1. The Connemara pony is one of the larger of the European native pony breeds, the breed standard being within 128 to 148cms.

2. As one of Ireland’s native breeds, their ancestry dates back not only to the fleet of the Spanish Armada (1588) but to the Vikings (c. 795 AD) as well.

3. Originating in the rugged landscape of Ireland’s west coast, the rocky shores, bogs and mountains have made the pony into a hardy, resilient, adaptable and sure footed animal used to rough terrain and today’s Connemara is valued for all these qualities.

4. Loved the world over, in modern times they have found their way to many distant parts including Australia when, in 1963, Dr Fred Wilshire imported the first Connemara pony, “Island King”. New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, US and the EU countries also hold studbooks.

5. Renowned as jumping ponies. From ‘Nugget’ who cleared 7’ 2” in the 1930s, half-breds ‘Stroller’ (who competed in the 1968 Olympics for Britain) and national Irish hero ‘Dundrum’ (HOYS Supreme Champion 1961 after winning the Puissance, and consistently jumping over 7’ in competition and the winning round for Ireland in the Nations Cup 1967) to the modern day multiple Grand Prix Pony champion and European gold medallist ‘Cul Ban Mistress’, the Connemara has proven itself to be a fabulous performance pony.

6. They have an even temperament being willing to work, and, known for their kind eye, are brave and versatile, with the ability to turn their “hoof” to anything.

7. Historically, the Connemara pony was effectively a small work horse supporting its owning family, used to draw seaweed from the shore, turf from the bog, plough the land and bring hay from the meadow as well as for family transport.

8. They make an ideal family pony, suitable for all from happy hacking to show jumping, eventing and everything in between.

9. Generally maturing around five years of age, they can live well into their 30s.

10. Colours of Connemara ponies are grey, black, bay, dun, roan, chesnut, palomino and cremello.