Connemaras... experiences/opinions

Michen

Michen

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Would love to hear if some of you have a Connemara. Particularly the adult rider with an oversized Connie. I rode my friends 15.1hh not long ago and at 5'7 he actually felt just right (was one of the reasons I then went for a smaller horse rather than the 16hh plus I had before). He is a baby at 4 and I'm so impressed with him in every way. He is just incredibly easy, straightforward and so genuine.

How do you find them on the whole, temperament wise etc? Any issues they are pre disposed to medically?

Anything about them that you don't like?

I appreciate that every horse is different and you will always get an exception but it would be lovely to hear what people's opinions are of them on the whole.
 
I'm a sucker for a nice Connemara and so on my horsey hunt, I tried several.

All were very genuine, nice little horses but I found there's a distinct difference between the traditional Connies and the sportier versions. The more traditional Connies seemed more sedate and more kick along (in my experience!) and then kind you'd have to school to be off the leg, whereas the sportier models seemed to be raring to go at any given moment (sometimes terrifyingly so!!).

I ended up with a sports model! Who is a fantastic little horse (15hh, so overheight for a Connie). On the ground, he's a total sweetheart and anyone could do anything with him. Under saddle, he's very genuine, learns quickly but can be quite sharp.
 
I've seen two very distinctive stamps. The ones with the straighter heads tend to be quiet, easy allrounders, more like english native ponies, and the ones with the dishy heads talented and hot. More like the welsh ;) Weird, I don't know if they are different bloodlines or if people breed for varying goals or what.
 
The sporty ones are so expensive! I do like the look of them as they seem to have that beautiful slightly dishier head. Having said that I think riding wise I would better suit the more chilled type.

It seems that the four year olds come over here and are 4k straight off from dealers even under saddle for a few months. Where did you buy yours?


FlyingCircus said:
I'm a sucker for a nice Connemara and so on my horsey hunt, I tried several.

All were very genuine, nice little horses but I found there's a distinct difference between the traditional Connies and the sportier versions. The more traditional Connies seemed more sedate and more kick along (in my experience!) and then kind you'd have to school to be off the leg, whereas the sportier models seemed to be raring to go at any given moment (sometimes terrifyingly so!!).

I ended up with a sports model! Who is a fantastic little horse (15hh, so overheight for a Connie). On the ground, he's a total sweetheart and anyone could do anything with him. Under saddle, he's very genuine, learns quickly but can be quite sharp.
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I have two but they are connie x tbs

my mare is now 30, never had a sick day in her life

my gelding is now 5, he's had numerous bone issues and currently recovering from treatment!

what I have found is that they will certainly let you know when they are in pain, which in both case I did just put down to bad behaviour! but they are both genuine horses!!!

my mare was so fast and would jump anything in her day! I don't know if she was 50/50 connie and TB but she looks very much like an oversized connie, with the attitude of a scatty TB.

my gelding is also like a very oversized connie, now. but he is 16'1, so very very oversized haha! I think they are both strong sturdy horses with nice big shoulders, so you feel like there is a horse under you!

they are both good doers, only have a small feed and hay during the winter! also very warm, so don't need a million rugs, just enough to keep them clean
 
Michen said:
The sporty ones are so expensive! I do like the look of them as they seem to have that beautiful slightly dishier head. Having said that I think riding wise I would better suit the more chilled type.

It seems that the four year olds come over here and are 4k straight off from dealers even under saddle for a few months. Where did you buy yours?
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Producer/dealer in Leicester. If that's near enough to you, I'd be happy to give you the details over PM.

Depends what you class as expensive, I guess. My boy was 3.5k but I got him for 3k with abit of haggling! He was over my budget (2.5k), but when you have to have a horse...you have to have a horse haha!!

I agree though, the trip from Ireland to UK seems to add atleast a few thousand to their price tag, it's nuts.
 
sorry cannot get my computer to post a link but google hoof wall separation syndrome and you will find lots of info. It may be something to be aware of.
 
Pigeon said:
I've seen two very distinctive stamps. The ones with the straighter heads tend to be quiet, easy allrounders, more like english native ponies, and the ones with the dishy heads talented and hot. More like the welsh ;) Weird, I don't know if they are different bloodlines or if people breed for varying goals or what.
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This. I know of two off the top of my head who are the hot ones and tend to be more sporty looking, and they are like little tbs. Fly everywhere. I know another purebred who looks more like a highland and is laid back. Lots of different lines in connies, and lots of crosses that are reg anyway lol ireland eh
 
I have a performance stamp type - can be calm but can be a total hot head at the flick of a switch ! I have had since she was 5 months old she's now 7 we have learnt loads together and still are learning together every day. There is another connie in my village and she is from the showing type and is a kick along. Do your research on bloodlines so you get what you want.
 
We had an 'old fashioned' type Connie about 10 years ago who was a little monkey and still is! He was more of a Welsh in a Connie body.

