ICCPS- International Committee of Connemara Pony Societies

RULES FOR REGISTRATION

Chapter 1.0 GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1.1	In general one Connemara Pony Society should cater for Connemara Ponies within it’s own country and should be recognised by the Government of that Country. Where more than one Society exists within a Country, and are recognised by the Government of that Country, each one should cater for a clearly defined region of province. All recognised Societies within a Country SHALL nominate ONE Society/organisation to represent the Country in ALL matters relating to the ICCPS.
1.2	In a country where no Connemara Pony Society exists the Parent Society may organise a temporary register until the country can set up a Connemara Pony Society of it’s own.
1.3	The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) as the Parent organisation will define the standards specific to the Connemara Breed.
1.4	Each Connemara Pony Society will maintain or arrange to have maintained a Stud Book, which will be published on a regular basis, and a copy will be lodged with the ICCPS. The Stud Book may be provided by Information technology in a format to be defined by the ICCPS.
1.5	For purposes of registration of ponies members of ICCPS will be classified as follows: - (a) AFFILIATED: This category refers to a Connemara Pony Society which is not yet able to fulfil all the conditions of the rules for registration of Connemara ponies with particular reference to the conditions regarding the Stud Book as set out in rule 2.1. Conditions for Affiliation: (i) The Society must be a Society recognised by the Competent Authority of its Country. (ii) The Society must be recognised by the Parent society. (iii) The Society must be a member of ICCPS. (iv) The Society must operate a Stud Book as set out in Rule 2.2 (b) APPROVED: The Approved status will be applied where the Society has been affiliated and now fulfils all the conditions of the Rules for the registration of Connemara ponies. In addition the Society will maintain, by inspection, a satisfactory standard for conformation and breed type as a condition of registration for the Stud Book. Conditions for Approval: (i) The Society must have been an affiliated Society as described in rule 1.5(a) {(i), (ii), (iii), (iv)}]. (ii) The Society must inspect breeding ponies as a mandatory condition for entry into it’s Stud Book Rule 2.1 (iii) The Society must ensure that a satisfactory standard is maintained for breed type and conformation. (iv) Where a Society changes it’s rules for registration this may change it’s approval status. The Affiliated status of a Society will be reviewed by the CPBS on the recommendation of the ICCPS every year. The Approved Status of a Society will be reviewed by the CPBS on the recommendation of the ICCPS every 5 years or sooner. The CPS under review will be required to demonstrate that all the Rules for the registration of Connemara ponies are being observed (including submission of a copy of it’s Rules and details of Inspection procedures). The status of each Society will be circulated annually by ICCPS to all Societies.
1.6	Recording of Foals: (a) A Foal born within the jurisdiction of an Approved Society must be entered into the Foal Section of the Stud Book of that Society. (b) A Foal born within the Jurisdiction of an Affiliated Society must be entered into the Foal Section of the Stud Book of that Society.
1.7	These Rules may be reviewed from time to time but not less frequently than five years where a substantive issue is involved

