- Connemara - |
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 The Connemara is an old
breed native to the Connaught region of Ireland, and is a descendant
of the Celtic pony, which is one of the early primitive breeds of
Europe. Over the years the Connemara has been exposed to a diverse
range of breeds, including the Spanish Jennet as well as the Arabian
and Barb. They have been influenced by Thoroughbred, Hackney, and
most significantly Welsh blood, and have absorbed the best qualities
of all these breeds. Important stallions such
as Golden Glen, foaled in 1932, Rebel, foaled in 1922, and Cannon
Ball, foaled in 1904, were used. Cannonball of Welsh and Connemara
origin became the first stallion to be entered in the Connemara
stud book in 1926. More recent influences have been Carna Dun, a
stallion foaled in 1948 by the Thoroughbred Little Heaven; the Irish
Draft stallion Mayboy; the Arabian Clonkeehan Auratum, and the Welsh
stallion Dynamite. From such a diverse range of breeds it is strange
that a fixed type has been properly maintained, bit the Connemara
has proved itself to be one of the best pony breeds in the world. They have been formed
by their environment, which is boggy, wild, and very wet. This has
instilled in these ponies a great resistance to the elements and
has produced an extremely hardy pony. The Breeders Society was formed
in 1923 and since that time has worked hard to maintain the commendable
characteristics of the breed. They have a wonderful temperament
and are the ideal children's pony. They are very talented and can
compete at the highest levels in show jumping, dressage, eventing,
and competitive driving. These ponies are naturally athletic
and agile, but quiet and calm to ride. They are highly attractive
ponies with a fine head set on a well-arched neck. They have well-formed
shoulders, allowing for a good length of stride, and a deep, broad
chest and powerful hindquarters. They have compact bodies and are
tough and intelligent and exhibit great stamina. They have well-made
legs with good bone and very hard feet. Originally, the Connemara
was characterized by its dun color with a black dorsal stripe and
black points. Nowadays, though, they are quite often gray, and even
occasionally bay or brown. They stand between 13 and 14.2 hh.
Nordic Arab Head Mug - Set of 4
Elmer Cookie Jar
Exmoor Breastplate
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