By Jayne Pedigo

Characteristics
The Connemara Pony originates from Galway, on the western coast of Ireland, but is now bred in England and the US, as well as Australia. It is a descendant of the Celtic Pony, but Spanish blood was introduced in the 1500's by horses from the wrecked Armada. An interesting history and legend of the breed, by Maureen Loughman Abel, can be read at the American Connemara Pony Society's Web site. More recently the Connemara Society purchased two small thoroughbreds and a part-Arabian to improve the breed further.

Characteristics
Connemaras range between 13 hands to 14.2 hands and are sturdily built, with an attractive pony head, good depth of girth and free-flowing action. They are very agile, with good feet and legs (a benefit of their heritage in the rough, craggy terrain of Galway). Their coat color can be dun, bay, black, brown or grey.

Presentation of the Connemara Pony "Rambles" to the Princess Royal.

Uses
The Connemara today is an all-round riding pony, which is extremely versatile and accomplished in many disciplines, such as eventing and dressage.

In addition to being accomplished athletes, Connemaras are perfect children's ponies, having a docile temperament. In fact, the English Connemara Pony Society made a donation of a pony named "Rambles" to Riding for the Disabled, illustrating the breed's suitability for children.