Connemaras

[Molly22]

We bought a Connie over 6years as a mother hack and daughter low level competition horse. Turned out to be best competition horse we've had, and, still hacks with me around the fields. Started off doing a bit of everything but now mainly does dressage and is about to go Medium. He's so easy on the ground and to take out and about. His sire is Currachmore Cashel but you may need to find him as a grandsire now as he's in his 20s.

Wow you have done well with him.

 

[Molly22]

I think the NF will start challenging the connies soon they are get popular and less chance of going over height for the show ring.

The connies are getting huge now nearly everything is 148 at 4/5 and likely to go overheight..

I was considering them when I lost my NF but they are just huge very hard to find a 13.3/14

I think you could be right, last year at Windsor a NF came second.

 

[Molly22]

What it is about a Connemara that you want? I find Welshes have all the same talent without the stubbornness of a Connie.

I’ve not really thought of a welsh.

 

[SO1]

Yes that is correct and out of the same mare as my forester.

I think you could be right, last year at Windsor a NF came second.

 

[minesadouble]

I think the NF will start challenging the connies soon they are get popular and less chance of going over height for the show ring.

The connies are getting huge now nearly everything is 148 at 4/5 and likely to go overheight..

I was considering them when I lost my NF but they are just huge very hard to find a 13.3/14

My eldest daughter had a NF and he was the boldest jumper you could wish for. He had the heart of a lion and was a super hunter and WHP, though he was less keen on his flatwork!

I'd have another in a heartbeat but they are hard to find and many seem to be around the 13.2 mark. They did used to struggle against the Connemaras when the flat classes were mixed, I remember being at a HOYS qualifier at GYS and out of 40+ entries in the section there were only 2 NFs.

Hopefully they will become more increase in popularity as they do make fabulous all-rounders.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I’ve already mentioned them but Google the Tulira stud. They sell lightly backed and tend to be within height.

 

[Mouse19]

What it is about a Connemara that you want? I find Welshes have all the same talent without the stubbornness of a Connie.

This is a sweeping generalisation I realise but I have found many modern section D’s to be incredibly hot and an acquired taste. I had a beautiful Dwyfor line section D when I was a teenager and never found anything similar.

I’m sure the experienced Connie owners have more knowledge than me and will advise but you need to ensure that any Connie you buy doesn’t have hood wall separation disease.

 

[IrishMilo]

This is a sweeping generalisation I realise but I have found many modern section D’s to be incredibly hot and an acquired taste. I had a beautiful Dwyfor line section D when I was a teenager and never found anything similar.

I’m sure the experienced Connie owners have more knowledge than me and will advise but you need to ensure that any Connie you buy doesn’t have hood wall separation disease.

I've had many of both breeds and they both have their quirks but would now have a Welsh over a Connie any day. They also don't come with the ridiculous price tag.

 

[First Frost]

I have owned Connie's for years. They are no more stubborn than any other breed, but they do need variety in their work to keep them interested. They get very bored just going around in circles.
I have 2 at the moment. 1 is 20 next year and has been with me from a 4 year old. He is a Fairyhill pony from the Molly line. He has evented to BE 100, never having had a stop. He has competed dressage to elementary, show jumped at BRC national champs on many occasions and been successful in the showring. He now mainly hacks.
My 8 year old is a buckskin. He show jumps and arena events at 1m and competes dressage at elementary. He could easily jump higher but i'm too old now! I am hoping he will continue up the levels in dressage.
Both are Irish bred and are wonderful characters.
Anything born and registered in 2017 or after will have been tested for HWSD and should have a certificate in their passport. Due to careful controls the incidence of HWSD has reduced a lot.
Sorry couldn't rotate the picture of my old boy at his grading in Ireland!

 

[NinjaPony]

I have a Welsh and had a Connie and my connie was 100x easier in every single way, and I say this with love. If you want an easy life, do not buy a welsh.

My Connie was out of Templebready Fear Bui (Irish dun stallion who recently died aged 31) and he was perfect. A lot of people probably say this but it’s true. He was a winning working hunter pony before I got him, he got to elementary BD with me in his teens but much more importantly he had the kindest, sweetest temperament. Nervous me went solo hacking with him without any worries, he was beautiful to school and so good to handle I could give him cartrophen injections myself. He was irreplaceable and has left a huge hole in my life.

So if you see a Connemara with those lines, I’d go and have a look. He was worth every penny I paid for him and much more.