Chapter 2.0: STRUCTURE OF PEDIGREE RECORDS Pedigree records will consist of a listing for all purebred Connemara Ponies within which will operate a Stud Book for Approved Connemara Pony Societies and a Stud Book for Affiliated Connemara Societies.
2.1	Stud Book The Stud Books consists of records of ponies from Approved Societies and will cater for Foals, Stallions, Mares and Geldings meeting entry requirements as set out in 2.1 [(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)]. Grading of ponies into categories will be allowed within the Stud Book. The Stud Book may consist of a number of sections which MUST include Sections 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) with or without the Geldings and 2.1 (c)
	(a) The Foal Section: This section is for all foals. Foal Identity Documents are issued to these foals until all the procedures relating to their inspection and registration are completed, as set out in these rules. Where a lifetime document is issued at foal stage for a Connemara Pony, this document MUST be capable of complying with the requirements of the appropriate section 2.1 (b), (c), (d), (e). (b) The Stallions, Mares and Gelding Sections: This is the main part of the Stud Book and contains particulars of approved Mares, Stallions and Geldings. These ponies have been passed as suitable at Inspection and measure 148 cms or under at the time of Inspection. The progeny of Stallions and Mares in this section are eligible for entry into all sections of the Stud Book. Stallions will only be entered in this section (c) The Sports Section 1: This section of the Stud Book contains particulars of Mares and Geldings that have been passed as suitable at Inspection but are over 148 cms in height at the time of Inspection. The progeny of the Mares in this section are subsequently eligible for entry into all sections of the Stud Book as set out in these rules. Entire male ponies over 148cms at the time of Inspection are not eligible for entry into this section. [Note: Male ponies may however enter under rule 3.2.8.] (d) The Sports Section 2: This section of the Stud Book contains particulars of Mares and Geldings that are not passed as suitable at Inspection for entry into the Stallion, Mare and Gelding section 2.1(b) and particulars of Blue Eyed Creams and Albino ponies. Geldings, which have not been inspected for entry into Section 2.1(b), can only be entered in this section. The progeny of the Mares in this section 2.1 (d), are not eligible for entry into any section of the Stud Book. Documentation is issued for these ponies solely for the purpose of identification. This section also contains the progeny of the following, which are only eligible for this section of the studbook. The Progeny of Father and Daughter. The Progeny of Mother & Son The Progeny of full Brother & Full Sister The Progeny of half Brother & half Sister. (i.e. the same sire and or Dam) (e) The International Section: (i) This section of the Stud Book contains particulars of ponies imported from the jurisdiction of another Approved Connemara Pony Society. These ponies must have been previously entered in the CPS Stud Book of their Country of registration. This section is divided into Approved Stallions, Approved Mares, Approved Geldings, Sport Section 1, Sports Section 2 ponies and foals. These ponies retain their original registration documents issued by the CPS from their country of registration, and this documentation should be presented to the CPS on entry to the country of destination. In the case of Foals the original Foal identity document will be replaced following the inspection procedure. Ponies issued with Lifetime documentation at birth should also present these documents to the CPS in the Country of destination for updating. The progeny of these breeding ponies, on Inspection, are eligible for entry into all sections of the Stud Book. (ii) The CPS of the importing country will have the right to request that the pony be parentage tested (DNA/Bloodtyping) before acceptance in section 2-1 (ei) of the Studbook.

2.2	AFFILIATED STUD BOOK: The Stud Book consists of ancestry records of ponies of Affiliated Societies and contains particulars of Mares, Geldings and Stallions meeting entry requirements. The Stud Book will consist of 2 sections:
	(a) Affiliated Foal Section: This section is for all Foals. Foals will remain in this section until all the procedures relating to their further registration, [Rule 2.2 (b)], are complete. Entire males intended as geldings will remain in the section until a certificate of castration, from a Veterinary Surgeon, has been received by the Society. (b) Affiliated Breeding Section: This section contains the particulars of adult breeding ponies, which may or may not be in accordance with the procedures laid down in the International Rules.

Chapter 3.0: REGISTRATION CRITERIA FOR APPROVED SOCIETIES

3.1	The Foal Section — 2.1 (a):
	3.1.1	All mating (natural or A.I.) must be notified annually, by a date to be specified by the relevant organisation, to the CPS or to the organisation, which maintains the Pedigree Records on behalf of the Approved Society.
	3.1.2	Foals resulting from Embryo Transfer must be notified to the CPS. See rule 10.5.
	3.1.3	The Sire must be entered in section 2.1(b) or (e) of the Stud Book and the Dam in section 2.1 [(b), (c) or (e)] of the Stud Book.
	3.1.4	In all cases the foal birth notification must be completed before weaning and submitted to the Society within six months of birth. Sketch marking, branding or parentage testing by blood typing / DNA testing must be carried out before weaning.
	3.1.5	To be eligible for registration a foal born in the jurisdiction of a CPS which has been conceived in the jurisdiction of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society must be parentage tested verified by blood typing / DNA testing before registration.
	3.1.6	Options for registration in The Foal Section 2.1 (a) Option Details A Parentage verified by Bloodtyping/DNA testing, including sketch marks completed by a Veterinary surgeon. Foal Identity Document Issued. B Foal birth notification and sketch marks completed by an Approved Official. Foal Identity Document Issued. C Foal birth notification with Brand marks taken by an approved Official. Foal Identity Document Issued. D (For approved Societies outside the E.U.) A Foal Birth notification with Sketch marks and Brand marks completed by the owner. Foal Identity Document Issued.
	3.1.7	For Options B, C and D where the Foal birth notification has been made, the Society must ensure that such notifications are accurate. The Society may insist on Blood typing/DNA testing to confirm parentage.
	3.1.8	The owner may opt to name the pony at this stage. Such name, if approved by the Society, will be assigned to the pony for life subject to Rule 7.0.

