{"id":437,"date":"2010-08-09T02:48:12","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T02:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=437"},"modified":"2025-01-14T13:28:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:28:16","slug":"connemara-pony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/connemara-pony","title":{"rendered":"Connemara Pony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

The Connemara Pony originates in the Connemara region of western Ireland, for which they are named. This area has an inhospitable landscape and scarce forage, shaping these hardy ponies into a tough, robust breed.
\n<\/p>\n

Origins<\/h3>\n

The origin of these animals in Ireland is unknown. Some believe they are descendants of Scandinavian ponies brought by the Vikings; others believe they come from the Irish Hobby horse which is now extinct; still others say they came from Andalusians<\/a> of the Spanish Armada. <\/p>\n

Regardless of their origins and very possibly influenced by all of the above, the Connemara ponies thrived in the area. Later Arabian<\/a>, Hackney<\/a> and Thoroughbred<\/a> blood was added. <\/p>\n

The influx of bloodlines continued until the original blood became highly diluted. In 1923, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was formed to preserve the breed type. Today this popular breed can be found worldwide and their versatility makes them well suited for the show ring. To register animals must pass a Grade 1 inspection and meet specific criteria. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 13 – 15 hands
\nSure-footed, hardy and agile<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is well-shaped, in good proportion with body
\nNeck is long and defined
\nBody is compact and deep in the chest
\nBack is strong and muscular
\nLegs are clean and muscular, cannons are short and dense
\nFeet are hard and strong<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Grey<\/a> | Bay<\/a> | Black<\/a> | Chestnut<\/a> | Dun<\/a> | Palomino<\/a> | Roan<\/a>
\nPinto patterns<\/a> cannot be registered<\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Sensible and willing
\nGentle & tractable
\nIntelligent with good sense<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Riding pony
\nShow pony
\nEventing
\nEndurance riding
\nHarness horse<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* all links open in a new window<\/small>
\nInternational Committee of Connemara Pony Societies<\/a>
\nConnemara Pony Breeders Society Ireland<\/a>
\nAmerican Connemara Pony Society<\/a>
\nBritish Connemara Pony Society<\/a>
\nCanadian Connemara Pony Society<\/a>
\nConnemara Pony Breeders’ Society of Australia<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Connemara\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n