 

[Ceriann]

Mine is overheight but has the loveliest personality - she’s the friendliest mare I’ve had, always looks pleased to see you and has no quirks. I’m not brave at all and we hack and school happily with no drama. I have a friend who jumps her and she’s brilliant and again unflappable. She’s not a dope either - plenty of go but no sharpness. I bought her for those qualities not her breeding (I’ll be honest I only looked at that after I bought her) - she’s imported out of Classiebawn Black Jack but her Geand Sire is I lovey you Melody (who is very well known). Best of luck with your search.

 

[Molly22]

I have owned Connie's for years. They are no more stubborn than any other breed, but they do need variety in their work to keep them interested. They get very bored just going around in circles.
I have 2 at the moment. 1 is 20 next year and has been with me from a 4 year old. He is a Fairyhill pony from the Molly line. He has evented to BE 100, never having had a stop. He has competed dressage to elementary, show jumped at BRC national champs on many occasions and been successful in the showring. He now mainly hacks.
My 8 year old is a buckskin. He show jumps and arena events at 1m and competes dressage at elementary. He could easily jump higher but i'm too old now! I am hoping he will continue up the levels in dressage.
Both are Irish bred and are wonderful characters.
Anything born and registered in 2017 or after will have been tested for HWSD and should have a certificate in their passport. Due to careful controls the incidence of HWSD has reduced a lot.
Sorry couldn't rotate the picture of my old boy at his grading in Ireland!

They are both lovely and sound very versatile. Good to know about the HWSD from 2017. My vet said to me that they love a job.

 

[Molly22]

I have a Welsh and had a Connie and my connie was 100x easier in every single way, and I say this with love. If you want an easy life, do not buy a welsh.

My Connie was out of Templebready Fear Bui (Irish dun stallion who recently died aged 31) and he was perfect. A lot of people probably say this but it’s true. He was a winning working hunter pony before I got him, he got to elementary BD with me in his teens but much more importantly he had the kindest, sweetest temperament. Nervous me went solo hacking with him without any worries, he was beautiful to school and so good to handle I could give him cartrophen injections myself. He was irreplaceable and has left a huge hole in my life.

So if you see a Connemara with those lines, I’d go and have a look. He was worth every penny I paid for him and much more.

My first pony was half welsh, he was a handful! Your pony sounds a sweet heart. Temperament has got to be the top of the list.

 

[Molly22]

Mine is overheight but has the loveliest personality - she’s the friendliest mare I’ve had, always looks pleased to see you and has no quirks. I’m not brave at all and we hack and school happily with no drama. I have a friend who jumps her and she’s brilliant and again unflappable. She’s not a dope either - plenty of go but no sharpness. I bought her for those qualities not her breeding (I’ll be honest I only looked at that after I bought her) - she’s imported out of Classiebawn Black Jack but her Geand Sire is I lovey you Melody (who is very well known). Best of luck with your search.

I will be looking for a mare which is probably harder than looking for a gelding. She sounds lovely. Thanks for letting me know about her breeding.

 

[conniegirl]

I had a stunning connie. True old type and not grey either.
He was by Ashfield Miller

 

[Love]

My loan horse is by Earl of Newbridge whose sire was Earl of Castlefrench, and has a lovely temperament.

My gelding is also by Earl of Newbridge! Fab jumpers and I follow a few others by him on Instagram and he definitely put a stamp on his stock. Can be opinionated but safe as houses and would have another in a heartbeat

 

[Puzzled]

Great advice, thank you. Good point on size. I was thinking of a 3 or 4 year old So i must take that into consideration, unless i can find an older one that has not been backed and jumped at 3. If anyone knows of one for sale please let me know. At the moment i can’t see any that fit the bill.

Send a pm….I sell a huge number of Connemaras each year. I do sell a huge number of overheight but do also have smaller ponies. I have a lovely 3 yrs gelding just over 14hh at the moment who may be of interest…

 

[seriously festive equine]

Thank you.

Hi there I am also at the moment looking for a connie but a 15h jumper. I am probably going to import something young from Ireland. They are cheaper and better quality in ireland but I will say to make sure you dont get a horse that has a white passport! You need to get one with a green passport tha is stamped HWSD n/n. you will also probably want a class 1 as you are interested in jumping. I would reccomend going to breeders not an auction as you can get some dodgy stuff at sales. Try posting a wanted ad on facebook connemara groups and you will likely get responses from breeders. Transporting fees are not too bad. You are looking about £450-£500. Hope this helps.

