Tell me about Connemaras 🙏

[canteron]

Thinking of my next horse. I am basically a cob person, and have always thought Connemaras rather feisty spooky type horses.

Am I right, my trainer thinks maybe I should consider them, as I do love dressage - but whenever I see one for sale it is normally enthusiastically jumping something huge or looking very athletic in the show ring.

Are there sweet dopey types out there, have I got them all wrong?

 

[Skib]

My favourite ever horse was an oversize RS Connie. She was not a dopey type. She was sharp, intelligent and went like the wind. Think Halt to full canter in one step when I asked. She cantered with her head down, spread out head to tail in an effortless flow. She didnt like putting her feet in puddles, though when it was wet, I made her go through one puddle each hack, just to show her I was in charge.

I taught her to canter figures of eight, using both leads but she much prefered left lead. Her conformation was bad. Which was why she ended up an RS hack, (and not allowed in the school) but she was narrow chested and slim so perfect for me.

My other long term rides have been two ISs, Irish Shires or Irish Sports horses. No one knows. 15.2 They have a lot more solidity, more muscle and less spooky. But if I were ever to buy a hrse, I would choose a Connie. She taught me to ride. She turned routine into intoxication. I loved her very much, increased my hacking her to three times a week and was told that she loved me which was why I eventually became her only and last rider.

 

[canteron]

My favourite ever horse was an oversize RS Connie. She was not a dopey type. She was sharp, intelligent and went like the wind. Think Halt to full canter in one step when I asked. She cantered with her head down, spread out head to tail in an effortless flow. She didnt like putting her feet in puddles, though when it was wet, I made her go through one puddle each hack, just to show her I was in charge.

I taught her to canter figures of eight, using both leads but she much prefered left lead. Her conformation was bad. Which was why she ended up an RS hack, (and not allowed in the school) but she was narrow chested and slim so perfect for me.

My other long term rides have been two ISs, Irish Shires or Irish Sports horses. No one knows. 15.2 They have a lot more solidity, more muscle and less spooky. But if I were ever to buy a hrse, I would choose a Connie. She taught me to ride. She turned routine into intoxication. I loved her very much, increased my hacking her to three times a week and was told that she loved me which was why I eventually became her only and last rider.

Lovely post I can feel the immense fun you guys had, but you are confirming my thoughts they are best left to those who bounce???!

 

[IrishMilo]

Miles was a dopey donkey. He barely blinked all through the backing and riding away process. He would have worked at HMRC or something if he was a person and is doing fantastic in his new home.

Milo (pictured, the darker one) was a fiery cracker. Loved the bones of him. Got him at 3.5 just backed. He was always turning himself inside out and doing weird things like trying to gallop you straight through a ditch or bush. He was quite complicated and unfortunately I ended up putting him to sleep after retiring him at 7.

Mr M was a sharp little pony (light, pictured), absolutely cracking jump but it was always on his terms. Had a hell of a shoulder drop on him and you never knew what he would come out like. One day he'd jump 1.15 and the next refuse to step over a pole. Now retired from jumping and in the best dressage home.

F was stuffy, stubborn and had a habit of dropping his owner. Again, one hell of a jump but whether or not he'd ditch you after it was up to him on the day. Dumped his owner numerous times out hacking. Just when you think you were getting somewhere you were back to square one.

I find Connies to be an odd mix of backwards and stuffy but not for a novice. I know there are great ones out there though so hopefully the Connie mob won't come for me

 

[DabDab]

Connemaras are epic. A lot of them do have quite a 'native' brain though - they are smart and fast thinking, and even with a lot of training they tend to retain their somewhat feral streak somewhere under the surface.

The good ones are incredibly biddable though, and they thrive on having a job. A lot can be surprising sensitive to school and you have to adopt quite a quiet style with them.

 

[FlyingCircus]

I have 2. Both v sporty and sharp and "pony" - as in, they're cheeky and quirky.

 

[foxy1]

I agree with this "I find Connies to be an odd mix of backwards and stuffy but not for a novice".
I've known some cracking connies, often quite quirky, and need to be ridden/trained accordingly.
Would not describe any I've known personally as dopey

 

[AppyLover1996]

Connemaras are extremely intelligent, fast thinking, awesome to train but can have a bit of a feral streak.

One Connie I knew was an absolute angel from above with nervous riders, but put someone on board who was competent/had experience schooling - then you would see her elevate to a whole new level. Her name was Poetry and she had the show name Poetry In Motion - and that she was x She never put a hoof wrong and everyone often argued over who would have her for the riding school dressage tests!

On the other hand, another Connie I knew had gained a reputation for being an interesting lad to ride and had a particular habit of jumping, and then straight after dropping his shoulder and spinning round so fast that it was damn near impossible to realise what was happening till you were on the deck! x

I suppose it depends entirely on the individual as all breeds have their pros and cons x

 

[Marigold4]

I have had a number of connies. None of them have been dope on a rope types. Quick pony brains and an appetite for mischief! Great fun though.

