If you’ve ever been to the Clifden Connemara Pony Show, which this year celebrates its centenary, you’ll know just how special it is.
The show (19-22 August) offers a lively experience in the very heart of pony country. From early morning, the showgrounds bustle with activity – trailers roll in, ponies are led out and polished up, and handlers make last-minute preparations. The atmosphere is always full of energy, with the steady hum of conversation, the thud of hooves, and the crackle of announcements over the loudspeaker. Spectators wander between rings and trade stands, browsing everything from riding gear to local crafts.
In the show rings, the action is constant – ponies trotted out, judges watching intently, and competitors waiting anxiously for results. Applause follows each presentation, and there is no shortage of pride or friendly rivalry. The Clifden Connemara Pony Show is a gathering of people who know and love ponies, and a must-visit event for anyone curious about Ireland’s native breed.
For 14-year-old Ellie Rogan, from Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, it’s one of the best days of the year.
“We go every year,” she says. “It’s a brilliant show with a lovely atmosphere. You’re surrounded by ponies and friends, and even when you’re just walking through Clifden, people ask if you’re ‘up for the show’ – it’s that much a part of the town.”
Ellie isn’t just going for the craic either, she’s been bringing home rosettes for years. In 2022, she won both the Under-14s ridden and the 138cm ridden classes and was second to Jenny Lindsay on Fanad Romeo in the 138cm working hunter. She was also second in the Under-16 working hunter class. If that’s not impressive enough, the following year, Ellie won all four.
At Clifden this year, Ellie will ride two very special ponies. First up, Rineen Millers Melody, a bold and versatile mare by I Love You Melody who was kindly given to Ellie to ride from Jane Hancock, mum of Tiggy Hancock, a rising star in Irish eventing who tragically died at the age of 15 after a riding accident in 2021.
Ellie Rogan at just six years old with her pony Uppacott Xotica pictured at Limerick/Clare IPS show where they won the lead rein working hunter and claimed reserve champion of the mini working hunting group back in 2017. Pictured with her dad JP Rogan. \ Cathy Cooper
“I’m so honoured to ride Rineen Millers Melody. She won the 138cm class and was second in the workers at Clifden,” Ellie explains. “She jumps up to 1.10m and she’s hunted, evented, and done Pony Club. She’s so brave and does everything you ask.”
Her second ride is Patrick, or as he’s known in the ring, Tullaree Fear Buì. “He’s 12 now and is going to Dublin this year to do the Under-17 ridden and Junior Equitation over 138cm class. He has won three classes in Clifden and has been reserve working hunter champion twice.”
Talented Patrick’s no stranger to big events. “He won in Dublin as a six-year-old, qualified for Horse of the Year Show last year, and he’s hunted and jumped 1.10m. I think he might be Mum’s favourite.”
Something special
For Ellie, who’s been riding since before she could walk (“I was up on a pony at 10 months!”), the Connemara breed is something special.
“They’re just such a good all-round pony,” she says. “They’re kind, clever, and they can do everything – showing, jumping, hunting, dressage. They’re perfect for kids and for older riders too. My friends and I all ride Connemaras. My friend Abbi Kenny did side-saddle at Dublin, and her sister Brooke did the Connemara performance class.”
So, if a young rider is looking for their first pony? “Definitely a Connie,” Ellie says without hesitation.
Of course, all that success doesn’t happen by magic. Ellie is hands-on with every part of pony life.
“I’m up feeding in the mornings, mucking out, riding. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when you see them progress.”
Ellie Rogan and Jane Hancock's Rineen Miller's Melody take on the AE100 at Ballindenisk in 2022. \ Equus Pix Photography
Ellie speaks particularly proudly about Alfie, show name Neidin Bay, a six-year-old pony owned by family friend Jill Moffat. “We’ve had him since he was five, and he’s by Atlantic Justice. Bringing him through the show jumping levels has been really rewarding.”
