthening days, warmer temperatures and drier conditions!
Looking forward to catching up with everyone after the long winter, see you all at the ringside soon!
16/02/23
Spring has finally landed, and so has the first foal of 2024 here at Cashelbay Stud! We were delighted to be introduced to this charming filly foal by Seabreeze Mirah out of our own homebred mare Cashelbay Jenny (Ice And Fire D’Albran x Cashelbay Lady Sue ex Cashelbay Rocket) on Tuesday morning, and she has continued to charm us ever since.
Despite the rather dreary weather this is the first sign that spring is most definitely here, and we look forward to welcoming the rest of our new arrivals, along with longer days, and balmier temperatures in the coming weeks and months ahead!
2023 was a year in which we can look back and remember fondly as a year of celebrations. Starting in the Spring, with the beginning of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society centenary celebrations we were more than honoured, and deeply appreciative to receive induction to the CPBS Hall of Fame during the Spring festival. Following that, qualifying and competing with our established and younger stock in the Northern Ireland Festival, Dublin Horse Show and Clifden where we managed to pick up more wins, and fond memories. Cashelbay Shadow achieving Class 1 status in the Autumn inspections did us proud, and featuring on RTE’s Nationwide was another exceptional high point during our year (if not our career!). Having our home bred Cashelbay JJ winning the Horse & Hound, Horse Of A Lifetime Award at the Annual awards in November was a dream we didn’t ever expect to achieve, and we are thrilled beyond belief.
This year was also about new beginnings and transitions. Many of our younger stock made their debut appearances in the likes of Dublin and Clifden, Ballinrobe and Monivea learning their craft and honing their skills with each outing. Others, such as Cashelbay Shadow, have gone to 5 star homes to continue flying the flag for Irish bred Connemara Ponies and horses around the world.
The next generation are the superstars of the future, and that is not restricted to just the ponies, but to the next generation of breeders, riders, and handlers that we had the pleasure showing alongside and working with, most recently at the West Workshops in Showing & Dressage which have been taking place on a monthly basis over the Autumn and Winter. These young competitors are the future of showing and breeding in Ireland, and it is a joy to see them progressing with each workshop, under the careful eye of Judy Cazabon and the team, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of that team.
Our list of thanks to everyone this year is surely exhaustive. Special thanks to all at the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society for our Hall of Fame induction, truly an honour, and for organising the year-long centenary celebrations. To Ann Marie O Callaghan, Anne Cassin and Martin Hartnett from RTE Nationwide for showcasing the Connemara Pony so beautifully to the world. To everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for Cashelbay JJ in the Horse and Hound, Horse of A Lifetime Awards, we offer our deepest thanks and appreciation, as a breeder it really is a dream come true! To all the various show committees for working tirelessly to make sure that shows run smoothly, it is a pleasure to attend each and every one throughout the season. And to everyone who has helped us in any way throughout the year, Thank you!
2023 was a year of reflection, but also a year in which we look to the future. 100 years ago this month the first Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society meeting took place. We look back on the hard work they did, and where we are now, due to their hard work and perseverance. We now look ahead to what we can do for the generations of the future, and what we can do to ensure the future of our beloved Connemara Ponies.
We wish everyon
23/11/23
Everyone at Cashelbay Stud is beyond ecstatic to receive the news that Cashelbay JJ (Castleside JJ x Ballybawn Cashel) has won the highly prestigious Horse & Hound awards 2023, Agria Horse Of A Lifetime Award! These awards are not given lightly, and as the breeder of this amazing pony it means the world to us, confirming that the choice of cross years ago was the right one when we took the chance with 2 duns, and the result was this magnificent pony! Congratulations to all connections of the amazing Cashelbay JJ, from the Leavesleys who purchased him all those years ago, and started his education, to Polly Eddis who has an amazing eye for a good horse. Polly spotted his potential and produced him to the pinnacle of his career alongside daughter Lucy and sister Susie, winning across the boards in Royal Windsor, Royal International and Dublin Horse Show as well as an outstanding 7 times in HOYS and many more! To most recently his leasee and rider Maisie Kivlochan, who rode him to 2nd place in The Royal International Horse Show this year and continues to event and enjoy this amazing pony every day.
Everyone has contributed to making Cashelbay JJ the outstanding star that he is, and we wish to thank the Horse & Hound, and all who nominated him for this award, for everyone who took the time to vote for this very special pony, we are truly grateful, and to everyone who has sent us such sincere messages of congratulation which have been non stop since!
For us, this is further celebration of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society centenary year, showing how far the Connemara Pony has come and how far they can go, and hope that our beloved Connemara Ponies continue showing the world how brilliant, intelligent and diverse they can be both at home and internationally!
Again, huge thanks and congratulations to everyone who helped to make this amazing achievement possible, it truly means the world to us!
18/11/23
This week we bid farewell to our recently classified homebred stallion Cashelbay Shadow(Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Mary )and our homebred filly Cashelbay Pumpkin (Pumkins Pondi x Cashelbay Amy)as they venture forth to fly the flag for Cashelbay Stud abroad.
