Connemara pony

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Connemara pony
Country of originIreland
Traits
Distinguishing featuresLarge pony of sport horse type, refined features, good bone, hardy, intelligent, good temperament
Breed standards

The Connemara pony (

pony breed
originating in Ireland. They are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition. The breed makes excellent show ponies.

History

A Connemara pony has a short head.

The

extinct breed established prior to the 13th century. Legend, however, says that galleons from the Spanish Armada ran aground in 1588, and the Andalusians
on board were set loose. The Spanish horses bred with the native stock, refining the local ponies.

For additional strength and stamina,

European continent, North America, Australasia
, and South Africa.

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society was established in 1923 and set out to ensure the "preservation and improvement of the Connemara Pony" as the native breed of Ireland.[1] The society runs an annual pony show and has been doing so since its founding. The annual show allows the assembly of the largest collection of Connemara Ponies worldwide and is used to buy and sell ponies from Ireland and abroad.[1]

Characteristics

Connemara stallion

The original breed standard is set by the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Ireland, and also used by the British Connemara Pony Society. The adults are usually 128 to 148 cm (12.2 to 14.2 h; 50 to 58 in) in height, with a strong back, loins, and hindquarters, deep and broad through the ribs, and with a riding-type well laid-back shoulder and well-placed neck without undue crest, giving a good length of rein. The head should be of pony type, broad between the eyes, which should be large and appear kind, and with a deep but refined jaw and clearly defined cheekbone. The ears should be of pony type (relatively short). The legs should be relatively short from the knees and hocks to the ground, with a strong, muscular upper leg, strong and well-defined knees and hocks, and well-shaped hard feet, which are of a medium size. The action should be free, active, and easy. Permitted colours are

sure-footed, sound, and able to jump.[3]
[4] If a Connemara pony is to be passed as grade 1 on inspection by the Connemara Pony Breeder's Society, it must meet the breed standard; if it does not meet this specification, then it will be given a grade 2 or 3 on inspection.[5] Connemaras in North America range from 13 to 15 hands (52 to 60 inches, 132 to 152 cm).[6]

Some Connemara Ponies carry the

autosomal recessive disorder hoof wall separation disease[7] and all foals born are tested as part of the registration process.[8]

Uses

Connemara pony under saddle
Connemara ponies ridden for recreation

The Connemara is best known today as a sports pony. Ridden by both children and adults, it is considered to be a very versatile pony breed, competitive in show jumping,[9] dressage and eventing,[10] but also with the stamina for endurance riding. They are also shown in harness. Connemara Pony shows are held worldwide, with particular popularity in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Connemara Pony Sales are Ireland's largest and leading sale of Connemara ponies, with four sales held annually in February, May, August and October in Clifden.[11] They can be viewed via video-stream online, allowing easier access for potential buyers to view a selection of ponies. Last year the highest price for a pony sold at the sales was topped at €‎14,000 for a 3 year old.[12]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Connemara pony.

References

  1. ^ a b "History – Connemara Pony Breeders' Society".
  2. ^ The dun gene does not exist within the Connemara population, so "dun" refers specifically to buckskin coloration on ponies, particularly in their native Ireland and in the UK
  3. ^ "Breed Standards". British Connemara Pony Society. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Definition". American Connemara Pony Society. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  5. ^ "Breed Standards". Connemara Pony Breeders Society (Ireland). Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  6. ^ "Breed Standard". American Connemara Pony Society. Archived from the original on 17 May 2012. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  7. ^ PLOS Genetics April 13 2015: SERPINB11 Frameshift Variant Associated with Novel Hoof Specific Phenotype in Connemara Ponies, accessed 25 April 2015
  8. ^ "Foal Registration". Connemara Pony Breeder's Society (Ireland). Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  9. ISBN 9781937049256
    .
  10. ISBN 9781616731717
    .
  11. ^ "MartEye". connemaraponysales.marteye.ie. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  12. ^ "CLIFDEN SALES: Top price of €14,000 at Connemara Pony Sales". www.theirishfield.ie. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  • [1]< Link to the NICPBA - NI Connemara Pony Breeders Association

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Connemara_pony&oldid=1210027879"