1) The Connemara Pony is native to Ireland. They originate on the west coast of Ireland, a rugged yet beautiful landscape. The Connemara region is plentiful in peat bogs, lakes, mountains, beautiful coastline, and breathtaking scenery. The harsh climate and rocky terrain have allowed the Connemara pony to adapt and survive, it is for this reason they are known to be hardy. In Irish they are known as the “Capaillin Chonamara” it is said that the Connemara pony is one of Ireland’s gifts to the world.
2) They have Spanish ancestry. The exact origins of the Connemara pony are uncertain but was mainly influenced by the Scandinavian and Spanish blood. It wasn’t until in 1855 when the Spanish Armada ran aground. This was where the Spanish sailors found themselves on the coast of Galway. Their Andalusian horses were let off loose and they began to breed with the wild Scandinavian ponies in the west of Ireland. Other breeds have since been introduced into the breed but not anywhere on this scale. In the 18th and 19th century they tried to refine the breed by adding the thoroughbred and hackney. In the 20th century, there were concerns that the breed was becoming too diluted. Then in 1923, the locals decided to set up the Connemara Pony Breeders Society in Co. Galway to protect the Connemara pony breed. The Connemara pony studbook was developed in 1926. Today Connemara ponies are bred worldwide including the UK, US, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
3) They are known for having a fantastic temperament. The Connemara pony has a beautiful nature. They are kind, caring, willing and trusting. They have a gentle disposition, love human affection, are inquisitive are very easy to handle. The Connemara pony is a safe and sensible breed, which makes them a fantastic mount for both children and adults alike. They are extremely intelligent and very trainable.
4) They are the larger of the pony breeds. The Connemara pony is one of the larger pony breeds. They vary in height from 12.2hh to 15.2hh. The average height is between 14hh – 14.2hh. The Connemara pony must be 14.2hh or under to meet the breed standards of the Connemara Pony Breeder Society. They generally mature at about 5 years of age and can live well into their 30’s. The most dominant color is grey and dun, there are also bay, brown, black, chestnut, roan, and palomino.
5) The connemara pony is sought after worldwide. The first-ever Connemara pony was imported into Australia in 1963. Dr. Fred Wiltshire imported a pony called “Island King” into the country. Today the breed can be seen in many countries across the globe such as Ireland, UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, New Zealand, America, Canada, Australia, Austria.