3.2	Stallion, Mare and Gelding Section 2.1(b):
	3.2.1	To be eligible for registration the pony must have a Foal Identity Document or a lifetime document issued at the foal stage. (See rule 3.1.1). This includes foals in section 2.1(e).
	3.2.2	The Minimum age for registration of Mares and Geldings is two years old.
	3.2.3	The Minimum age for Registration of Colts is two years old.
	3.2.4	For ponies already entered in the studbook a Society may operate a classification /Grading system. This system of grading cannot not be used to prevent a registered pony from breeding. The purpose of this classification system is to educate breeders in the characteristics of the breed.
	3.2.5	For registration, Inspectors approved and appointed by the Society must inspect the pony. The Inspection team must have a satisfactory knowledge of the breeding objectives of the CPBS in relation to type and conformation. It is recommended that for Colt Inspections there be a minimum of three inspectors.
	3.2.6	The name should be assigned if not already assigned as a Foal.
	3.2.7	A Stallion may be entered only in Section A [(Stud Book), (2.1 (b)]. A Veterinary inspection is mandatory in the case of a stallion. The Veterinary certificate must certify freedom from major diseases and conditions according to each country’s Veterinary Rules.
	3.2.8	An entire male failing to meet the inspection standards for Stallions will be entered only as a gelding in 2.1(b), (c) (d) or (e) on receipt of proof of castration, provided Veterinary sketch marks have been taken at inspection.
	3.2.9	All stallions presented for registration must be blood typed/DNA tested.
	3.2.10	A passport is issued for a pony that has complied with the inspection procedure.
	3.2.11	The registration of a stallion may be suspended or deleted by a CPS on the basis of breeding evidence. The registration of a stallion entered in the stud book of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society may only be suspended or deleted by the CPBS on the presentation of full detailed breeding evidence supplied by the CPS. The CPBS reserves the right, in consultation with the CPS, to examine the breeding evidence. Progeny conceived during the period of registration of a stallion in the studbook will be eligible for entry into the foal Section.
	3.2.12	The registration of any pony may be deleted where parentage, (Sire and Dam), is subsequently proved to be incorrect. Where the pony has moved from one Society’s jurisdiction to another this will be effected after consultation with the Society where the pony is domiciled at that time.

3.3	Sports Section 1 — 2.1 (c): The registration criteria for ponies for this section are in accordance with the rules set out in 3.2 [(1), (2), (3), (4)], but are over 148 cms in height at the time of Inspection. A Sports Section 1 passport is issued.
3.4	Sports Section 2 — 2.1(d) The registration criteria for ponies for this section is in accordance with the rules set out in 3.2 [(1), (2), (3), (4)], and apply to a pony which is not passed as suitable at Inspection by the panel of Inspectors for entry into 2.1 [(b), or (c)]. This category of pony classed as unsuitable includes Blue Eyed Creams and Albino ponies. A Sports Section 2 Passport is issued.
3.5	International Section — 2.1 (e) The registration criteria for this section is in accordance with the rules set out in 3.2 [(1), (2), (3), (4)], and 3.3 and 3.4. This applies to ponies entered in the Stud Book of a CPS and moved to the corresponding section of the International section of the Stud Book of another Approved CPS

Chapter 4.0: REGISTRATION CRITERIA FOR AFFILIATED SOCIETIES:

4.1

Options for registration in The Affiliated Foal Section 2.2 (a)

Option

Details

Parentage verified by Bloodtyping/DNA testing, including sketch marks completed by a Veterinary surgeon. Foal Identity Document Issued.

