Written for Covertside by Josh Walker
Megan Harris’s Connemara stallion has hunted like a pony with an old soul his entire life.
Some horses just get it. Many foxhunters can think of a special mare or gelding who took to the hunt field like they were born to do it. But what about a stallion? You might call that kind of magical mount a unicorn. Whatever you call it, *TBS Declan Pondi (“Declan” for short) is one of those.
Hope is a nineteen-year-old pony who’s full name is Concord River Rachel’s Hope. She was the last pony bred by Rachel Page Elliot out of Concord River Kaleigh, a daughter of Lynfields Proud Hope, who was, in turn, the daughter of Texas Hope. Pagey chose Dobh Macduff to be the sire. It doesn’t take many generations back in either pedigree to arrive at ponies who were born at the time suffragists were working in both England and the United States to secure constitutional rights to vote, something both Hope and Susan B. Anthony insist they should have been granted without the need for a constitutional amendment.
The process is not really difficult although I know if you haven’t done something like this before, it can seem daunting. The committee likes to know what you do with your Connemara and what’s special about your pony/horse. This is not about what ribbons you have won, especially this year when many competitions have been called off due to the COVID 19 virus. You could write a letter that tells how you have introduced your pony to others who have never heard of Connemaras. You could write a song, a story or a poem about your horse. Perhaps you want to tell about a special talent you have developed with your Connemara.
Please make a note of the change. The meeting will be better than ever in Lexington, KY! The BOG will still meet via a virtual call so that the business of the ACPS can continue smoothly. Details will be forthcoming. Stay safe everyone and hydrate if you are experiencing this heatwave!
UPDATE: It has been decided that the 2020 ACPS Hall of Fame Awards will not be awarded in 2020. The Awards will resume in 2021 with great enthusiasm and expectation. Please familiarize yourself with the Hall of Fame, Connemara of the Year, Halfbred Connemara of the Year award criteria and nomination process. You can also review past winners of each award. It would be wonderful to have many ponies nominated for the 2021 award year and make next year's Annual Meeting and Awards gala the BEST ever.
The 2021 Inspections scheduled for July (Region 3) and October (Region 4) have been canceled for 2020. They will be rescheduled for 2021. All nominations and fees will carry over. The new dates will be announced as soon as they are determined.
As States start opening, we are wondering what will become of this riding and competing season. Yesterday, US Equestrian / USEF hosted an online meeting containing information and answering questions about what to expect at competitions. The meeting contains all aspects of good practices, even working around our barns. Everyone’s safety is a high priority, with that in mind to be successful we must follow all guidelines. A replay of yesterday’s meeting is available on USEF’s site. Please see the below Webinar link to watch.
| Thu. Sep. 23, 2021: Annual Meeting |
| Fri. Sep. 24, 2021: Annual Meeting |
| Sat. Sep. 25, 2021: Annual Meeting |
| Sun. Sep. 26, 2021: Annual Meeting |
