Introduction

Vanessa Compton’s interest and love for Connemara ponies started at the age of 11. Her first Connemara pony Kirtling Christopher Columbus was purchased as a top performance pony. It was Christopher who convinced her to dedicate her time to the Connemara breed.

She left school and went straight to Agricultural College where she gained a BHSAI qualification. It was then that she realised that she would like to spend more time showing and producing ponies. This was combined with a part time job in the National Health Service.

In 1994 after many successes in the show ring with many Connemara ponies, the Chilham Stud was officially formed with the birth of our first Connemara foal Chilham Cliquot. She was sired by Calmore Champagne Charlie out of Chiltern Quota. To our delight she was shown once as a foal and was Champion Foal at the English Connemara Breed Show, Newmarket.

Vanessa has been breeding Hungarian Vizsla gun dogs since 1989 when she bought Henna and since then she has been breeding, working and showing them. They accompany her on numerous hacks with the ponies. At present Vanessa has two girls named Saffron and Mulberry.

In the year 2000 Vanessa won the Ponies UK Judges Challenge and was placed on their judging panel. She now enjoys judging M & M Ridden/Inhand and WHP classes at various shows throughout the season.

Our aim is to breed Connemara ponies who will have the conformational ability and temperament to excel in any discipline.

KIRTLING CHRISTOPER COLUMBUS

Although Christopher was only 13.2 hh he was the perfect performance pony winning the 13.2 hh and under section of the English Connemara Performance Awards on 3 occasions. He was also WHP Champion at the English Breed Show and a wonderful memory was winning the prestigious Ridden Connemara Class at Ponies of Britain. At the grand age of 21 he was shown at the English Connemara Breed Show for the last time, looking half his age he won the 13.2 hh and under ridden class.

It was Christopher who installed my passion and love for the breed. He had the most amazing temperament. He taught me that Connemara’s are talented, intelligent, incredibly beautiful and that they always know best!

Christopher led a full and active life. He successfully competed in showjumping, dressage, showing, WHP, ridden classes, Side Saddle, Eventing and all pony club activities.

He was very sadly put to sleep at the fantastic age of 35.

Love your Connemara and they will return the favour over and over!