 

[LC2013]

I have a 15hh 15 year old Connie. I’m a para rider and he’s perfect for me. Definitely more whoa than go but can step up a gear. Super safe hacking, good jump and I do it all on him. Can be bolshy but nothing too bad.
He came with a list of things he didn’t do but given time, he does them all. Get one, you won’t regret it

 

[Widgeon]

I think they vary - I always thought they were too sharp for me until a neighbour bought an Eastlands filly (then two more of them ). They were not at all what I was expecting - clever and quick, but so laid back they're practically horizontal. The three year old has been ridden for the first time this year and they pretty much just put a saddle on her and went for a hack. They are quite a different build to the sport-type Connemaras - some of these ponies could almost be mistaken for Highlands.

They persuaded me to buy one too (who needs enemies when you have friends to talk you into buying more horses) and mine is coming up two now. He's very opinionated and quick to learn but essentially (like his half sisters) extremely forgiving. No sharpness or malice in him whatsoever, and everything he does is "forwards" (until you try to put him back in the field, then his "little mule" impression comes out and negotiation has to be employed).

Most of Connemaras that I see around though are the other end of the spectrum, sharp and flashy and I'd probably be a bit afraid to sit on them! So do your research on breeders and bloodlines because they really do vary.

 

[Widgeon]

Connemaras are epic. A lot of them do have quite a 'native' brain though - they are smart and fast thinking, and even with a lot of training they tend to retain their somewhat feral streak somewhere under the surface.

I reckon though, that's the fundamental difference between people who like horses and people who like ponies. Pony-people appreciate the feral streak because occasionally it will get you out of trouble!*

*I'm not making any comment on how often it gets you IN to trouble, that's a whole other kind of trouble and another conversation

 

[gallopingby]

You need to research different bloodlines. Connie’s are no different to the other large M&M breeds whether highlands, dales, fells or even Welsh cobs. Some lines are easy and others more tricky. It’s worth looking at some of the established breeders websites, there are some families were the sire and dam have produced a line of successful easily managed ponies and others where they’re as sharp as you’ll find anywhere. Early handling is useful but some youngsters live out on a hillside very happily until they’re three years old and still come in and are exceptionally laid back.

 

[DabDab]

I think they vary - I always thought they were too sharp for me until a neighbour bought an Eastlands filly (then two more of them ). They were not at all what I was expecting - clever and quick, but so laid back they're practically horizontal. The three year old has been ridden for the first time this year and they pretty much just put a saddle on her and went for a hack. They are quite a different build to the sport-type Connemaras - some of these ponies could almost be mistaken for Highlands.

They persuaded me to buy one too (who needs enemies when you have friends to talk you into buying more horses) and mine is coming up two now. He's very opinionated and quick to learn but essentially (like his half sisters) extremely forgiving. No sharpness or malice in him whatsoever, and everything he does is "forwards" (until you try to put him back in the field, then his "little mule" impression comes out and negotiation has to be employed).

Most of Connemaras that I see around though are the other end of the spectrum, sharp and flashy and I'd probably be a bit afraid to sit on them! So do your research on breeders and bloodlines because they really do vary.

My current one an absolute doll - unbelievably trainable and has never put a hoof wrong ridden-wise in her entire life, and was backed bareback in a headcollar with very little prep. But even she has her feral streak...she doesn't trust strangers and will merrily make herself uncatchable or act like having a headcollar put on in the stable is a murder attempt if it is someone other than me or OH has the audacity to try and handle her, or if I am wearing the wrong pair of gloves, or a suspicious looking hat.

I reckon though, that's the fundamental difference between people who like horses and people who like ponies. Pony-people appreciate the feral streak because occasionally it will get you out of trouble!*

*I'm not making any comment on how often it gets you IN to trouble, that's a whole other kind of trouble and another conversation

Absolutely

 

[sarcasm_queen]

We’ve got 2. One is sharp and spooky and would jump the moon. The other is an overgrown Labrador, incredibly safe and steady, and will barely move out of walk.

So yeah, there’s a wide range!

 

[Widgeon]

The other is an overgrown Labrador

Oh yeah, the eating, I forgot to mention that. Mine will happily insert his entire head into an empty plastic feed bag just in case there's some lickable dust in the bottom, and his only major vet bill to date has been because he tried to do the horsey equivalent of eating his duvet and pillows.

 

[pistolpete]

I have known two one is sharp but fun the other is not sharp but also very fun. I love them!

 

[spotty_pony2]

Fantastic all rounders - I used to hunt a fabulous one!

 

[mini-eventer]

Mine was wonderful safe as houses and happy to sharpen up, step up a gear. Only on request

 

[Skib]

Lovely post I can feel the immense fun you guys had, but you are confirming my thoughts they are best left to those who bounce???!

