Connemara Pony: Size, Temperament and Care

Who a Connemara Suits

Connemaras suit riders who want a pony with scope: they are famous for jumping and do well in Pony Club, eventing, riding club and hacking. A larger Connemara carries an adult, so they often stay in a family as children grow.

Their athleticism and intelligence are a delight with a confident rider and a handful for a nervous one. Choose an experienced pony for a novice.

Ireland's Native Pony

The breed developed in the rugged west of Ireland, where ponies worked on small farms in a tough, wet climate with poor grazing. The Connemara Pony Breeders' Society in Ireland, founded in 1923, sets the original breed standard, which the British Connemara Pony Society also uses. Connemaras are now bred in many countries.

Feeding and Grazing

Like most native ponies, Connemaras evolved on poor, rough grazing and are very good at turning a little food into a lot of pony. On rich lowland grass that talent becomes a problem: they put on weight fast, and extra weight raises the risk of laminitis. Ask your vet whether your pony's grazing should be limited, especially in spring and early summer.

Base the diet on forage: grass in moderation and weighed hay, often in a small-hole haynet. Most need little or no bucket feed, just a ration balancer or mineral lick for vitamins and minerals, plus salt and fresh water. Read feeding horses forage first and body condition scoring.

A Connemara in hard competition work may need more energy than forage alone; ask your vet or a nutritionist before adding feed.

Hooves, Teeth, Coat and Weather

Connemaras are known for hard, sound feet. Pick them out daily, book the farrier every few weeks, and add hoof boots for a barefoot pony on stony ground. Book a dental check at least once a year.

Grays need extra grooming to stay clean, and a whitening shampoo helps before a show. Most Connemaras grow a good winter coat; a clipped pony in work will need a blanket (rug).

Company, Space and Handling

Connemaras need equine company, daily turnout and interesting work. Solid fencing matters with a pony this athletic. See grazing and pasture management.

Health: Preventive Care

Book a check-up soon after your pony arrives, and ask your vet about vaccinations and a worming plan guided by fecal egg counts. Plan for the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year. Score body condition every few weeks, by hand: weight creeps on quietly, especially on spring grass.

Worming, vaccinations and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your pony and where you live.

Buying, Loaning or Rescuing

Breed society shows, breeders in Ireland, the UK and beyond, and rehoming charities are good places to start. Ask about the pony's jumping and hacking experience, have a vet do a pre-purchase examination, and check the passport. See buying a horse.