Originally from Ireland, the Connemara is the No. 1 sport pony in the world. Appreciated for its versatility, it is present in many equestrian disciplines. In addition to being an accomplished athlete, the Connemara is a nice pony that appeals to adults and children alike. You are looking for a pony for you or for your child, discover it without further delay.
Breed History
The Connemara is a pony originating from an eponymous Irish region: Connemara. This harsh region, made up of mountains and rugged areas, is the cradle of indigenous horses already present in the 4th century BC. These equids are neither more nor less than the ancestors of these fabulous ponies that we have inherited today.
Many breeds of horses have brought their blood to Connemara, such as the Arabian Thoroughbred, the English Thoroughbred or the Clydesdale. In addition, he himself brings his blood to many ponies to produce horses more geared towards sporting use.
Physical peculiarities
Its head: the head of Connemara is of average size and thin. The eyes are separated by a wide forehead and the ganaches are well developed without being too heavy.
Its neckline: set fairly high on the forehand, the neckline is medium in size.
His body: sometimes a little long, the back is strong and the rib cage is voluminous. The withers are well defined. The hindquarters are muscular and the hocks are powerful.
Limbs: Connemara limbs are short with a lot of strength in the forearm. The barrels are short.
Its coat: apart from the piebald, all coat colors are authorized by the Stud-book. Although the gray coat is the most common, the Connemara can be bay, isabelle, palomino or even black.
His gaits: the gaits are free and ample. The Connemara is able to cover a lot of ground thanks to its significant range.
Use
The Connemara is an easy to handle pony. As a result, it is just as well suited to recreational riding as it is to competition. It is also present on competition grounds all over the world. CSO, CCE or even dressage are the disciplines in which he particularly shines.
Also present in leisure and outdoor riding, in endurance and in TREC, it is now very popular in driving. Extremely versatile, the Connemara is the number 1 sport pony in France!
Famous Connemara Horses
Some Connemara have shone in the biggest international competitions! This is particularly the case of Dexter Leam Pondi who was vice-champion of Europe by team in 2002 in CSO or that of Thunder du Blin. In addition to having been 14th in the European Championship, this stallion is the only pony to have given birth to more than 97 products with a performance index of more than 120!
Breeding
Popular around the world, the breed has been managed by the Connemara Stud-Book since 1926. Although Ireland is the country of origin of Connemara, France has the second largest herd in the world.
Arriving in France in 1965, it is mainly raised in Poitou-Charentes, Normandy, Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne.
To ensure the protection of the breed, all foals from Connemara horses can be registered in the French Stud-Book since 2006. However, each Connemara pony must now pass before a jury and have a favorable opinion in its veterinary certificate to integrate one of the 3 classes defined by the birthplace of the breed. Depending on its size and the opinion obtained, it can thus integrate class 1, 2 or 3.
