A special class for registered Connemara ponies will again be a feature of Spancil Hill Fair, which takes place on Monday week, 23 June. Their special class is one of seven showing events on offer. These include two for coloured horses, one for cobs, two more for ponies plus two for donkeys. There will again also be two loose jumping tests for horses and ponies.

Last year, a Connemara won the Pride of Spancil Hill Championship and they will surely challenge again this year. The Fair Festival gets under way on Sunday with a Donkey Derby.

Louisburgh Show stopper

Louisburgh Show, which moves to a new date of Sunday 20 July hosts a new championship this year. The Connacht branch of the Traditional Irish Horse Association are organising the Derrylahan Bistro Mare and Foal Championship which has a €1,000 prize fund and is open to traditionally bred combinations. See www.louisburghhorseshow.ie or call 086-848-8121 for full details.