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Connemara PonyHistory of the Connemara
Some believe that the Connemara is from the Scandinavian ponies that the Vikings first brought to Ireland. Legend, however, says that galleons from the Spanish Armada ran aground in 1588, and the Andalusians on board were set loose. The Spanish horses breed with the native stock, refining the local ponies. The harsh lands made these horses into hardy, strong individuals.

For strength and stamina, Arabian blood was added in the 1700s. They were also crossed with Hackneys and Thoroughbreds.

Too much cross-breeding began to dilute the pony bloodlines, so the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, founded in 1920, worked to preserve the type. The stud book was established in 1926.

Today the ponies live all across the globe. They are ridden by both children and adults, and excel in all sport horse competition, including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and driving.