Connemara Pony History
The Connemara Pony is known as Ireland’s only native breed. It comes from and is named for an area on the west coast of Ireland bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay; a wilderness of bogs and rugged moorland.
In the early days of the breed, about 5th century B.C., these horses resembled a Shetland pony. Later, Celtic raiders bred the horses to the Spanish Jennet and the Irish Hobby. Welsh Cob, Arabian, Thoroughbred and Irish Draught helped establish the modern Connemara. Traditionally, Irish Farmers valued these ponies, and almost all of them owned only one mare.
Today, these horses are the ultimate sport pony, and jumping are their forte. When this breed is crossed with the Thoroughbred, it creates a sturdy and speedy event horse.
Characteristics:
This breed is a large pony, with heights ranging from 13 to 15 hands. Colors are grey, black, brown and dun, and occasionally, palomino, chestnut and roan. These horses has thick and hardy forelegs and strong hocks and thighs. The neck is very long and arched, and the sloping shoulders are perfect for jumping.
For more information:
- The American Connemara Pony Society, www.acps.org
Further Reading:
This horse breed profile was originally published on December 15, 2006.
While visiting a the old family farm of Dan Ohara in Connemara Ireland,
I saw what was called wild Connemara Ponies.
They were certainly a beautiful site to behold.
Were these in fact wild or free roaming livestock?
Are there other places in Ireland where these wild ponies exist and thrive?
Are they somewhat Wild unbroken in nature such as the wild mustangs of America?
We also saw many draft ponies/horses and farm ponies/horses on our trip.
Were any of these ponies /horses, domesticated versions of the wild Connemara ponies?
Thanks for the opportunity to submit my question.
Respectfully:a horse lover
Rick BeauSoleil New Hampshire U.S.A.