 

[seriously festive equine]

I was thinking of importing but at the moment I can’t get away to go to Clifton. Using an agent is another option but i have never bought unseen before.

try flying over to see a breeder?

 

[seriously festive equine]

I’ve not really thought of a welsh.

I also have a welshy and she is a DREAM to ride! really quality ponies. Only looking for a connie as she is getting too old to jump....she is 27 and hacks like a dream!

 

[Molly22]

Thanks everyone for the information on Connemara's. After all that I have bought a New Forest. Saw her advertised, looked like just what I wanted, passed the vetting and she arrived last week.

 

[conniegirl]

Hi there I am also at the moment looking for a connie but a 15h jumper. I am probably going to import something young from Ireland. They are cheaper and better quality in ireland but I will say to make sure you dont get a horse that has a white passport! You need to get one with a green passport tha is stamped HWSD n/n. you will also probably want a class 1 as you are interested in jumping. I would reccomend going to breeders not an auction as you can get some dodgy stuff at sales. Try posting a wanted ad on facebook connemara groups and you will likely get responses from breeders. Transporting fees are not too bad. You are looking about £450-£500. Hope this helps.

A 15hh connie should not have a green passport as it is overheight

 

[ponynutz]

AH saddles are brill for flat backed connies. I got mine for £2k new which once you divide by use is a bargain!

OP I know a few connies (mine included) with Earl of Castlefrench and they are poppets. Proper traditional types that you can plonk your toddler on (which I have).

I’ve known too many for it to be coincidence with Westside Mirah closely related that have sweet itch.

I’ve got my eyes on the Tulira stud for my next one. Their stallion is gorgeous and again very good with children which is a quality I like in ponies as I think it shows they’re unflappable!

I have a Thorowgood GP on mine and that's also fantastic.

 

[Caski]

Irish bred and English bred Connie's are often quite different. My favourite Irish bred lines are - Glencarrig, Fairyhill (particularly the Molly line, which will have a name beginning with M) and Kingstown. My preferred English bred ponies are Chilham - anything with Castle Comet.

For showing take great care with anything under 7 to be sure it will stay under 148cm. They often grow a lot after 4.

Take a look at the results for Clifden show over the last few years to see which stallions and mares have done well.

They are expensive ponies but in my opinion a good one is worth every penny. Friendly, fun versatile and beautiful!

Good luck!!

I can second Glencarrig, we had a real super pony from that line.

 

[seriously festive equine]

Hi there I am also at the moment looking for a connie but a 15h jumper. I am probably going to import something young from Ireland. They are cheaper and better quality in ireland but I will say to make sure you dont get a horse that has a white passport! You need to get one with a green passport tha is stamped HWSD n/n. you will also probably want a class 1 as you are interested in jumping. I would reccomend going to breeders not an auction as you can get some dodgy stuff at sales. Try posting a wanted ad on facebook connemara groups and you will likely get responses from breeders. Transporting fees are not too bad. You are looking about £450-£500. Hope this helps.

sorry I meant showing not jumping!

 

[seriously festive equine]

A 15hh connie should not have a green passport as it is overheight

thanks but I will get something young so will be 14 hh to start with.

 

[seriously festive equine]

Thanks everyone for the information on Connemara's. After all that I have bought a New Forest. Saw her advertised, looked like just what I wanted, passed the vetting and she arrived last week.

Glad you found the right thing for you!

 

[Michen]

A 15hh connie should not have a green passport as it is overheight

Mine all did/do? But he would have been passported when under height I guess?

 

[KittenInTheTree]

A 15hh connie should not have a green passport as it is overheight

Mine is 16.1hh and nobody has asked me to change the colour of his passport yet! Are you sure you aren't thinking of the grading system, which can change as they mature based on their quality?

 

[Irish Sally]

Hi there I am also at the moment looking for a connie but a 15h jumper. I am probably going to import something young from Ireland. They are cheaper and better quality in ireland but I will say to make sure you dont get a horse that has a white passport! You need to get one with a green passport tha is stamped HWSD n/n. you will also probably want a class 1 as you are interested in jumping. I would reccomend going to breeders not an auction as you can get some dodgy stuff at sales. Try posting a wanted ad on facebook connemara groups and you will likely get responses from breeders. Transporting fees are not too bad. You are looking about £450-£500. Hope this helps.

Could also buy a carrier. N/hwsd. That just means if you plan on breeding you need to breed them to a n/n. A green passport with cpbs is for any purebred connemara as well no matter what height they are.