Foal birth notification and sketch marks completed by an Approved Official. Foal Identity Document Issued.

Foal birth notification with Brand marks taken by an Approved Official. Foal Identity Document Issued.

A Foal Birth notification with Sketch marks completed by the owner. Foal Identity Document Issued.

For Options B, C and D, where the Foal birth notification has been made, the Society must ensure that such notifications are accurate. The Society may insist on Bloodtyping/DNA testing to confirm pedigree.

4.2

The Affiliated Breeding Section — 2.2 (b):

The Affiliated Society may issue a passport on the basis of sketch markings taken at the Foal stage or from updating of markings, height and colour taken at a minimum of two years old.
Where a Society opts to issue a passport, instead of a Foal Identity Document, at the Foal stage the sketch marks and brand marks (if any), must be certified by an Approved Official. In this case, the minimum registration requirements (Rule 4.1) except height will apply. In addition the passport should state the registration status of the foal.

Chapter 5: IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS:

Two types of identification documents will be employed, Foal Identity Documents and Passports. Before the issue of a Passport to a pony, the Foal Identity Document for that pony must be surrendered to the issuing Authority.

Where a Lifetime Passport is issued at foal stage it must be endorsed to show the animal had been inspected in accordance with rule 3.2. and the conditions for the document for life must comply with rule 5.2.

5.1

Foal Identity Document:

A Foal Identity Document will be issued for a foal up to a minimum of 2 years, certifying entry in Section 2.1(a) of the Approved Stud Book and 2.2(a) of the Affiliated Stud Book.

The document must incorporate: Certificate number, Sketch marks; Brand Number; Written description of colour and marks; Sex, date of birth; Name (if provided); 2 generation pedigree; Breeder; Owner; CPS Issuing Authority. The Foal Identity Document should state the status of the Foal, ie., eligible for entry into the Approved Stud Book or Affiliated Stud Book.

Where a lifetime Passport is issued at foal stage this document must remain with the pony for the duration of its life. This document must incorporate all of the above criteria for a Foal Identity document and allow for the addition colour, marks and height at the minimum age for registration.

5.2

Passports

If a lifetime document has not been issued as per 5.1 a passport will be issued for a pony entered in the Approved Stud Book or Affiliated Stud Book. The minimum requirements for the passport are:

Registration number, original registration number from the country of origin (if appropriate), Name of pony; Date of Birth; Sex; 2 generation pedigree; Height at registration and provision for official height in later years; Colour; Written description and sketch marks certified by an Approved Official; Brand number (if any); breeder; Owner and subsequent change of ownership; Record of Veterinary treatment (vaccinations, etc); Date inspected; Issuing authority; a listing of the terms used in the document in the language of the Country of origin and English.

