Connemara

 The Connemara Pony originates in an area of County Galway, Ireland, known as Connemara. On the most westerly point of Ireland, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara is a rugged landscape with vast boggy areas and rocky fields. It is swept by harsh gales from the Atlantic and it is this environment that has made the Connemara Pony, which originates there, the surefooted, hardy pony that it is.

Originally the ponies would have been an essential element of farming life on the small holdings of the area, a tough little workhorse. As years passed and the tractor and car took the place of the pony on the farm the Connemara Pony has remained an important part of the lives of many families in Connemara who keep ponies to breed or as riding ponies.

In 1923 the Connemara Pony Breeders Society was founded to preserve and protect the breed. Now there are Connemara Pony Societies throughout Europe and beyond (USA, Australia and New Zealand for example). The Connemara Pony is a fantastic all rounder, the ideal family pony.

On the third thursday in August every year the Connemara Pony Breeders Society hold their annual pony show in Clifden, County Galway. This is the highlight of the year for Connemara Pony enthuasiasts worldwide attracting thousands from all over the globe.