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The Connemara is a member of the equids group known as "mountain
and moorland ponies". This special breed originated in western
Ireland and may be one of the oldest native breeds in the
UK; skulls unearthed from peat bogs date back as far as the
Pleistocene age (over 12000 years ago). But, legend says that,
in the 16th century when the Spanish Armada sank off the Connemara
coast, the surviving horses swam to shore and bred with the
native wild ponies producing strong and hardy foals. These
ponies had to be incredibly tough to survive the local landscape.
Connemara, while beautiful, is a land of awesome starkness
filled with sedge covered bogs, rugged bare mountains and
coasts that provide no shelter from harsh Atlantic storms.
Back in those days, most Irish farmers had quite large families
and could only afford one pony and that pony had to pull the
plow or a heavy cart from dawn until dusk, in extremely harsh
conditions. If the animal was unable to perform these tasks
on a daily basis, it was quickly replaced. This demanding
existence helped the Connemara breed develop its trademark
endurance and adaptability. In the later part of the 19th
century, local horse racing was becoming progressively more
popular and the Connemara pony had no trouble competing on
an equal footing with the larger Irish hunters and Thoroughbreds.
Ponaidh is the Gaelic word for pony and simply means small.
Although the Connemaras are considered ponies, this magnificent
breed is the largest of all the pony breeds. With heights
ranging from 13 to 15 hands, they often compete and win over
horses 16 hands and taller. They have thick and hardy forelegs,
strong thighs and hocks, powerful hindquarters and a short
attractive head with pony ears and well-defined cheekbones.
The body is deep and compact with a broad chest and well-sprung
rib cage. Their joints are large and well defined plus their
feet are hard and strong. While they have a natural jumping
ability, which is why they are such great show jumpers, their
build makes them particularly suitable for dressage. Even
though their movement is free, easy and true, with no undue
knee action, they effortlessly cover a lot of ground. Because
Connemaras have such spirited but eager and trainable temperaments,
they have tremendous potential in everything they do making
them a wonderful well-rounded breed. Since their disposition
is so reliable, they make excellent mounts for children and
for older people who are newly embarking on the equestrian
experience.
In the early 1920's it was recognized that this wonderful
breed was being threatened by random breeding so the Connemara
Pony Breeders Society was formed in order to preserve the
purity of the breed. The group of men that founded the Breeders
Society chose a dozen superior ponies and turned them out
to live and reproduce in the wilds. Those hardy specimens
that survived the harsh Irish weather and unforgiving landscape
developed exceptional qualities and therefore the resiliency
and adaptability, as well as the purity and stamina, of the
breed was preserved. In spite of this lengthy and colorful
history, the Connemara wasn't considered an official breed
until the Connemara Pony Stud Book was first published in
1926. This first studbook was comprised of 108 carefully selected
ponies.
Today the Connemara Pony is fast gaining popularity all
over the world as both an adult and children's pony. This
breed is very well suited to a multitude of disciplines, including
dressage, jumping and endurance. The Connemara pony has also
enjoyed great success in the show ring, taking the accolade
of the Olympia Championship no less than 9 times. In addition,
the Connemaras are very well known for being wonderful companions.
They are said to have extraordinary memories for people, places
and other ponies. It is also said that they have immense courage
that is only limited by the belief of the rider. That means,
"When you believe he can do it, he knows he can do it!" Such
is the nature of this pony that all things appear possible.
The most favoured characteristics of the Connemara breed are
their gentle, trustworthy and sensible dispositions as well
as their versatility, surefootedness and eagerness that make
them such treasured family pets as well as the ultimate show
ponies.
About the Author
Vicki enjoys visiting the beautiful Connemaras at
M&M Connemaras Farm in Langley, BC. Come and see these
wonderful ponies.
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