Horse Breeds: Connemara Pony

There is only one breed of horse native to the glimmering island of Ireland, and the Connemara Pony is that breed. If you go far enough back in time (to around the 5th century BCE), the native pony of Ireland (or Erin as it was called) looked more like a Shetland Pony than the Connemara Pony we're familiar with today. But Celtic raiders tend to change things, and the Irish pony was no exception. They bred the little horse with several different breeds, including the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Irish Draught, Irish Hobby, Welsh Cob, and the Spanish Jennet.

These breedings helped to establish the modern Connemara Pony, which is named for a small area along the west coast of Ireland bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay. This area is known for its rugged landscape and is made up of moorlands and bogs. This environment cultivated a sturdy and hardy pony, turning the Connemara into the ultimate sport pony. Though once used almost exclusively by Irish farmers (which tended to own only a single mare apiece), you can now see the Connemara Pony in jumping events all around the world. This breed is also frequently crossed with the Thoroughbred to create an exceptional event horse.

The Connemara Pony is indeed a pony, but it's a large one as ponies go, standing from 13 to 15 hands high. They come in a variety of colors, most commonly dun, brown, grey, and black. You will also sometimes see a Connemara with roan, chestnut, or even palomino coloring, though this is considered less desirable. The perfect jumping pony, this little breed has sloping shoulders and a long, arched neck. With thick and sturdy forelegs and strong thighs and hocks, this pony is considered sweet and beautiful by enthusiasts around the world.