History Connemara pony

a connemara pony has short head

the connemara region in county galway in western ireland, breed first became recognised distinct type, harsh landscape, giving rise pony breed of hardy, strong individuals. believe connemara developed scandinavian ponies vikings first brought ireland. source irish hobby, now-extinct breed established prior 13th century. legend, however, says galleons spanish armada ran aground in 1588, , andalusians on board set loose. spanish horses bred native stock, refining local ponies.

for additional strength , stamina, arabian blood added in 18th century. crossed hackneys , thoroughbreds. crossbreeding began dilute pony bloodlines, connemara pony breeders society, founded in 1923, worked preserve breed type. stud book established in 1926. today, connemaras bred worldwide in ireland , britain, on european continent, north america, australasia , south africa.

the connemara pony breeders society established in 1923 , set out ensure preservation , improvement of connemara pony native breed of ireland. society runs annual pony show , has been doing since founding. annual show allows assembly of largest collection of connemara ponies worldwide , used buy , sell connemara ponies both ireland , abroad.