Chapter 6.0: MOVEMENT OF PONIES BETWEEN SOCIETIES:
6.1	Movement between Approved Societies A pony entered in Section 2.1 (b), (c) or (d) of an Approved Society’s Stud Book is eligible for direct entry into the appropriate section of the Stud Book of another Approved Society without further inspection. However if the pony is not parentage tested it must comply with section 2.1 (eII) before being accepted into the Studbook. Any Approved Society may decide to grade or classify ponies but may not delay immediate entry into the Stud Book for breeding. A Pony entered in the Foal Section 2.1 (a) of the Stud Book of an Approved Society is eligible for entry into the corresponding Foal Section of another Approved Society provided they it complies with rule 1.5 (b). Where a Foal is registered under rule 3.1.6 option D, bloodtyping/DNA testing will be required to prove the parentage of a foal where the foal/pony is moved to a Society where option D is not acceptable. A Pony will retain its original documents of Identification as issued by the Society of registration. This Document should be transferred by the Society of registration into the name of the new owner prior to export. All subsequent transfers of ownership following export will be carried out by the new CPS while the pony remains in the jurisdiction of that Society. A pony will be recorded in the appropriate section of the Stud Book of the CPS where the pony now resides and may be issued with a Stud Book number from that CPS. The original registration number may be retained on the document of identification or will be cross-referenced to its new number in the Society’s records. In cases where a pony at the inspection has not been passed, for entry into the studbook. The pony must not be presented at an inspection outside the jurisdiction of the original inspecting CPS for a minimum of ONE year.
6.2	Movement of Ponies from an Approved Society to an Affiliated Society. A pony entered in the Stud Book of an Approved Society will be entered in the Stud Book of an Affiliated Society without further Inspection. In the case of the temporary movement of a pony for the purposes of breeding from the jurisdiction of one approved CPS to that of another CPS; the registered owner of the pony must notify such movement to both societies. In cases where a pony at the inspection has not been passed, for entry into the studbook. The pony may not be presented at an inspection outside the jurisdiction of the original inspecting CPS for a minimum of ONE year.
6.3	Movement of Ponies from Affiliated to Approved Societies A pony entered in the Stud Book of an Affiliated Society cannot be entered in the Stud Book of an Approved Society. Any such Pony cannot be recognised for breeding in the CPS of an Approved Country and its progeny will not be accepted into the Stud Book of that Society.
6.4	Movement between Affiliated Societies The Movement of a pony from one Affiliated Society to another should be discouraged as a key objective of the International Rules is to encourage Societies to reach Approved Status as soon as possible.
6.5	Leasing of Ponies The Leasing of ponies must comply with the rules 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. Therefore a pony entered in the Stud Book of an Affiliated Society cannot be leased for breeding within the jurisdiction of an approved Society. The following is permitted: Leasing between Approved Societies: The leasing of a pony (mare or stallion) between Approved societies is permitted. Prior to the movement of a pony to another Approved Society the pony’s documentation must be presented to the CPS of the Country of the pony’s origin who will transfer the documents to the CPS in the Country of destination for recording purposes. On termination of the lease the same procedure must be followed in reverse. Leasing between Approved and Affiliate societies: The leasing of a colt from an Approved Society to an Affiliated society is permitted. Prior to the movement of a pony to another Approved Society the pony’s documentation must be presented to the CPS of the Country of the pony’s origin who will transfer the documents to the CPS in the Country of destination for recording purposes. On termination of the lease the same procedure must be followed in reverse. The progeny will be registered in accordance with Chapter 4.

Chapter 7.0: NAMING OF PONIES
7.1	In general the name assigned to a pony by the registration authority may not be changed subsequently except in the following circumstances; (a) Where the name assigned has a derogatory meaning in any other language (b) Where the name assigned conflicts with an existing name.
7.2	The name Connemara may not be used.
7.3	The suffix code of the country of origin (see international code of suffixes) should be appended to the names of all ponies when imported.
7.4	A prefix registered by a breeder of one CPS may not be used by a breeder of another CPS except where such duplication already exists prior to affiliation. A list of Prefixes must be sent to the ICCPS by all Countries so that a CPS can know which prefixes may not be used by Breeders. Where a prefix is duplicated prior to affiliation the suffix code of the country of origin should be appended. Following affiliation a CPS will assign a prefix subject to the approval of the ICCPS.

Chapter 8.0: HEIGHT
8.1	The height of the Breeding Connemara Pony is normally 128 cms to 148 cms.
8.2	Where a pony registered at 148 cms or under at Inspection and subsequently grows over 148 cms, it is at the discretion of the ruling body of that Country whether the animal may be shown.
Note: When inspecting a pony before the animal is fully mature it is important that the inspection team takes into account the environment (particularly nutrition) in which the pony was reared. The role of the inspection team must be to judge the appropriate height in the circumstances. In case of doubt the animal may be postponed for a later inspection.

Chapter 9.0: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
9.1	Artificial insemination (AI) will be permitted in the Connemara Pony Breed.
9.2	A stallion owner participating in an AI programme must receive a permit from the Society specifying the name and Stud Book number of the Stallion.
9.3	A permit will be awarded only to a stallion, which received a high rating from the Connemara Pony Society. The rating will consist of an evaluation of the stallion and his progeny. The Society may limit the number of Mares on the permit.
9.4	A certificate of insemination signed by the Approved inseminator must accompany the foal birth notification of the progeny, which is the product of AI.
9.5	The stallion AI permit will allow AI on or off Farm/Stud.
9.6	Each Connemara Pony Society must retain all documentation associated with their AI programme and return to the ICCPS each year the names and Stud Book number of the stallions on their AI panel.
9.7	A Foal Identity Document can only be issued to a Foal whose parentage is verified by bloodtyping/DNA testing.
9.8	The stallion owner participating in the AI programme must file an annual return with the Society listing the mares inseminated by AI.
9.9	The collection of semen from Stallions on the AI Panel should be carried out in accordance with the Animal Health and veterinary Regulations that apply in the Country of the Society, and the movement of semen between Countries must be in accordance with the regulations that apply in that Country.
9.10	The rules governing movement of Ponies, Rule 6.0, apply to Artificial Insemination and movement of Semen.

