Gurteen Jennifer realised a lifelong dream for the Mullens family on Wednesday evening last when she was crowned Supreme Champion at the 101st Connemara Pony Show Clifden.
At a packed Clifden Showgrounds the mare bred by Cathal Mullen and shown by his brother Brian, wrote herself into the history books of Ireland’s native breed. Their father Pat described the family’s involvement with Connemara ponies as ‘a religion in our house.
Gurteen Jennifer has created history today as she was Foal Champion in 2014, Junior Champion in 2016 and today she’s Supreme Champion. She’s now done all three.’ The 4-day event which was opened by Champion Trainer Willie Mullins and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary attracted recorded entry numbers as it continues into a new century. Visitors attending the world’s largest display of Ireland’s native pony breed came from across the world including visitors from America, Czech Republic and Australia.
Ridden classes took centre stage on Thursday 20th August and Galway based Grace Maxwell Murphy rode her own stallion Glenvill Glic to Championship glory. Maxwell Murphy completed back-to-back championship wins having won the Championship 12 months previous with Glencarrig Douvan. Glory came for Mayo’s Amelia Durkan on Friday afternoon as she claimed the Aloga Equestrian Puissance with Trapper Lad and were the only pair to successfully clear the ominous red wall in front in front of the international crowd.
As is the time honoured tradition of the Connemara Pony Show Clifden, winners and Champions from across the week took to the streets to parade through the town to the joy of spectators. Bringing the Connemara pony into the centre of the town at the heart of it’s ingenious region allowed for all to enjoy the stand out performers of the week as commentator Caitriona O’Toole shared insightful details on each participant for those that lined the street to celebrate.
The Connemara Pony Show Clifden committee of John Sweeney (Chair ), Mary Coyne, Karen Mannion, Terry O’Toole, Eileen Mannion and Gerry King wish to congratulate all exhibitors and thank the judges, stewards, sponsors, volunteers and supports whose contribution helped make the 2026 Connemara Pony Show a success. As the show concluded the event reaffirms Clifden’s position as the home of the Connemara Pony and the leading international gather for the breed.