Breeding constitutes just a part of what makes the Connemara Pony so famous, and sourcing the correct homes and producers to help our ponies reach their full potential is very important to us. We are delighted to know the home they are going to and just know that they will do us proud in the future!
Other recent departures from Cashelbay Stud were Cashelbay Lady Sue (Cashelbay Rocket x Kippure Oprah) and Cashelbay Autumn Bloom (Cashelbay Prince x Cashelbay Esmeralda) who have arrived in their new 5 star homes in the U.S.
We always love to hear how our homebred ponies are getting on in their new homes, and wish all the new owners the very best of luck with their ponies in the future! If you have a Cashelbay pony we would love to hear from you!
02/10/23
Autumn is often known as “The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness “, and fruitful it certainly proved to be if last week was anything to go by.
Monday saw us take our homebred stallion Cashelbay Shadow (Silver Shadow x Cashelbay Mary ex Hazy Match and Coosheen Pheasant) to the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society Autumn Stallion Inspections at Creagh Equestrian Centre, where he behaved like the consummate gentleman and achieved his Class 1 status!
Everyone at Cashelbay Stud is delighted by this result, making him the latest in a line of Cashelbay bred and produced stallions to achieve Class 1 status, and we wish to thank all the Inspection Committee, the arena party, judges, and all at Creagh Equestrian Centre for all their hard work on the day.
Closely followed by Monday’s result was the beautifully produced RTE Nationwide feature which aired on Wednesday night. It was a monumental honour to be included alongside well established breeders and industry professionals as part of the Nationwide feature which focused on the Clifden Connemara Pony Show, and the ongoing Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Centennial celebrations. To see our beloved Connemara Ponies promoted in such a positive fashion both in Ireland and abroad fills us with pride and gives us great hope for the future of the breed as a whole, and we wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to all who were involved in this production.
With life back to reality now, we look to our seasonal jobs. Like so many breeders and producers across the country and beyond, foals are being weaned, young stock are being brought in for breaking, winter rugs are being brought out in advance of the colder months to come, and we start to look forward to yet another season. See you all soon!
10/09/23
Cashelbay Mr Solomons
Today we made our way to Monivea Show with our untried young sport horse gelding Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire), where he showed maturity beyond his years and placed 2nd in his first ever ridden class!
This young gelding is very special to us, with a kind nature, and always eager to please, he has been produced slowly throughout the year, learning the ropes at home, and behaving like a perfect gentleman in the showring.
With a start like this, we are very excited to see what Cashelbay Mr Solomons will do in the future!
Huge thanks and well done to all the Monivea Show team, judges, stewards and volunteers, and special thanks to our sponsors and all who helped out throughout the day.
06/09/23
As the Summer showing season gradually winds down for another year, what better way to spend the day last Sunday but at the beautiful Ballinrobe Agricultural Show, where we received the bonus of the season when our lightly shown mare Ballinderry Polly(Illaunurra Lad x Beech Honey ex Monaghanstown Boy) did us extremely proud winning the 7-12 year old in hand mare class!
Ballinderry Polly has been very lightly campaigned, but has proven to be a good broodmare in the past and we look forward to seeing her with foal at foot again next year.
Huge thanks and well done to all the committee and organisers of Ballinrobe Show, it truly is a credit to all your hard work. Also, congratulations and well done to all our fellow competitors and exhibitors who we have had the pleasure of competing alongside throughout the season. Without such dedicated breeders and producers the shows would not be the success that they are. Not forgetting, of course, our longstanding sponsors who help us every step of the way, many thanks as always.
Now that things are starting to settle down we are getting the chance to turn our attentions to other endeavours over the Autumn and Winter!
23/08/23
This year’s Clifden Pony Show and CPBS Centennial Celebrations lived up to our expectations and then exceeded them!
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) got the week off to a great start, winning the in-hand gelding class first thing on Wednesday morning.
After lunch we had the honour of taking part in the parade of previous champions. Having a supreme in-hand champion at Clifden has alway been our dream, and to parade alongside the other illustrious champions was an experience of a lifetime!
Wrapping up the first day, Cashelbay Rocket (Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty) placed 3rd in the in-hand stallion class.
On Thursday, Cashelbay Prionsa Og continued on his winning streak, winning the 6 – 8 year old ridden pony class in the morning, and the afternoon saw us participate in the parade of former ridden champions with both Cashelbay Rocket and Cashelbay Prince( I Love You Melody x Coosheen Pheasant)!
Friday saw Cashelbay Prionsa Og compete in the High Performance Working Hunter Class. Unfortunately it was not to be on this occasion, but we are still very proud of his achievements to date. In the afternoon Cashelbay Prince took to the ring yet again, in the parade of previous working hunter champions alongside the other greats from years gone by.
Our other competitors throughout the week were Cashelbay Mellow and Tra Bhain Suimiuil, and while they were not the judge’s choice on the day, they continue to hone their skills and learn from every outing.