Ellie’s ambitions are big – and grounded in hard work. “I have a 14.2hh pony called Castlelawn Moonshine (stable name Rosie). She’s only five, but my aim is to get her to jump in the 148cm 6 and 7-year-olds in Dublin going forward, and hopefully the Grade A class. If all goes well, maybe the Europeans one day.”
With Ellie’s talent, work ethic, and support network, her dreams are well within reach but with so many early starts and long days, what motivates her?
“It’s the ambition to do well. I love the feeling of bringing on young ponies and figuring out what works for each of them. Every pony is different. Some are sharper than others. You have to learn what they like and what they don’t like, and once you figure that out, it’s so rewarding.”
Ellie follows the show jumping scene closely and knows what makes a top rider, watching her favourite riders and horses perform keeps the fire lit in her to succeed.
“I really like Niamh McEvoy, she’s a lovely rider, very smooth. And I like the horse United Touch S, ridden by Richard Vogel. He’s incredible.”
Of course, behind every great young rider is a team of people making things possible. Ellie is no exception. Her dad, Sgt JP Rogan, works at the Army Equitation School in Phoenix Park, and her mum, Cathy Cooper, previously worked for Horse Sport Ireland and now works in a vet’s office. Horses have always been part of the family.
Ellie Rogan and Tullaree Fear Bui won the Ridden Connemara Championship at Ballinrobe Agricultural Show in 2022. \ Rynes Walker
“I’ve had huge support,” Ellie says. “Jill Moffat trusted me with Neidin Bay, and she really believed in me.” The talented Patrick is part-owned by family friends David and Nicola Main. “They live just up the road and have supported me so much. They also co-own Rosie with us, and I couldn’t do it without them.”
As we wrap up, Ellie mentions the Dublin Horse Show with a flash of excitement. “Patrick will probably fly around Ring 2 like he owns the place!”
Something tells us with Ellie at the helm, he’ll probably fly right to the winners podium.
If you’ve ever been to the Clifden Connemara Pony Show, which this year celebrates its centenary, you’ll know just how special it is.
The show (19-22 August) offers a lively experience in the very heart of pony country. From early morning, the showgrounds bustle with activity – trailers roll in, ponies are led out and polished up, and handlers make last-minute preparations. The atmosphere is always full of energy, with the steady hum of conversation, the thud of hooves, and the crackle of announcements over the loudspeaker. Spectators wander between rings and trade stands, browsing everything from riding gear to local crafts.
In the show rings, the action is constant – ponies trotted out, judges watching intently, and competitors waiting anxiously for results. Applause follows each presentation, and there is no shortage of pride or friendly rivalry. The Clifden Connemara Pony Show is a gathering of people who know and love ponies, and a must-visit event for anyone curious about Ireland’s native breed.
For 14-year-old Ellie Rogan, from Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, it’s one of the best days of the year.
“We go every year,” she says. “It’s a brilliant show with a lovely atmosphere. You’re surrounded by ponies and friends, and even when you’re just walking through Clifden, people ask if you’re ‘up for the show’ – it’s that much a part of the town.”
Ellie isn’t just going for the craic either, she’s been bringing home rosettes for years. In 2022, she won both the Under-14s ridden and the 138cm ridden classes and was second to Jenny Lindsay on Fanad Romeo in the 138cm working hunter. She was also second in the Under-16 working hunter class. If that’s not impressive enough, the following year, Ellie won all four.
At Clifden this year, Ellie will ride two very special ponies. First up, Rineen Millers Melody, a bold and versatile mare by I Love You Melody who was kindly given to Ellie to ride from Jane Hancock, mum of Tiggy Hancock, a rising star in Irish eventing who tragically died at the age of 15 after a riding accident in 2021.
