Unique Horse Breeds - the Connemara

The Connemara pony originated in County Galway on the western coast of Ireland. It is thought that it is descended from the Irish Hobby Horse – a breed which was developed as a war horse in the 13th Century, but is now extinct. Over the years the breed was refined by the introduction of Andalusian, Arabian and Thoroughbred bloodlines.

By the early 20th Century, breeders were concerned that the Connemara was becoming too diluted, and the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was formed in 1923. The society sought to improve and preserve the breed as a native breed of Ireland. The Connemara Pony studbook was established in 1926. Connemaras are very sturdy ponies with a calm and friendly disposition; they make excellent riding horses. While they are small in stature, they are talented jumpers.

Always an avid reader of horse books, as a child I was delighted to read about Little Squire a 13.2 hand Connemara. He won the Open Championship at Madison Square Garden in 1939 – clearing seven-foot fences. I recall reading of a feat that he and his rider would perform – riding out in the ring, riding under a jump, then turning around, approaching the jump at a gallop and clearing it with ease. -

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