We would like to extend our biggest thanks and congratulations to all at the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society for an exceptional show, recognising the mammoth amount of work that was put into the planning and organising, and we wish to congratulate all our fellow competitors on their achievements throughout the week! We truly had an amazing time and look forward to see you all again soon!
10/08/23
Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) has done us massively proud at the Dublin Horse Show this morning placing 4th in a strong class of 19 ponies in the 4 & 5 year old ridden Connemara Class!
Competing in the Dublin Horse Show is always an incredible experience in such a high profile show and to place so highly in such a strong class is an honour. Well done to the winners and all our fellow competitors!
The next outing for Cashelbay Mellow will be at the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society Clifden Pony Show next week before being offered for sale at the Connemara Pony Sales Clifden on Saturday the 19th August
03/07/23
Cashelbay Prionsa Og(Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) flew the flag for us yesterday at the North East Connemara Pony Breeders Show and did us proud winning the Clifden High Performance Qualifier!
Huge thanks and well done to all the North East Connemara Breeders Show for another fabulous show and well done to all our fellow competitors for a great day out!
The countdown to Connemara Pony Breeders' Society Clifden Show is truly on now and we hope to see everyone again soon!
06/0623
The June Bank holiday weekend got off to a spectacular start on Saturday when the Cashelbay Team went to the Irish Pony Society Western Area Fundraising Show in Duffys Equestrian Centre.
Cashelbay Rocket (Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty) has been surprisingly schooling better at home than ever expected since his duties have been changed to stud duties, and with that in mind we decided to bring him out for the day where he exceeded our expectations winning his first ever performance class and placing second in another, proving that stud duties and competing are not mutually exclusive endeavours
Tra Bhain simiuil (Shadows Dun x Cool Running) also jumped superbly to place 3rd twice in her performance classes!
Not to be outdone, Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) jumped like a star, won his 90cm Working Hunter class, placed 2nd in the 1m working hunter, won the over 16 Connemara working Hunter Class, and went on to win the Working Hunter Championship!
It is a pleasure to see the ponies excelling in their education, and honing their skills for the summer season ahead and enjoying the work they do. Congratulations to all our fellow competitors, and a massive thank you, well done to the IPS Western Area team and Duffy's Equestrian Centre for putting on a great show and as always special thanks to our longstanding sponsors!
It was a pleasure to meet up with everyone again, and hope to catch you all again soon by the ringside
Cashelbay Rocket is now available for live cover and AI.
Semen fresh/chilled, frozen semen available throughout Europe!
Due to high demand, our homebred Cashelbay Rocket will be taking a break away from showing competitively under saddle and will instead spend the season attending to stud duties!
Cashelbay Rocket Cashelbay Cruise(I Love You Melody) x Cashelbay Misty ex Ashfield Bobby Sparrow
2009, gr. 147cm
Class 1
HWSD N/N
Carrier of the B.E.C gene
First foal Sunday,a colt!
Dam Cashelbay Esmeralda sports mare going back to Imp. Sire Cashelbay Prince, a keeper I would say. Happy days
31/03/23
Life at Cashelbay is returning to normal after what was an amazing Connemara Pony Breeders' Society Spring Festival in Clifden last weekend
The Stallion Parade is a great showcase for studs and stallion owners nationwide and is a great opportunity for breeders to view prospective sires in real life.
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night was an amazing experience and I am truly humbled to receive this award alongside the highly respected Elizabeth Hogkins, and wish to thank Michael Harty, our daughter Helen, and our grandson Liam who were able to join us in celebrating this award, and a heartfelt thanks to everyone who nominated me for such an honour
Connemara ponies, their betterment, and securing their place in the future have always been our core aim at Cashelbay, and we hope to continue with this into the future.
Again, most sincere thanks for this accolade from Myself, Barbara, family, and all at Cashelbay Connemara Pony Stud.
21/03/23
Cashelbay Stud were honoured to be invited to speak in a question and answer session alongside some of the best industry professionals last Sunday at Diamond’s Equine Renvyle as part of their Annual Open Day Event. Events such as these are a great opportunity for owners breeders and industry professionals to meet up and gather useful information for the breeding season.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day there and want to thank all the team for their immense hospitality and wish them all the best for the season ahead!
03/02/23
With the first days of spring upon us the Cashelbay team are gearing up for the year ahead.
This week we took the younger ponies out for their schooling session to The Parks Equestrian in Moycullen to continue their early spring education and re-introduction to work after the winter break. Schooling sessions such as these prove invaluable to both riders and ponies, varying their routine, keeping everyone focused, interested and forward for the season to come.
Cashelbay Prionsa Og (Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Loch Fada) is enjoying being back in work, loves his jumping and clearly enjoys the variety of the cross country course!
Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) is in the early stages of her ridden career, but loves her work, and is learning every day.
