Connemara Pony wins the Battle of the Breeds Competition, Spruce Meadows Masters 2006

Each year a Battle of the Breeds competition takes place at the Masters Tournament, Spruce Meadows. The competition consists of five different classes - Compulsory Skills (dressage ridden or driven), Jeopardy Jumping, Obstacle Driving, Barrel Racing and Jeopardy Trail. Each breed enters a 4-horse team, with two representatives from the team competing in each of the five classes.

This year the Connemara Pony Team fought off stiff competition from 12 other horse and pony breed to take first place in this prestigious competition. The athletic ability and versatility of the Connemara Pony was evident throughout the competition with impressive placings in each of the five classes (see results below).

The victorious Connemara Team accepted their trophy and paraded in the International Ring in Spruce Meadows among thousands of spectators.

The Irish Horse Board would like to congratulate the Connemara Pony Team and Team Captain, Ms. Bridget Wingate, for this remarkable achievement.

Connemara Pony Team:
Bein Mallin Rory O’Sullivan (CP), 8 year old stallion by Landgates Holy Smoke (CP). Breeder: Diane Bruce, Alberta, Canada. Owner: Melanie White, M & M Farms, Langly, B.C., Canada. Rider: Chelsea O’Neill.
Hillside Sassafras (CP), 10 year old mare by Aladdin (CP). Breeder: Anne Hildman, Virginia, USA. Owener: Melanie White, M & M Farms, Langly, B.C., Canada. Rider: Brian Morton.
Rills Carrick Fergus (CP), 6 year old geldling by Scottsway Bali Hi (CP). Breeder: Penny and Colin Huggons, Alberta, Canada. Owner: Elsie Priddy, Sasfatoon, Canada. Rider: Elsie Priddy.
Avenns Arrin Terra (CP), 15 year old mare by Lyndfields Cormac McCarthy (CP). Breeder: Doris Jacobi, Alberta, Canada. Owner: Jocelyn Davies, Alberta, Canada. Driver: Marsoe Larose.
Team Captain: Ms. Bridget Wingate.

Connemara Pony Team Placings:

• 5th Compulsory Skills
• 2nd Jeopardy Jumping
• 1st Obstacle Driving
• 2nd Barrel Racing
• 5th Jeopardy Trail.