When it comes to preparing a Connemara pony for the show ring, maintaining their natural look is key. Known for having a thick mane, tail, and hardy coat, Connemara’s should look true to type.

Mane care:

Connemara’s are famous for their thick, luxurious manes, so preserving fullness is essential.

Do:

Keep the mane conditioned to restore moisture and prevent breakage.

Check the mane daily for dryness, knots, or rubbing.

Use a quality conditioning spray to maintain shine and softness, Ciara recommends Canter Mane & Tail.

Don’t:

Use a mane rake, as it can thin the mane and leave an uneven “mohawk” Use appearance while regrowing.

Allow the mane to become dry or brittle, which leads to snapping and breakage.

Overuse a neck rug if possible, as they can rub hair away and trap dirt and grease.

Ciara uses Canter Mane & Tail to keep the mane and tail moisturised, manageable, and glossy. Regular mane care also helps monitor the condition of the mane and identify when washing is needed.

Her approach:

No bridle patch as “less is definitely more when it comes to our native Connemara’s.”

Avoid ear clipping during summer shows to maintain a traditional native appearance.

This understated style helps highlight the pony’s true breed characteristics.

Top Tip:

For Ciara, successful show prep is all about prevention rather than cure. Keeping the coat, mane, and tail in good condition regularly is much easier than correcting issues after they appear.

Tail care:

Tail rubbing can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect show appearance, particularly during warmer months or in coastal areas where insects are common. Ciara recommends Itchgard to soothe irritation, cool sensitive skin, and discourage rubbing that can lead to bald patches.

Top Tip:

Apply the product directly to the root of the tail where it will be most effective.

Coat care:

A clean, healthy coat is essential in the show ring, but comfort at home matters too, especially during fly season. Before turnout, Ciara sprays her ponies with Flygard to help protect them from flies and irritation while also conditioning the coat. The added coat conditioners help maintain a healthy shine while keeping ponies comfortable and relaxed in the field.

Preparing a Connemara for showing doesn’t mean over-trimming or excessive grooming. The goal is to enhance the pony’s natural qualities while keeping mane, tail, and coat healthy all season long.

Read Carr & Day & Martin's full blog here.