Cashelbay Mr Solomons (Seabreeze Mirah x Cashelbay Saphire) ia an Irish Sport Horse gelding by our resident stallion Seabreeze Mirah(Westside Mirah x Cashelbay Courtney) out of our sport horse mare Cashelbay Saphire. He too is in the infancy of his ridden career, but is an absolute gentleman who is eager to please building confidence with every outing.
Tra Bhain Simiuil (Shadows Dun x Cool Running) continues to jump well around a course of jumps, enjoys her work, and has proved herself invaluable as steady head and schoolmaster, giving confidence to the younger ponies around the course.
We look forward to seeing the progression of these youngsters in the weeks and months to come, and seeing the next generation of Cashelbay Superstars!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Cashelbay Stud would like to thank our family, friends, supporters, well wishers and sponsors for their continued support throughout what was an amazing year, and wish everyone near and far a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to catching up with everyone in 2023!
23/8/22
Cashelbay Stud have been blessed throughout the years with our various wins and achievements, yet the results over the past two weeks have fulfilled our lifetime ambitions and then surpassed them!
The Clifden Pony show is known and respected worldwide. Known as the birthplace of the Connemara Pony, it is the pinnacle of the showing season for all things Connemara related. Be it in-hand, ridden classes, working hunter, puissance and more everyone vies for a much coveted prize, cementing their name and a place in the history books.
From early childhood I would see the photos of the various winners and champions of the Clifden Pony Show proudly displayed around Clifden and dearly hoped that someday we might be part of such a display.
And this year it finally happened…
The week could not have played out better, the sun shone better than ever expected, the grounds were immaculate and the ponies were in the form of their lives. Wednesday saw people from near and far reuniting after a long 3 years, and stock previously unseen due to the pandemic graced the hallowed Clifden show ring to compete for their chance to make history.
Our own homebred Cashelbay Kate (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mathilda ex Hazy Dawn) flew the flag once again for the Cashelbay Prince and Jimmy Canavan’s I Love You Melody’s bloodlines by forging on to complete our lifetime ambitions and then some by winning a exceptionally strong 10-15 year old mare with foal at foot class, winning the Broodmare Championship, and then winning the Supreme Championship of Clifden Connemara Pony Show! The congratulatory applause and expression of goodwill I received from the ringside meant the world to me.
Over Awed, overwhelmed and moved to tears we could not expect our week to get any better, and yet it did!
With Cashelbay Rocket (Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty ex Ashfield Bobby Sparrow)having Competed in-hand on Wednesday, in a strong 7 year old and over Stallion Class placing a highly respectable 2nd. Thursday saw Michael Harty and Cashelbay Rocket compete in the Ridden Stallion Class. Against tough competition Cashelbay Rocket rose to the challenge, performed a flawless show and won his class! The winning pair then went on to exceed even our expectations and won the Ridden Championship of the Clifden Show!
The Parade of Champions on Friday evening saw all the winners from throughout the week take part in the parade throughout the town, Michael was aboard Cashelbay Rocket leading the Parade, and myself with Cashelbay Kate took up the rearguard. The evening shone golden in the setting sun and it felt like a dream to be there surrounded by family and friends. A lifetime’s ambitions finally achieved!
To have our names in the books as Clifden Supreme Champions is what we had dreamed of for all those years, but to make history for being the first stud to win both the in-hand and the Ridden Supreme Championships feels nearly unreal. A stud always hopes that they’re making the best decisions over the years, from breeding right through to performance production, and on this occasion these decisions proved correct.
Hot on the heels of such an amazing Clifden, we welcomed the return of The Dublin Horse Show. Steeped in history, tradition and pure class, it is always an honor to enter the show ring there, this honor was only compounded when Michael Harty and Cashelbay Rocket won the ridden stallion class and then went on to claim the Ridden Connemara Championship for the second time in a row!
To compete and win at two internationally acclaimed venues in as many weeks is simply the stuff of dreams, and the Parade of Champions in the main arena is a moment to be cherished forever.
We are blessed to have such amazing ponies and people with us, every one of them playing a part in these phenomenal wins. Our list of thank yous and expression of extreme gratitude is nearly endless, from all who have worked with us to make this happen, Julie who rode for us in Dublin, and who did a great job as always, Caroline and Leon the most amazing grooms one could ask for, working tirelessly at all hours, Pat who took the helm at the farm whilst we were away for the 2 weeks, keeping the place immaculate, close friends and family who assist us when needed and lend a helping hand without complaint, to the Clifden and Dublin Horse Show committees, organizers, judges and stewards who were helpful, cordial and informative, our sponsors who have stood by us, and to all those who have met us and sent messages of congratulation, we want to thank you all deeply from the bottom of our hearts.
And most of all we want to congratulate all our fellow competitors and exhibitors. These are the people who keep the show circuit in Ireland alive without whom none of the shows could survive! A huge well done, it’s been the most enjoyable 2 weeks with you all and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
31/7/22
This August Bank Holiday Monday saw the Cashelbay Team brave the torrential rain at Carraroe Pony Show with Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow II) where she placed 2nd in a very strong 3 year old filly class!
