Connemara Horses
Up to 14.2hh
Though predominantly grey, they can be black, bay, brown or dun.
This breed takes its name from the harsh, boggy wilds of the west coat of Ireland where it thrives, the Connemara is a hardy pony known for it's easy, ambling gaits. Ireland's only indigenous breed, the original Connemara was more like an Icelandic or Shetland pony. The Celtic invasion introduced Spanish horse. Barb blood was added in the 19th century to give the breed it's refined, dish-shaped face and large eyes.
By the end of the 19th century, however, the quality of the breed deteriorated as famine impoverished the local farming community. In 1897 a government program was begun to save the breed by bringing in quality Welsh Cobb stallions. This cross produced Cannon Ball, the first stallion listed in the official Connemara studbook. Finally in 1923 the Connemara Pony Breeder's Society was formed to improve the breed from within.
Courageous but sensible their conformation allows the Connemara to excel at all sports. They are elegant with tremendous agility and strong enough to carry adults despite their small size. From show jumping to dressage and driving, they are arguably the best performance pony in the world. Three-day eventer Karen O'Connor is enjoying tremendous success on her Connemara cross, Theodore O'Connor.
Cannon Ball was a colorful influence on the Connemara breed and legend. He reportedly won the Farmers' Race at Oughterard sixteen years in a row. Even more amazing, however, was his ability to trot home from market while his owner, Harry Toole, slept off eh effects of a bout of heavy drinking in the bottom of the cart!
