Connemara

The Connemara pony is Ireland’s only native breed, with a history that some believe dates back to the ancient Celts. The Celts, who were skilled horsemen, developed the Pony from Scandinavian that the Vikings first brought to Ireland

Though much of the Connemara Pony’s early history is based on legend and fable, it is also said that Spanish contributed to the breed after the sinking of the Spanish Armada when it ran aground in 1588 in the 16th Century, the shipwrecked Andalusian horses on board were set loose and swam to shore and interbred with the wild native ponies thus refining the local native wild ponies.

For additional strength and stamina, Arabian blood was added in the 1700s. They were also crossed with Hackneys and . Too much crossbreeding began to dilute the pony bloodlines, so the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, founded in 1923, for the purpose of taking steps that would lead to the preservation and improvement of the Connemara Pony.

The stud book was established in 1926.

Early Irish farmers often had large families to feed and could afford only one good pony, which often came from a wild herd and had to be caught and gentled. Most families owned a mare so they could sell her offspring for much-needed income, and even while pregnant she would be required to pull a plow or a cart filled with rock, turf, or people. Any animal that couldn’t perform these tasks on a daily basis was replaced. This difficult lifestyle helped the Connemara develop its trademark stamina and adaptability. Conformation

Connemara ponies can vary greatly in appearance, but in general: the Connemara should have a kind eye and a medium “pony” head, with pony ears and well-defined cheekbones. The shoulders should be well sloped and the back should be muscular. The hindquarters should be rounded and deep. Connemara ponies should have good length in the forearm, short cannons and well defined knees.

Connemara ponies are strong and sturdy with a short back and sloped, muscular croup. The hindquarters are powerful. The shoulder is sloped and long. Their legs have short, strong cannons and hard feet and a good stride length. The breed has a fine head with small ears and usually a slightly dished profile set on a well-arched neck. The Connemara is considered hardy and agile, with good jumping ability. The Connemara has a lively but eager and trainable temperament, tends to be long-lived and is described as intelligent. They are hardy and are excellent mounts for children

If a Connemara pony is to be passed as Grade 1 on inspection, it must meet the following criteria:

- Height: 128cms to 148cms. (12.2 to 14.2 Hands high). - Colours: Grey, black, , Brown, Dun with occasional & , and Dark Eyed Cream. - Type: Compact, well-balanced riding type with good depth and substance and good heart room, standing on short legs, covering a lot of ground. - Head: Well-balanced pony head of medium length with good width between large kindly eyes. Pony ears, well defined cheekbone jaw relatively deep but not coarse. - Front: Head well-set onto neck. Crest should not be over developed. Neck not set too low. Good length of rein. Well-defined withers, good sloping shoulders. - Body: Deep, with strong back, some length permissible but should be well-ribbed up and with strong loin. - Limbs: Good length and strength in forearm, well-defined knees and short cannons, with flat bone *measuring 18cms to 21cms. Elbows should be free. Pasterns of medium length, feet well shaped, of medium size, hard and level. - Hind Quarters: Strong and Muscular with some length, well-developed second thighs (Gaskin) and strong low-set hocks. - Movement: free, easy and true, without undue knee action, but active and covering ground.

How to do well in a Connemara Showing Class

Turnout

- Traditionally, all tack should be brown in a show ring - should be plain with a plain browband - Snaffle for Novice classes - Double or Pelham for Open classes - should be used without any numnah, or a fitted one in the colour of the - Show or working hunter saddles are preferred as they show the horse’s shoulder and movement - No boots or bandages - Connemaras should be shown as natural as possible - No plaiting, and the should look as natural as possible - The tail should not be pulled - Ears can be trimmed on the onside but not inside - Don’t trim the whiskers! - Don’t trim the long feathers on the legs - No make-up or false hair - Connemaras can be shown clipped as long as it is in the interest of welfare (legs should not be clipped)

Way of going

- Judges expect a smooth, polished show with a really good gallop from a Connemara - All transitions should be relaxed and smooth without resistance - The overall way of going should be uphill and light, with the hind legs coming right underneath the body so that the pony is working through from behind - Riders should use the ring. If you find yourself too close to the pony in front of you take a circle and find a gap to slot into - Don’t overbent your pony - this not only spoils the impression, but also stilts the natural pace of the pony shortening the stride, spoiling the movement and makes even the longest front look short - Teach your pony to stand still in a line up - It’s important that they show manners but some personality is a must - Judges hate overweight and unfit ponies. Excess weight is a way to hide a multitude of conformational faults and it often causes the pony to have puffy, lumpy joints as well as causing noisy, laboured breathing. It also affects the way the pony moves

If you need help, get some help from one of our show judges at EquiMind: http://www.equimind.co.uk/product/s20-the-perfect-turnout/ http://www.equimind.co.uk/product/s23-feedback-for-my-showing-test-copy/