Liked a little bronc when he felt like it but never anything nasty. You really can't judge horses by breed (except for Welsh Ds!).
 
I have 2 crosses. A 15HH 22yo gelding he's Connie x tb and 7yo 14.1hh Connie x Cob. Both are easy going nicely moving types although both have their quirks. The Conne x tb is my ex competition horse, hots up very quickly. Enjoys his job hacks well and does a decent dressage test. Although can be nappy its very rare and only in very specific situations. The 7yo is my project pony that I got at 3yo. I started her very slowly and now she's awesome. 100% safe to hack anywhere, good in the school and has a real scopey jump. Never again will have anything that isn't at least half Connemara.
 
I love Connies! I think there absolutely amazing alrounders, there one to suit pretty much any rider doing any job!
They're pretty, versatile and can be very talented little horses that tend to very sensible.
The only thing I've found with them, it's they thrive in work, but aren't as good out of it... Mine have never been lame, sick or sorry a day in there lives!!
 
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I had one of the more traditional type about 20 years ago. An absolute little star. When I started my horse hunt 3 years ago I had connies in mind but everything I saw was the sportier type and far too fizzy for my liking. I ended up with my highland and agree with the poster above who said that they had a more traditional type who looked more like a highland. I know someone who had a stunning looking but very sporty connie, very much a hothead and lived on its nerves. I think you would need to research carefully. Im not sure if she still does but Henrietta Knight used to have a connie stud close to you, Wantage I think. Might be worth contacting her.
 
I ride an overgrown Connie - I'm 5'7.5"; she's 15.1 and a bit. I have very long legs but she takes them so well. I love her to the moon and back. We're out scoring 66% + Novice dressage, and we regularly jump the 90 - 100 cm classes. She was a brood mare for 7 years until Christmas 2013. We've achieved all this in just a year - she was a show pony before being a brood mare. I've never met a little horse that tries so hard. She is as sweet as pie - so easy to look after and has the best manners on the yard.

She came from the Chilham Stud - they have a FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chilham-Connemara-Ponies/108720482494122?fref=ts

Taking up the long leg, but a little tense as it was pouring down: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...183766.-2207520000.1440960989.&type=3&theater

Jumping:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...183766.-2207520000.1440960989.&type=3&theater
 
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We have a Connie x Tb, five years old, which we bought for my teenage daughter.

She is gorgeous, polite, talented, not dope on a rope but the sort that would sell very easily.

We got her straight off the lorry from Ireland at a dealers yard :)
 
I've had mine 14 years , he's now 24 and I don't have a bad word to say about him.

He's not had a single days lameness in all these years and he's still extremely fit and well in full work at 24.

He's cheeky but easy in every way. Very lively to hack but safe. He works nicely although has never been spectacular and he has a great jump, very naturally careful.

I only wish he was a hand taller and 20 years younger - I would get another without a second thought!

Here he is
BaileyAll252.jpg
 
Ours doesn't fit the types described in that he has a proper connie head with a straight profile and snub nose but is performance bred and very sharp to ride. Having said that, he's completely safe, just forward and responsive. Jumps anything, total poppet to handle but won't cooperate in a dressage arena despite being well schooled. Ours is only 14.1hh but has a huge trot and rides more like a small horse. He's overall healthy, but a fussy eater and a poor doer. Owned him 8 years now and he's been a wonderful pony.
 
I have had 2 pure bred connies and currently have 2 part bred connies.

One of the pure bred was bought as a sell on project and was a fab pony club pony. The other I bought from the breeder and only sold him on when he reached 14. He did showing, show jumped as a senior, did all riding clubs teams, evented and competed affiliated dressage getting points at elementary. All bare foot and he only saw the vet for his vaccinations in the whole time I owned him. He lived on fresh air and was a very uncomplicated pony. He never gave anymore than was asked for mind you, but was never silly and used to escort babies on hacks. He was always very polite and was described as a rolls royce pony more than once.

With the part breds one is only a yearling but she is great to have around, very polite but has lots of personality (tips over wheelbarrows, runs off with coats...). The other is a recent purchase and I have really high hopes for him. He isn't sharp but he wouldn't do for a novice rider. Having owned warmbloods and cobs in between the connies it now feels like I have come home and I am very much within my comfort zone as an experienced but anxious rider after having a family and knowing that I am not getting any younger and no longer bounce as well I did.

I totally recommend them, NT Equine usually has some very nice ones for sale and I know the breeder of my new boy has another one for sale. Try the British Connemara Pony Society website too. Like with all breeds there are world beaters and steady eddies, you just need to find one that suits you.

Go and see a few. There is a test for white line disease and both parents need to be carriers.
 
Beautiful. The one I'm thinking about is dun.



Suzie86 said:
I've had mine 14 years , he's now 24 and I don't have a bad word to say about him.

He's not had a single days lameness in all these years and he's still extremely fit and well in full work at 24.