Though the weather was bleak, the company was warm and it is heartening to see the dedication of both the organisers and exhibitors who endure against the odds to make sure that show such as these continue.
Terrifically well done to the judges, stewards, Carraroe Show Committee, and fellow exhibitors for a great day out!
A very special thank you to those who helped us out of a difficult situation on the morning, your help will not be forgotten, many thanks again!
Here's hoping that everyone has since dried out, warmed up and recovered, and we look forward to seeing you all at the ringside again soon
31/7/22
It is with heavy heart that we received the news of I Love You Melody's passing away.
We visited I Love You Melody at Fernville stud only 3 weeks ago, where he was in the prime of health and cantering around like a 4 year old
Our own stallion Cashelbay Prince is by I Love You Melody, and was indeed born on The Canavan's farm all those years ago.
A stallion that had profound influence to the Connemara Pony Breed, his loss will be felt across the world. His legacy will no doubt continue in his many progeny into the future. Condolences to Jimmy, the family, all at Fernville stud and to all connections at this time
22/7/22
Last weekend was busy for the Cashelbay team when on Saturday we ventured up to the Annual Granard Agricultural Show where Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince, By I love you Melody x Frederiksminde Mellow II ex Hazy Dawn) did us proud yet again winning a strong 3 year old mixed colt and filly class!
Granard show was as always wonderfully run with strong classes across all sections of horses, ponies and livestock, with something of interest for everyone.
On Sunday I headed west to the beautiful Louisburgh Show where I had been invited to judge the Connemara in-hand and ridden classes alongside Caroline Lydon.
Louisburgh Show is placed in one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations where the ponies are exhibited against a backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean. The weather played its part perfectly, the company was convivial and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had all round.
Unfortunately due to our judging commitments we were unable to make Ballyconneely Show which looked to be an absolute cracker this year , but wholeheartedly look forward to attending and supporting it again next year.
Huge thanks to everyone to all at Granard and Louisburgh for their hospitality, to everyone who helped and assisted throughout the weekend and as always special thanks to our sponsors.
Hope to see everyone again soon at the ringside!
11/07/22
Yesterday the Cashelbay Team headed west to Roundstone Show with our homebred 3 year old filly Cashelbay Mellow(Cashelbay Prince by I Love You Melody x Frederiksminde Mellow II ex Hazy Dawn)where she placed 3rd in her 3 year old filly class.
Though we were not the judges’ choice on the day, it was as always a pleasure to attend Roundstone Show. The showgrounds overlook a view that cannot be rivalled either here or abroad, and to see the Connemara Ponies in their native home, against such a backdrop, is truly a beautiful sight.
Huge thanks and well done to the judges, stewards, and show committee for their warm welcome and hard work throughout the day, and of course to the legend “Paddy The Yank” who makes this all possible! And special thanks to all our friends, helpers and sponsors who ensure we can enjoy shows such as this.
09/07/22
The weekend started under glorious blue skies at Ardrahan Show today where Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince By I love you Melody x Frederiksminde Mellow II ex Hazy Dawn) made her debut appearance of 2022, and won her 3 year old filly class! This filly has now won on all 3 of her outings, the last times when she won the Foal Championship in both Claregalway and Maam Cross Shows in 2019! We are very proud of our homebred filly and have great hopes for her in the future!
Huge thanks and well done to the Judges, stewards, and all the Ardrahan Show committee for being so welcoming and for putting on yet another great show, and well done to all the winners and exhibitors on the day!
As always, special thanks to all who helped on the day, and to our longstanding sponsors who help make these results happen!
It was truly an honour to start the showing season with the invitation to judge the Connemara section alongside Cathy Snow Coyne at the highly prestigious Balmoral Show . This show is respected internationally and attracts the strongest competitors to its immaculate showgrounds. Ann and Derek Henderson run a brilliant Connemara section each year, Friendly and welcoming they ensure that every aspect of the Connemara section has been seen to with the highest level of professionalism. Cathy Snow was as always a pleasure to judge alongside. Her knowledge and keen eye for Connemara Ponies is second to none, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
It was a pleasure to see the high standard of the exhibitors of all ages showcasing the best of the versatile Connemara Pony as a breed both in-hand and under saddle.
We would like to thank Ann, Derek, and the entire Balmoral Show committee for extending such a warm welcome to us, and look forward to competing in these famous showgrounds again next year!
Robbie
Video by: Rynes Walker Photography
The Year In Review.
As 2021 draws to a close we get the chance to sit down, relax and look back at all the positive things that happened throughout the year here at Cashelbay Stud.
Though there were no major events in Ireland throughout the year due to restrictions, there is always plenty to keep a stud farm busy. Valentine’s day saw the first foal of the year arrive, a cracking colt foal, Cashelbay Valentine ( Cappa Cassanova x Cashelbay Esmeralda ex Nazar), who is sure to steal many hearts as he grows up! A cold and blustery March brought indoor foaling with both Frederiksminde Mellow II (Hazy Dawn x Frederiksminde Mellow) and Cashelbay Kate (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mathilda) foaling indoors under the watchful eye of the foaling cameras. This was Cashelbay Kate’s (by our own stallion Carrowmore shadow) first foal but she handled it all like a pro and no intervention was necessary. Luckily the weather soon warmed up and there was no finer sight to see than two mares and foals (by Bunowen Paddy and Carrowmore Shadow) stretching their legs in the warm spring sun.
