Connemara Pony
The Connemara Pony, developed in the barren, mountainous landscape of County Galway in Western Ireland, is a breed of show ponies popular for their great versatility, athleticism, and gentle personality.The Connemaras are the symbol of trust, strength, and kindness for the Irish people.
Connemara Pony Pictures
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- Black Connemara Pony
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- Connemara Ponies
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- Connemara Pony Images
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- Connemara Pony Jumping
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- Connemara Pony Photos
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- Connemara Pony Pictures
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- Connemara Pony Stallions
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- Connemara Pony
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- Grey Connemara Pony
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- The Connemara Pony
Quick Information
| Temperament/Personality | Intelligent, responsive, mannerly, manageable; possesses good sense |
| Physical Characteristics | Compact body; well-shaped, balanced head; long neck, sloping and well laid back shoulders; strong and muscular back, long forearms, short and dense cannon bones;large, well-defined joints; hard, strong feet |
| Colors | Gray, chestnut, cream, palomino, black, brown, roan, dun |
| Height (size) | 12.2-14.2 hands (50-58 in, 128-148 cm) North American Connemaras can measure up to 15 hands |
| Weight | About 275 kg (606 lbs) |
| Blood Type | Warm-blooded |
| Common Uses | Show jumping, eventing, dressage, harness, endurance riding, sports pony |
| Health | Affected by the hereditary hoof wall separation disease |
| Gaited | Yes; sure-footed with free and easy action |
| Popular Traits | Large-sized pony with refined features, good disposition, hardiness, smartness |
| Feeding/Diet | Hay, grains, grass; fruits including plums, apples, and apricots can be given |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Ancestors | Native ponies, Andalusian, Arabian, Hackney, Thoroughbred |
| Breed Registry/Association | American Connemara Pony Society, Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society |
Video: Connemara Show Ponies
History and Development
According to mythology, many Irish tribes were mounted and so it is believed that these ponies were first brought to the Connemara region by the Celts. However, many sources say that the Connemaras were produced as a result of the cross between the native ponies and Andalusian horses, which swam ashore when the Spanish ships sank off the coast of Connemara in 1588.
During the 18th century, Arabian horses were included in the breeding stockto increase the strength and endurance of the Connemaras. Later, Hackney and Thoroughbred blood were also added for their refinement. However, unrestrained crossbreeding led to the decline of purebred ponies, and thus the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was set up in 1923 while the breed registry was formed in 1926 to preserve and improve the breed.
The Irish Connemara Pony Society has set the original breed standard, which is also applied by the British Connemara Pony Society.
