The Dutch Connemara Breeders Society can give ponies various awards. Here is an explanation of the award levels we recognize in Holland (as every country has different awards, the names of these awards are not translated into English):

Ster-award
This is for first premium winning mares that are 3 years and older. The pony is judged on type, confirmation and paces, and she must correspond to the breed-standard as much as possible.

Keur-award for mares
This award is for the top of the Ster-mares that are older than 4 years. This is an assessment on the exterior of mares that have produced first premium winning foals. Each mare should have passed a performance test or should have competed on a certain level in dressage, showjumping or driving.

Preferent-award for mares
Every mare in the main studbook can get this award if:
1. She is 9 years or older
2. She should have three or more offspring that are 3 years and older. These three descendants should gain 10 points or more on the following scale:

a. A licensed stallion in Holland with a first premium at the show: 5 points
b. A licensed stallion in Holland with a second or third premium at the show: 4 points
c. A ster-mare or keur-mare: 4 points
d. A first premium mare or gelding: 3 points

Keur-award for stallions
To receive this award a stallion has to be a first-premium stallion. He should have passed a performance test or should have competed on a certain level in dressage, showjumping or driving. In addition, 10 of his descendants must be first-premium winners.

Prestatie award
This is an award that is won by performance. It can be won by mares, stallions and geldings in all the registers of the Society (so including partbreds). This award shows that a Connemara has competed on a very high level in one section (e.g. show jumping) or on a high level in more than one section (e.g. show jumping and dressage).

Prestatie fokmerrie
This award is especially for breeding mares. It can be won by mares in the main studbook or in register 1.
Three descendants of this mare should perform on a certain level (this can be a performance test, competition in show jumping, dressage, driving, etc. or endurance).

If you would like more details about these awards, please e-mail us at:
info@connemara.nl