I started riding aged 61, began to hack aged 62 and fell in love with this Connie the following year.

I agree with this "I find Connies to be an odd mix of backwards and stuffy but not for a novice".

So yes, I was a novice but I had read books by Rashid and by Kelly Marks. This is how I fell for the Connie. I was mounted and waiting for my RS escort to fetch her horse. My horse began to eat the flowers in the RS window box by her nose. I asked her not to. She stopped for a moment and then resumed. I asked a second time. Stop eating, and she again obeyed. Then after a moment she took another nibble. I gently asked her not to, a third time. And she obeyed completely.
This taught me that if I asked a third time, she would heed me. That I didnt have to kick or pull or get cross. She co-operated with me her novice rider. And I loved her for it.
And it made me brave riding her. The third time of asking would always be enough.
Looking back, I feel it was significant that she had only just arrived at the yard. Staff had ridden her, but I was very likely the first novice and gentle rider ever to sit on her and she liked that.

 

[M1lbie]

I have an over height Connie that I bought as an 8 year old when I was in my early 60’s. Previous horse was 16.2 Irish Sport horse and I was looking for something similar but a friend suggested I try the Connie. The best thing I ever did, he’s always been brilliant to hack, forward going and fun but the most unspooky horse I’ve ever sat on, we mainly hack now (10 years on). When I first had him we did a bit of cross country, show jumping and dressage, all only at a lower level as I was only wanting to have fun and was too old to bounce but he always has a ‘can do’ attitude. He was slightly quirky to handle and even now would prefer you to just get on with things and not one for fuss. He can be quite jolly and put in the occasional buck when feeling cheeky but life would be boring if he just plodded. I wouldn’t call him sharp but he’s not a plod either.

 

[Chiffy]

I doubt you will find a ‘ sweet dopey’ Connemara or even a Connemara cross, they have too much brain! Even if some people say they have a perfect one, it may not behave with a different rider. We had one that my granddaughter evented, she was good on her day, on the quiet side but she thought for herself and was not an easy ride. For the last two summers we have had a Connemara cross, by a very good Connemara eventing stallion in for breaking and schooling. He is SO talented but he is not for the faint hearted. He will be returning next summer age 5 to hopefully start competing…. if the jockey is up to it!

 

[Red-1]

I find Connies to be an odd mix of backwards and stuffy but not for a novice.

I LOL'ed at this! My H is ID x Connie. Has the staid sense and size of the ID, plus did the ID 'find my strength' Kevin's as a 5yo. But, he is also very Connie LOL. Most of the time he is soooooo sensible, will lope along while others bomb off etc. But sometimes, he can be quick and reactive. But not often enough for me to be prepared. That said, he is kind and generous, and means no harm.

When I bought him, I was told he was not for a novice. As a 6yo he did teach my novice boyfriend to ride, including cantering in the stubble and on the beach, but it would not work to be owned by a novice as he'd work out what was what if no one experienced was around. Not in a mean way, more that he'd become scared that he had to be in charge.

It is an odd mix as he is at the same time timid and laid back. Woosey and placid. Most of the time the placid and laid back is evident. Sometimes the timid and woosey comes out.

An odd mix indeed! But always kind and generous.

 

[poacher82]

I'm going to be the odd one out then - I have an absolute dope on a rope Connie. I've known and hacked him out since he was 4 - the worst he did at that age was stop and boggle at big builders' rubble sacks on a driveway - and I bought him at 6 when he'd 'failed' as an eventer. He was supposed to have made an event pony, but went over height, and was over faced by an over-enthusiastic teenager, so his one 'thing' is that he has a pretty good stop in him. I've never been that fussed about jumping so we didn't do a huge amount, but essentially if I sat up and rode he'd jump, if I perched up his neck or expected him to stop he would oblige!
19 years later, he's been an absolute dream. He has a personality, he's not boring/switched off, but he is pretty angelic. He has two naughty days a year - one when some spring sugar kicks in, and one the first time he's clipped - when he'll fling in some spooks at a sparrow or have a little whoopie leap and buck in canter, but it's so predictable and literally one ride then back to normal the next day. He'll do anything or go anywhere, any time, no quirks or questions. We can gallop flat out then pull up and walk on the buckle end. If the Forest ponies start charging around, he'll prance but nothing more. He can be left for three weeks then taken for a hack in a howling gale. Some people would probably be bored to tears, for me he's simply the best!

 

[Asha]

I LOL'ed at this! My H is ID x Connie. Has the staid sense and size of the ID, plus did the ID 'find my strength' Kevin's as a 5yo. But, he is also very Connie LOL. Most of the time he is soooooo sensible, will lope along while others bomb off etc. But sometimes, he can be quick and reactive. But not often enough for me to be prepared. That said, he is kind and generous, and means no harm.