Ellie Rogan at just six years old with her pony Uppacott Xotica pictured at Limerick/Clare IPS show where they won the lead rein working hunter and claimed reserve champion of the mini working hunting group back in 2017. Pictured with her dad JP Rogan. \ Cathy Cooper
“I’m so honoured to ride Rineen Millers Melody. She won the 138cm class and was second in the workers at Clifden,” Ellie explains. “She jumps up to 1.10m and she’s hunted, evented, and done Pony Club. She’s so brave and does everything you ask.”
Her second ride is Patrick, or as he’s known in the ring, Tullaree Fear Buì. “He’s 12 now and is going to Dublin this year to do the Under-17 ridden and Junior Equitation over 138cm class. He has won three classes in Clifden and has been reserve working hunter champion twice.”
Talented Patrick’s no stranger to big events. “He won in Dublin as a six-year-old, qualified for Horse of the Year Show last year, and he’s hunted and jumped 1.10m. I think he might be Mum’s favourite.”
Something special
For Ellie, who’s been riding since before she could walk (“I was up on a pony at 10 months!”), the Connemara breed is something special.
“They’re just such a good all-round pony,” she says. “They’re kind, clever, and they can do everything – showing, jumping, hunting, dressage. They’re perfect for kids and for older riders too. My friends and I all ride Connemaras. My friend Abbi Kenny did side-saddle at Dublin, and her sister Brooke did the Connemara performance class.”
So, if a young rider is looking for their first pony? “Definitely a Connie,” Ellie says without hesitation.
Of course, all that success doesn’t happen by magic. Ellie is hands-on with every part of pony life.
“I’m up feeding in the mornings, mucking out, riding. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when you see them progress.”
Ellie Rogan and Jane Hancock's Rineen Miller's Melody take on the AE100 at Ballindenisk in 2022. \ Equus Pix Photography
Ellie speaks particularly proudly about Alfie, show name Neidin Bay, a six-year-old pony owned by family friend Jill Moffat. “We’ve had him since he was five, and he’s by Atlantic Justice. Bringing him through the show jumping levels has been really rewarding.”
Ellie’s ambitions are big – and grounded in hard work. “I have a 14.2hh pony called Castlelawn Moonshine (stable name Rosie). She’s only five, but my aim is to get her to jump in the 148cm 6 and 7-year-olds in Dublin going forward, and hopefully the Grade A class. If all goes well, maybe the Europeans one day.”
With Ellie’s talent, work ethic, and support network, her dreams are well within reach but with so many early starts and long days, what motivates her?
“It’s the ambition to do well. I love the feeling of bringing on young ponies and figuring out what works for each of them. Every pony is different. Some are sharper than others. You have to learn what they like and what they don’t like, and once you figure that out, it’s so rewarding.”
Ellie follows the show jumping scene closely and knows what makes a top rider, watching her favourite riders and horses perform keeps the fire lit in her to succeed.
“I really like Niamh McEvoy, she’s a lovely rider, very smooth. And I like the horse United Touch S, ridden by Richard Vogel. He’s incredible.”
Of course, behind every great young rider is a team of people making things possible. Ellie is no exception. Her dad, Sgt JP Rogan, works at the Army Equitation School in Phoenix Park, and her mum, Cathy Cooper, previously worked for Horse Sport Ireland and now works in a vet’s office. Horses have always been part of the family.
Ellie Rogan and Tullaree Fear Bui won the Ridden Connemara Championship at Ballinrobe Agricultural Show in 2022. \ Rynes Walker
“I’ve had huge support,” Ellie says. “Jill Moffat trusted me with Neidin Bay, and she really believed in me.” The talented Patrick is part-owned by family friends David and Nicola Main. “They live just up the road and have supported me so much. They also co-own Rosie with us, and I couldn’t do it without them.”
As we wrap up, Ellie mentions the Dublin Horse Show with a flash of excitement. “Patrick will probably fly around Ring 2 like he owns the place!”
Something tells us with Ellie at the helm, he’ll probably fly right to the winners podium.
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