The Connemara Pony is the native pony of Ireland. Legend has it that horses from the wrecks of the Spanish Armada were rescued or made it to shore and these were the originators of the breed. However, native moor ponies existed for thousands of years in Ireland. The Spanish Armada horses may have interbred with the ponies already in Ireland, but the infusion of such blood is unknown.
What is known is that in the 1700’s Arabian and Thoroughbred blood was introduced into the line. And in 1923, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society was created to preserve and protect the breed. At that time, the Connemara were subject to random cross-breeding and stabling which tended to produce inferior stock. Therefore, the newly-formed Society chose nearly 100 mares and several stallions, the best representatives of their native pony they could find in Ireland, and turned them loose on the harsh, wild moors of Western Ireland to reproduce. It is from this area in Western Ireland, Connemara, where they get their name.
What the Society’s preservation actions produced, and what survives today, is a wonderful and sturdy pony, bred to survive a wet and rough existence. The Connemara is small but stocky. Its chest should be wide and deep, its legs straight and short with ample bone. They are exquisitely sure-footed. Their head is perhaps most fascinating as it is small in the Arabian manner with large eyes. Their manes and tails are long and wavy. The neck is lean, not thick like other moorland ponies, and they make excellent jumpers and hunters. When kept in the wild, their coat will be long and shaggy to handle the cold and rain. They come in all colors, including dun.
The Connemara Pony Society maintains the Stud Book in Ireland, and genetic tests are required of both dam and stallion in order to appear in the book. Stallions can receive premier stallion rating. Foals must be of parents who are tested in order to receive the Connemara purebred designation.
The love for these ponies is widespread and there are now societies in many countries in the world. The Stud Book, however, is maintained and updated by the original Breeders Society. In addition, in August of every year, they hold a Connemara Pony competition and auction in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland. You can view the American Connemara Pony Society or the Connemara Pony Breeders Society to learn more about this breed. If you are looking for a sure-footed, hearty pony with stamina and jumping ability, this could be the horse for you.