The covering season proved busy again this year and it is a pleasure to see a lot of happy clients come back year after year with their mares. Even without any shows on, covering season is always a busy time of year and we were delighted with the demand for our stallions.
The summer months yielded a few shows, with the first show of the year in Ardnacashel, where Cashelbay Prionsa Óg(Cashelbay Prince x Bean Na Locha Fada) did us proud and won his performance class and went on to claim the Working Hunter Championship. Seabreeze Mirah(Westside Mirah x Cashelbay Courtney) also won his 90cm performance class. Both ponies took part in the novice ridden Connemara class with Prionsa Óg getting 3rd and Seabreeze Mirah placing 5th. Only the week after that, the Cashelbay team headed off to the Mullingar Showing Show where Seabreeze Mirah did us proud by winning his Working Hunter Class, and Cashelbay Prionsa Og placed second and highest placed 4 year old, in his Working Hunter class. Nugentstown Horse & Country Fair later in the summer saw Cashelbay Prionsa Og placing 3rd against horses in a large working hunter class and then placing 2nd in his working hunter class against ponies. Seabreeze Mirah jumped fantastically placing 2nd in the Connemara working hunter class and went on to claim the Working Hunter Pony Championship.
As the summer changed into autumn we prepared for and attended the rescheduled Balmoral Show with Cashelbay Kate with her filly foal Cashelbay Ally, and Tra bhain Simiuil (Shadows Dun x Cool Running). Cashelbay Kate took it all in her stride and placed third against a large class of some of the best mares in the country with her foal Cashelbay Ally getting best foal. After this, our 4 year old mare Tra Bhain Simiuil went on to represent us well in a large ridden class placing 6th overall. Balmoral is one of the best shows in the country, and it was as always a pleasure to attend!
Cashelbay Rocket(Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty) has remained outstanding in his consistency this year: winning Supreme Ridden Champion in Aintree National Show, Winning M&M Championship in NCPS Staffordshire, (Qualifying for HOYS), Winning M&M Championship Bolesworth International Horse Show, (Qualifying For The BSPS LeMieux Mountain and Moorland Finals), Competing in the RIHS, Winning the In-Hand Stallion class and claiming Reserve In-Hand Champion at the NPS Summer Championships 2021, and the UK National Championships where they won: In-Hand Connemara class going In-Hand Champion, The Ridden Connemara Class, and the M&M Supreme Ridden Championship, Leigh & District Overall Supreme Ridden Champion, Competing at HOYS, and receiving Best of Breed at the London International Horse Show. Winning these titles throughout the year has made us so proud of our homebred stallion!
When not away showing, the year was always kept busy, foaling the later mares, schooling youngsters, prepping for inspections and sales. The Clifden Pony Sales in October was a great success, yielding good prices and it was a pleasure to meet up with everyone again.
And now, enormous thanks to everyone who, without whom none of this would have been possible:
Sandra Burton, Emily Burton and the team who not only look after Cashelbay Rocket’s livery while he resides the UK, but continue his training regime, including work on the water treadmill and schooling to make sure he is at his best for every upcoming show, and turning him out to perfection on the day.
Michael Harty, our rider/producer/manager, as an integral part of the team, we recognised his potential when he started with us back in 2009, and since then we have watched him rise through the ranks to become a highly respected rider and producer throughout the showing circuits, with a work ethic, honesty and integrity that makes us proud to have him represent Cashelbay Stud.
Julie Donaghy Simpson, lending a much needed helping hand, and stepping in to ride for us in at least 3 championships throughout the year.
Rynes, who works behind the scenes with our photography, graphics/advertising/website, making sure that our paperwork and documents are correct, and occasionally locating our jackets, ties and boots.
Caroline and Leon, who have helped groom for us throughout the various shows, we know it is not an easy task at the best of times!
All the show societies, the work that goes into organising a show is no small feat. Congratulations and well done!
Also, special thanks to all our sponsors and those who help to promote not just Cashelbay stud, but the Connemara pony as a breed, with such combined support the future of the Connemara pony gets brighter every year.
We wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy new year, and look forward to seeing you all at the ringside again soon!
Cashelbay Rocket (Cashelbay Cruise x Cashelbay Misty ex Ashfield Bobby Sparrow) and Michael Harty taking Best of Breed (for the second time running) and placing 6th overall in the Le Mieux Mountain and Moorland Championship finals at the The London International Horse Show was an amazing start to the week and to the Christmas season!
To compete alongside some of the best ponies in the world of the Mountain and Moorland breeds and to place so highly is an honour in its own right, but to be named the Best of Breed for the second time in a row is an honour that we can scarcely believe.
