Connemara PonyThe Connemara is Ireland's only native breed and was named after Ireland's wild, rocky western coastline. Ponies have existed there for many centuries. It is believed that they were crossed with Spanish and Barb horses during the 6th century BC when the Celts invaded Europe. Trade brought more Spanish blood into the country. During the 19th century landowners imported Arabian stallions but their influence on the Connemara is unclear. To improve the breed Welsh, Thoroughbred, Hackney and Clydesdale blood was introduced.
With the support of the Department of Agriculture the Connemara Pony Breeder's Society was formed in Galway in 1923. It aimed to improve the breed from within seeking out quality mares and stallions as foundation stock. A superb, fixed type pony developed that is sensible and courageous and excels at almost any sport. |