When I bought him, I was told he was not for a novice. As a 6yo he did teach my novice boyfriend to ride, including cantering in the stubble and on the beach, but it would not work to be owned by a novice as he'd work out what was what if no one experienced was around. Not in a mean way, more that he'd become scared that he had to be in charge.

It is an odd mix as he is at the same time timid and laid back. Woosey and placid. Most of the time the placid and laid back is evident. Sometimes the timid and woosey comes out.

An odd mix indeed! But always kind and generous.

We have used a connie to cross with my IDSH mare, and yes hes only a yearling, but what Red-1 says pretty much sums ours up. He is an absolute poppet for me and my daughter to do anything with, most of the time hes very chilled. But when he goes he goes. Super fast, quick to learn, turns on sixpence , but very kind and loving. His maternal siblings who are crossed with draughts are lovely, (huge) but are id say a bit thick in comparison. ( i like thick )

 

[First Frost]

I have backed and brought on both versions of a connie. The very straight forward, steady type and the sharp and talented type. However all the ponies I have worked with have had one thing in common- a fantastic temperament.
My 21 year old boy is the sharp/talented type but he is also totally genuine and my horse of a lifetime. Competed successfully to BE100, dressage elementary, SJ 1m and also the most fabulous hack. We now just have hacking fun and nanny some young horses and ex racers. My dun pony (now sold to a fabulous home, as too quite for me) was the steady type. Quite as a lamb but super paces and brain. Totally trustworthy in any situation. The one I sold this year was somewhere in the middle, a fantastic jumper and dressage pony. A true competition pony and more than I need as I approach 60 and only want to have fun.


The grey is my wonderful old boy - sparrow lines but also out of Clifden supreme champion Kingtown Molly 2nd. Intention was for him to be a stallion but he went overheight.
Yellow dun (buckskin) - glencarrig lines
Chocolate dun - silver shadow lines but with a dash of TB thrown in. He was only 4 in this picture and been sat on a week or two.

 

[canteron]

I have backed and brought on both versions of a connie. The very straight forward, steady type and the sharp and talented type. However all the ponies I have worked with have had one thing in common- a fantastic temperament.
My 21 year old boy is the sharp/talented type but he is also totally genuine and my horse of a lifetime. Competed successfully to BE100, dressage elementary, SJ 1m and also the most fabulous hack. We now just have hacking fun and nanny some young horses and ex racers. My dun pony (now sold to a fabulous home, as too quite for me) was the steady type. Quite as a lamb but super paces and brain. Totally trustworthy in any situation. The one I sold this year was somewhere in the middle, a fantastic jumper and dressage pony. A true competition pony and more than I need as I approach 60 and only want to have fun.
View attachment 169453View attachment 169454View attachment 169455

The grey is my wonderful old boy - sparrow lines but also out of Clifden supreme champion Kingtown Molly 2nd. Intention was for him to be a stallion but he went overheight.
Yellow dun (buckskin) - glencarrig lines
Chocolate dun - silver shadow lines but with a dash of TB thrown in. He was only 4 in this picture and been sat on a week or two.

Beautiful

 

[Traks]

I have backed and brought on both versions of a connie. The very straight forward, steady type and the sharp and talented type. However all the ponies I have worked with have had one thing in common- a fantastic temperament.
My 21 year old boy is the sharp/talented type but he is also totally genuine and my horse of a lifetime. Competed successfully to BE100, dressage elementary, SJ 1m and also the most fabulous hack. We now just have hacking fun and nanny some young horses and ex racers. My dun pony (now sold to a fabulous home, as too quite for me) was the steady type. Quite as a lamb but super paces and brain. Totally trustworthy in any situation. The one I sold this year was somewhere in the middle, a fantastic jumper and dressage pony. A true competition pony and more than I need as I approach 60 and only want to have fun.
View attachment 169453View attachment 169454View attachment 169455

The grey is my wonderful old boy - sparrow lines but also out of Clifden supreme champion Kingtown Molly 2nd. Intention was for him to be a stallion but he went overheight.
Yellow dun (buckskin) - glencarrig lines
Chocolate dun - silver shadow lines but with a dash of TB thrown in. He was only 4 in this picture and been sat on a week or two.

They are all gorgeous

 

[dapple_grey]

They are lovely ponies, if I was smaller I would get myself a nice one.

Emphasis on ‘nice’ because there’s a lot of straight-legged rubbish about, and hindlimb issues seem to be rife. I wouldn’t go into it expecting them to be hardy natives either. Get the right one though and they’re worth their weight in gold

 

[Puzzled]

As with all breeds you will get different temperaments and types. I sell a huge number of connemaras in the uk and as 3 yr olds you can see some are going to have different attitudes to others. They are addictive though! Without doubt the most popular breed in U.K.