The Connemara pony originates from the eponymous region in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, a wild area of peatbogs, lakes, mountains, and rugged coastline.
The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society describes these ponies as: “Compact, well-balanced riding type with good depth and substance and good heart room, standing on short legs, covering a lot of ground.” The head is “well-set onto neck. Crest should not be over developed. Neck not set too low. Good length of rein. Well-defined withers, good sloping shoulders.” The hindquarters must be “strong and muscular with some length, well-developed second thighs (gaskin) and strong low-set hocks.” The limbs should be strong and clean, with low-set hocks, short cannons and rounded, hard feet. Their movement is free and easy, active and ground covering but without excessive knee action. They should have a good temperament, kind enough for a child to handle, and be sound and surefooted with jumping ability.
So why should YOU breed a Connemara pony? Here are our top five reasons:
1. They are super-versatile
Whether you want a pony to enjoy the quiet life with or want a partner who can up the pace when needed, a Connemara is the perfect choice. The ideal happy hacker or an exemplary competition pony, a Connie won’t be out of place in any home.
2. They are suitable for the whole family
Connemara ponies are famed for their kind eye and good nature, making them perfect for children’s trekking as they are gentle, trusting, honest, and willing.
While individual temperament certainly comes into play, a Connie of average height is the ideal size for an adult as well as a growing child. The breed is one of the lighter of the natives so can be an apt choice for the teenage jockey who isn’t quite ready for a horse but is too tall for a small breed.
These hardy ponies can also make ideal mother/teenager shares, and are a favourite of smaller adult riders when browsing horses for sale, searching for a forever horse.
3. They have a goat-like jumping ability
Despite their smaller stature, Connemara ponies adapted to the terrain in their local area by becoming fabulous jumpers, a trait they carried with them when they left the work fields behind them and entered the equestrian ring. You’ll often find Connies out on the hunt field, in the show jumping ring or tackling three-days events. Don’t forget about crosses, too; the Connemara cross is one of the most popular mixes and is often crossed with sport horse types to produce an elite athlete.
In the 1930s, the 22-year-old, 15hh Connemara gelding, The Nugget, cleared a 7′ 2″ jump and went on to win over 300 international jumping prizes. A 14.1 half-breed Connemara named Stroller was one of only two horses to jump a clear round in the entire 1968 Olympics.
4. They are relatively low maintenance
Native ponies are a popular choice with many owners due to their easy-going natures and low maintenance needs when compared to bigger horses. Connemara’s adhere to this trait and are generally un-demanding, trouble-free ponies to have on the yard.
5. They are super-beautiful
Want to be greeted with a stunning, elegant view every single morning? Get a Connemara and you won’t be disappointed!
Interested in breeding a Connemara pony? Click here to read about our two-time HOYS Leading Connemara Stallion of the Year award winner, Gwennic de Goariva.
Tullaghansleek Stud 