Throughout a year of such uncertainty Cashelbay Rocket has remained outstanding in his consistency: Winning M&M Championship, NCPS Staffordshire, (Qualifying for HOYS), Winning M&M Championship Bolesworth International Horse Show, (Qualifying For The BSPS LeMieux Mountain and Moorland Finals), Winning the In-Hand Stallion class and claiming Reserve In-Hand Champion at the NPS Summer Championships 2021, and the UK_National Championships where they won: In-Hand Connemara class going In-Hand Champion, The Ridden Connemara Class, and the M&M Supreme Ridden Championship amongst others during the year.
To have a pony that can achieve such heights is beyond our dreams but to have also bred him, his dam, and his sire completes a set that we could never have imagined all those years ago during the early days of Cashelbay Stud.
Breeders and producers put so much time and effort into their ponies, from careful breeding to choosing the best training regime/discipline, to finding the best venues to exhibit them. The standard gets higher every year with the Connemara Pony’s influence being felt across the globe in a number of disciplines, and results such as Best of Breed at the London International Show are not easily won. Congratulations to the winners and all our fellow competitors we look forward to seeing you all again in 2022! A special thanks to all at the London International team for putting on another outstanding show, the level of hospitality and professionalism was of the highest standard as always, and we look forward to the opportunity to show there again.
We are immensely lucky with all who are part of the Cashelbay Stud team and support team; Sandra Burton and Emily Burton and their team deserve special thanks as it is with them that Cashelbay Rocket resides while in the UK. The level of care and expertise they provide is second to none, always willing to provide a helping hand and ensuring that he is turned out to perfection. Michael Harty, who works tirelessly throughout the year, thinks nothing of jetting back and forth to the UK to compete in all the major arenas, then returning to the slightly less glamourous job of feeding, rugging, and schooling the youngsters. Also, special thanks to all our sponsors and those who help to promote not just Cashelbay stud, but the Connemara pony as a breed, with such combined support the future of the Connemara pony gets brighter every year.
It was great to spend the long bank holiday weekend at the Clifden Pony Sales where everyone was in great form and happy to be back dealing with our beloved Connemara ponies after what was such a difficult 2 years for everyone. There was a great atmosphere all around and to top it all off we were pleased with the price we got for our ponies and know that they have gone to 5 star homes.
The sales were exceptionally well run and we must commend all of the team at Connemara Pony Sales Clifden for their hard work over the 4 days. To deal with the large volume of ponies and people over the course of the weekend is no mean feat, yet they always managed to have the time to exchange a few pleasant words and direct us where the need be, and we look forward to dealing with them again in the future.
Pony sales are so much more than a utility to buy and sell livestock, they are as much a social event where people can meet up, hear the latest news and make arrangements for the future, and without them a huge portion of our society would be lost. It was great catching up with old friends and making new ones, hopefully the coming year will provide even more opportunity for everyone to meet and catch up!
HOYS 2021
10/10/21
What an absolutely outstanding week it has been! Cashelbay Rocket and Michael Harty qualified for and competed in this year's Ridden Connemara Class in HOYS. Although we were not the judges' choice on this occasion, we can honestly say that this pair always makes us proud, and to compete at this level is truly an honour!
For us the most inspiring thing about HOYS this year was how the Connemara Pony, their owners, breeders, producers and riders were represented on such a scale. Not only were Connemara's represented in their own breed classes, but they forged ahead winning across the board in mixed breed classes, in various disciplines. From ridden classes, to in-hand, working hunter, to showjumping there hardly seemed a discipline not mastered by the ever versatile Connemara.
The Irish representation was also strong this year with keenly interested owners, breeders and producers watching their current stock or graduates go around the arenas. To breed a pony that goes ahead to compete in HOYS is a special moment in all of our lives, and the camaraderie that was felt at the ringside will never be forgotten.
As we near the centenary of the foundation of the CPBS, we see the results of generations of dedicated breeders, those who always believed, but perhaps never got the opportunity to see the Connemara Pony scale such heights. This is not the result of one generation but many who believed it could be done, and the future of the Connemara Pony surely seems bright!
We wish to congratulate all who participated in this year's HOYS, we cannot even begin to name them all for fear of missing someone! A massive achievement for all Connemara connections globally!
Special thanks to: everyone at HOYS, their hospitality as always was superb, To Sandra Burton and her team for taking such great care of Cashelbay Rocket when he is in the U.K., to all helpers well wishers and friends that we met during the week, and of course to our long standing sponsors!
Life is now slowly getting back to normal, but it is most definitely a week that will not be forgotten!
The week got off to a strong start on Monday with our 4 fillies Cashelbay Jenny (Ice And Fire D'Albran x Cashelbay Lady Sue), Cashelbay Lauren (Classiebawn Hugh's Promise x Cashelbay Brook), Ballylickey Cashel Bay (Cashelbay Prince x Rickamore Ballylickey Princess), and Cashelbay Mellow (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mellow 2nd) all gaining their Class 1 status in Creagh Equestrian Centre
The day was made all the more pleasant by the fact that the inspections were run most professionally in accordance with all restrictons, with the equestrian centre and inspection committee friendly, helpful and informative had we any questions. Huge thank you and well done to all involved!