Chapter 10: EMBRYO TRANSFER Embryo transfer will be permitted in the Connemara Pony Breed. The maximum number of Embryo transfer in a calendar year shall be 3.
10.1	A mare owner wishing to participate in an Embryo Transfer programme must receive a permit from the Society specifying the name and Stud Book number of the Mare.
10.2	The embryonic transfer must be carried out by a recognised authority and this authority must send a written certificate confirming the details and Veterinary marking of the donor and recipient mares and the dates of the transfers.
10.3	The transfer of the embryo from one Mare to another must be in accordance with the Animal Health Regulations that apply in the Country of that Society and the movement of embryos between countries must be in accordance with regulations which apply in those Countries.
10.4	A permit for embryo transfer will be issued only to a mare which has received a very high rating from the CPS.
10.5	A Certificate of embryonic transfer must accompany the Foal birth notification for the progeny of the embryo transfer.
10.6	The rules governing movement of ponies, Rule 6.0, apply to Embryo Transfers
10.7	A Foal Identity Document can only be issued to a Foal whose parentage is verified by DNA testing.

Chapter 11: ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE APPROVAL OF AFFILIATED SOCIETIES. A once off inspection of CPBS approved Inspectors on part or all of the population may be necessary particularly where the current generation is far removed from the original stock exported from Ireland. In the case of U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where Affiliated Societies are working towards the attainment of Approval Status, the Parent Society may allow interpretation of these rules to facilitate that process for a limited period of time.

Chapter 12: CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LIAISON BETWEEN THE CPBS AND APPROVED AND AFFILIATED SOCIETIES
12.1	Connemara Pony Societies should maintain close liaison with the Parent Society to ensure that the breed characteristics are maintained.
12.2	It is desirable that at least one inspector, nominated by the parent Society officiates at each CPS Inspections in an advisory capacity
12.3	The Parent Society welcomes members of overseas CPS Inspection committees at their annual inspections as observers.
12.4	In relation to judging it is desirable that requests for the nomination of judges for the National Show of the CPS’s be through the Secretary of the parent Society.
12.5	The Parent society welcomes members of overseas inspection committees at the Annual Show at Clifden as part of the close liaison.

APPENDIX

DESCRIPTION OF THE CONNEMARA PONY

HEIGHT:

At registration (2 year old minimum) the minimum height should be 128 cms and the maximum height 148 cms. The height is normally 128cms to 148 cms at maturity.

COLOURS:

Grey, black, bay, brown, dun with occasional roan, chestnut and palomino.

TYPE:

Compact, well balanced riding type with good depth and substance and good heart room, standing on short legs, and covering a lot of ground.

DESCRIPTION:

Head:

Well-balanced pony head of medium length with good width between large kindly eyes. Pony ears, well-defined cheekbones jaw relatively deep but not coarse.

Front:

Head well set onto neck. Chest should not be over-developed. Neck not set on too low. Good length of rein. Well-defined withers, good sloping shoulder.

Body:

Body should be deep, with strong back, some length permissible but should be well ribbed up with strong loins.

Limbs:

Good length and strength in forearm, well-defined knees and short cannons, with flat bone measuring 18 cms to 21 cms.

Hind Quarters:

Strong and muscular with some length, well-developed second thighs (gaskin) and strong low-set hocks.

Movement:

Movement free, easy and true, without undue knee action, but active and covering the ground.

Characteristics:

Good temperament, hardiness, staying power, intelligence, soundness, surefootedness, jumping ability, suitable for child or an adult.