Connemara pony
Origin
Ireland
History
The Connemara Pony, Irelandīs only indigenous breed, originated in Connemara on the west coast. Before the arrival of Celtic raiders and traders in the 5th and 6th centuries BC, these ponies were similar to the ponies that now inhabit Shetland, Norway and Iceland. The Celts, who came to the region from the Alps and the valley of the Danube through Spain and Gaul are reputed to have been skilled in horsemanship. Most likely, they brought horses with them.
Many centuries later there is evidence that Spanish horses were imported by the rich merchants of Galway City at the height of its commercial prosperity. "Arabian" blood was brought into Connemara by various landowners during the 19th century. However by the end of the century the Connemara had deteriorated in quality because of the impoverishment of the farming communities. In an attempt to redress this problem, Welsh Cob stallions were introduced under government horse breeding programs, and in 1897 a Royal Commission was set up to examine horse breeding in Ireland. Thoroughbred, Roadster, and Hackney blood were introduced on the advice of the commission.
In 1923 the Connemara Pony Breederīs Society was formed in Ireland and a stud book established for the preservation and improvement of this breed.
Two great influences on the Connemara are acknowledged to be the stallions Rebel and Golden Team, foaled in 1922 and 1932 respectively. However, the most memorable and most colorful influence was probably the gray stallion, Cannon Ball, sired by Dynamite out of a native mare and grandson of the Welsh Cob, Prince Llewellyn. Born in 1904, Cannon Ball was the first stallion to be recorded in the 1926 studbook.
The Connemara is popular in France, the United States, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland where there are also Connemara Societies.
Description
- Head:
well-shaped with a straight profile, small ears, large eyes - Conformation:
-long and well formed neck
-pronounced withers
-wide and deep chest
-long and sloping shoulder
-long and straight back
-muscular and slightly sloped croup
-sturdy and well muscled legs, with clean joints, long cannons and a well-formed hoof - Average height:
13 to 14.2 h.h. - Colours:
include grey, black, bay, brown, and a hard, primitive dun. Occasionally roans and chestnuts appear - Temperament:
sensible, coolheaded, hardy, agile, intelligent - Today:
Connemaras are one of the most popular breeds for use as mounts for children. They are capable of all forms of equitation from dressage to hunting. Also excellent in harness, they are popular for use in competition driving. When crossed with Thoroughbreds or Arabians, it produces the best type of cross-country horse. Most of them are excellent jumpers.