These mares are N/N for HWSD and have no doubt a bright future ahead in the showring and beyond!
Cashelbay Jenny (Ice And Fire D'Albran x Cashelbay Lady Sue ex Cashelbay Rocket) is in foal to Cashelbay's Seabreeze Mirah, is due to foal the first week of May 2022 and is currently entered for the October Connemara Pony Sales Clifden 2021 (Not to be sold ahead of the Clifden Sales)
2018 gr Class 1 Mare
HWSD N/N
with Dexter Leam Pondi, Cashelbay Rocket, and Ashfield Bobby Sparrow all in the back pedigree, well handled and with an excellent temperment we are sure she will find a top class home to reflect her breeding, conformation and status!
Our annual trip to Balmoral Show is surely a sign that life is getting back to normal, and this year as ever it did not disappoint!
Thursday morning saw Cashelbay Kate's (Cashelbay Prince x Frederiksminde Mathilda) debut in hand appearance as a broodmare with her foal Cashlebay Ally (Carrowmore Shadow x Cashelbay Kate) at foot. Cashelbay Kate took it all in her stride and placed third against a large class of some of the best mares in the country with her foal Cashelbay Ally getting best foal. After this, our 4 year old mare Tra Bhain Simiuil (Shadows Dun x Cool Running) went on to represent us well in a large ridden class placing 6th overall. This has been her biggest outing to date and we just know that this young mare will excel in the future!
This show is always outstanding in it's quality, and while being run in september this year due to restrictions, usually runs in May heralding the beginning of our show season to come. Like on many a May morning before, it was an absolute pleasure to meet up with old friends, making new friends, catching up, and seeing all the stock being exhibited.
We would like to thank all the Balmoral Show team for all their hard work, especially Ann and Derek Henderson and their team for their dedication to the Connemara section, and to congratulate them on putting on yet another beatifully run show. Huge thanks as always to our sponsors, helpers, friends and well wishers, and hope to see you all again in the near future!
HOYS Ticket Secured!
This weekend Cashelbay Rocket and Michael Harty secured their HOYS 2021 ticket at the NCPS Staffordshire Show having won the Ridden Connemara HOYS Qualifier! Not only did this pair win the HOYS Qualifier against some of the best ponies in the U.K and Ireland, they then went on to win the M&M Championship!
Results such as these are testiment to the long hours of work and preparation put in by Michael and all the team at Cashelbay over the years.
A special thanks to Sandra Burton, Emily Burton and the team who have taken care of Cashelbay Rocket so well for us in the U.K, to all of our sponsors for their continued support, and to all of our friends near and far!
It has been a glorious weekend with pefect weather, great results, and the most cordial company. Thanks and well done to all the NCPS Staffordshire Show team for an outstanding Show!
5/4/21
First Date Of The Year!
It’s Cashelbay Prince's first time out since last November, he will be running with his mares from now on like the last 2 years. We have been taking semen from him over the last couple of months, had his fertility checked and it’s a 100%. Cashelbay Prince had a busy covering season last year and we are planning on keeping the number of mares smaller this year as Cashelbay Prince is celebrating his 20th birthday in May.
His versatility in competition over the years, from in hand showing, showing under saddle, dressage, and eventing to showjumping and working hunter champion, (Clifden, NIF and many more)always fills us with pride, he then went on to prove his worth as a champion stallion, siring class 1 stallions, including our own homebred stallion Cashelbay Prionsa Og, grade A showjumpers including members of the gold winning Irish team, in- hand champions and many more!
This stallion has never disappointed us, and his progeny continue to excel year on year!
30/4/21
Latest Arrival To Cashelbay Stud!
In the early hours of Saturday morning we welcomed our latest arrival to Cashelbay Stud!
A cracking filly foal by our resident stallion Carrowmore Shadow (Silver Shadow x Tulira Neelia ex Tulira Robuck) out of our homebred mare Cashelbay Kate ( Cashelbay Prince x Frederksminde Mathilda ex Hazy Dawn) is sure to be a superstar.
This foal is a new milestone for Cashelbay Kate as she transitions life from being a competition pony to being a broodmare, and in typical fashion she has taken it all in her stride and is an outstanding mother!
23/3/21
Though spring is finally here, we still get some rough weather that necessitates indoor foaling for some of our mares, and nothing is nicer than being able to see our foals being born in real time from a distance with our foaling cam!
Our latest colt foal by Bunowen Paddy, out of Frederiksminde Mellow II (Hazy Dawn x Frederiksminde Mellow) was born during our recent spate of bad weather. While we were able to observe in case of any difficulties, Feederiksminde Mellow II handled the job like a pro and didn't require our assistance. It always gives us great joy to see new life brought into the world!
More photos/videos of our latest arrival coming soon!