He's cheeky but easy in every way. Very lively to hack but safe. He works nicely although has never been spectacular and he has a great jump, very naturally careful.

I only wish he was a hand taller and 20 years younger - I would get another without a second thought!

Here he is
BaileyAll252.jpg
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Well in that case absolutely go for it 😄

I know they aren't all the same and I've been incredibly lucky but given your history you definitely want something with a good chance of staying sound 😄 a native may be the way to go!
 
Masses of connie's around here (I live about 10 miles south of Connemara). Almost all the farmers have a broodie or two, they certainly seem to be very easy keepers and do very well despite borderline neglect (wormed about once a year, feet done about once a quarter). I've never seen a rug on one and they usually only get hay if it snows.

The only one I've ridden regularly was also the only horse I've ever hunted, about 10 years ago. He was a lovely horse to ride and handle with a great temperament. He was fairly new to the RS but used for everyone from complete beginners up. He always stood off his fences as he'd had a bad back for years before the stables got him. Shows what a good boy he was that he still kept on jumping, I never knew him to stop if he was pointed at a fence. It put people off jumping him, which was fine by me as he was always free for me. He was lovely to hunt, hotting up enough to be fun whilst remaining perfectly mannered. Only downside was we had to do the gates!
 
I've just bought a performance bred 2 yo connie, straight from the field in Ireland. He has been amazing so far, very brave and level headed but cheeky and fun too. I have high hopes for him. If you are looking for a connie contact Kevin Reilly on Facebook. He has really gorgeous ponies/horses and starts them beautifully.
 
Hoof wall separation is not the same as white line disease and can be a career endin threat. Do check carefully any connie that appears to have seedy toe/poor flakey feet
 
We have the 'traditional' type of connie, 14.2hh but with the dished face and very Spanish looking. She's great, but it's taken a few years to get there, she was quite opinionated at first! She adapts to who is riding her, and is forward to hack, now happy jumping with anybody and will let my son sit on her and just follows me about. A true family pony. I'm about 5'9" and she takes up my leg no problem!
 
They do tend to be 'hardy' but so intelligent, and in general, can turn there hand to anything. I love connies, they tick all the boxes. Easy to do, look after themselves, nearly. The connie crosses are great too. In my experience, they are slightly more difficult to @break@ but after that, amazing. Hope you have lots of fun.
 
Mine's a connie with (I believe) a touch of ID. He's very bright, loads of character and a real fun little chap. He's a good doer (almost too good a doer LOL) He's a dream to handle and has loads of character. I adore him to bits and would definitely consider a connie again.

Sam%20Showing.jpg
 
They're absolutely fab. I lost my Connemara earlier this month, at the age of 21, and I miss him so, so much. There will never be another Charlie. He did have several issues in the latter part of his life but they could have possibly been due to his management in the early years. He had cushings, ems, arthritis and eventually it was an acute, out of the blue, attack of laminitis. Weight was always a struggle with him, most definitely good doers.

C was just 15hh, although quite a stocky type, and I'm 5'9 but I don't think I ever looked too big for him. The most fantastic temperament, so forgiving in the beginning when I was very much a novice but turned his hoof to anything; taught me so much, gave me years of fun and helped me out on several occasions! I know I got incredibly lucky with him, just so easy in every way but not boring in the slightest. He was always referred to as a character(!), there was never a dull moment and he had to have a clearance space so he wouldn't lick/knock over/untie/paw what was in reach. He has left a big grey, hairy hole in my heart and I will most definitely go for a connemara or connemara cross if I get the opportunity again, although having seen what levels of pure filthy-ness can be achieved maybe not a grey again..!

A photo of him:

DD620119-867F-4A35-BEC3-A3D29DD7F788.jpg
 
What a beautiful boy. I'm so sorry you lost him but it sounds like he was as lucky to have you as you were to have him from the way you write about him. Clear love! X



gocharliego said:
They're absolutely fab. I lost my Connemara earlier this month, at the age of 21, and I miss him so, so much. There will never be another Charlie. He did have several issues in the latter part of his life but they could have possibly been due to his management in the early years. He had cushings, ems, arthritis and eventually it was an acute, out of the blue, attack of laminitis. Weight was always a struggle with him, most definitely good doers.

C was just 15hh, although quite a stocky type, and I'm 5'9 but I don't think I ever looked too big for him. The most fantastic temperament, so forgiving in the beginning when I was very much a novice but turned his hoof to anything; taught me so much, gave me years of fun and helped me out on several occasions! I know I got incredibly lucky with him, just so easy in every way but not boring in the slightest. He was always referred to as a character(!), there was never a dull moment and he had to have a clearance space so he wouldn't lick/knock over/untie/paw what was in reach. He has left a big grey, hairy hole in my heart and I will most definitely go for a connemara or connemara cross if I get the opportunity again, although having seen what levels of pure filthy-ness can be achieved maybe not a grey again..!

A photo of him:

DD620119-867F-4A35-BEC3-A3D29DD7F788.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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