Twice a year the Dutch Connemara Pony Society organizes a show. In the spring the inspections of the young colts take place. The young colts that don't have a license yet are inspected as they stand, walk and trot on hard ground. The three years old colts are also shown in loose jumping and are assessed on their movements on soft ground during this jumping part The stallions of 4 years and older have to be shown ridden and also have to make several jumps. Stallions have to be correct in confirmation, type and movement to get a license.

Most of the time this inspection event is combined with a show of the already licensed stallions. One year stallions come from different countries, the other year it is only a national event. These stallions are shown in different ways, depending on the skills of the stallion. This can be lead by hand, dressage, loose jumping or show jumping.

The picture shows how Frederiksminde Hazy Match presented himself in 2000.

In August/September the national show takes place in which stallions, mares and gelding participate. This year August 30, 2009 will be the date.
At this occasion the so-called inspection of the mares and geldings takes place. Ponies of an age of 2 or older are checked for abnormalities and height. A mare or gelding of correct confirmation with a height of 1.48m or smaller passes the inspection. A pony of correct confirmation with a height of 1.49m or taller or a Blue Eyed Cream color is registered in register 1 and a pony with abnormalities, a non-complete Connemara pedigree or by not-licensed parents is registered in register 2 (such a pony cannot be used for breeding within the Connemara studbook).

Ponies that have passed this inspection are shown by hand in groups of the same age. The ponies are judged standing, walking and trotting. After the jury has seen them one-by-one they rank them in order of quality and then the premiums are awarded. A first premium is awarded to ponies of correct confirmation, with good Connemara type and good movements. Naturally, a first premium pony needs to be in good condition, properly taken care of and shown in a correct way. A second premium could be given to ponies of less Connemara type or with less movement. A third premium pony is often incorrect in movement or in limbs. Lack of Connemara type is another reason for awarding a third premium. During this same show typically Dutch assessments as "Ster" and "Keur" are awarded. Click here for explanation of these terms.

Part of this national show is the competition for the best moving Connemara. The ponies are ridden and are judged on movements: walk, trot, and gallop. The jury also looks at the way the ponies are ridden.