Hardy, intelligent, and adaptable, this native Irish breed is no longer just a local treasure; it’s a worldwide favourite. Equally at home in the competition arena or on a trail ride, there are few breeds that can rival its versatility or natural talent. With an increasingly active international profile and a 100-year milestone on the horizon, the breed is enjoying a well-earned moment in the spotlight.
Throughout history, these cheeky yet charming ponies can be found gracing the pages of everything from Horse & Hound to beloved children’s books. Famous Connemara ponies like Erin Go Bragh, the legendary eventer who was featured in the film ‘The Little Horse That Could’, and Nugget who cleared the 7’2 puissance wall at Olympia Horse Show in London, have inspired generations with their formidable talent and heart. Recently, British YouTube sensation This Esme introduced millions of followers to Casper, her charismatic grey Connemara who also has his own book.
Although Connemaras clearly exhibit the ideal pony characteristics associated with the breed, others have gone far beyond what their size might suggest is possible. Most famously, Stroller, a 14.2hh Connemara cross Thoroughbred, won individual silver in show jumping at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. His legacy remains a benchmark for the breed’s potential in elite sport and a reminder that size is no barrier to talent. But beyond screen time, storylines, and medals these ponies have won a multitude of fans across the globe with their easy-going nature, surprising athleticism, and superstar quality.
Perhaps what makes the Connemara pony so appealing is its rare ability to bridge the gap between leisure and competition, melding the childhood dream with adult ambitions into one unique equine. Originally bred to handle the rocky, unforgiving landscapes of the wild Connemara coast, these ponies developed strength, stamina, and sure-footedness out of necessity. Historically, Connemaras were known for their ability to do hard work in tough conditions across terrain other animals couldn’t manage. Today, their work looks different, but their defining qualities remain. They’re trusted to carry beginners, bold enough to gallop behind the hunt master, and brave enough to leap hedges with scope. And they do it all with a captivating presence that makes people stop and notice, whether that’s in a field in Galway or on a social media feed halfway around the world.
Versatility continues to be the key to their broad appeal, with potential buyers flocking to the Emerald Isle in search of their next dream pony. Connemaras regularly appear in disciplines as varied as eventing, dressage, showing, and even driving. They can also be found teaching children to ride, competing at international competitions, or serving as steady trail mounts for a family hack. For riders who want one pony to do it all without compromising on quality, temperament, or ability, the Connemara pony remains one of the most reliable choices.
Physically, the Connemara pony is solid yet elegant, standing between 13 and 15 hands, with a well-proportioned, athletic frame, making it an ideal choice for either a child or an adult. A sloping shoulder, deep girth, and strong hindquarters give them their trademark power and presence under saddle, while clean legs and tough feet speak to their hardy Irish origins. With beautifully shaped heads and wide, expressive eyes, they radiate intelligence and a gentle nature. Most commonly seen in shades of grey, bay, and dun, Connemara’s are as easy on the eye as they are versatile, striking just the right balance between substance and style.
Connemara Pony Breeding Societies now exist not only in Ireland and the UK but across Europe, North America, Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand. These organisations continue to uphold the breed’s core standards and traits while also adapting to modern equestrian needs and pursuits, ensuring the ponies retain their iconic qualities as they expand into new markets and disciplines. One of the best places to see the breed in all its glory is at the annual Connemara Pony Festival and Show in Clifden, held every August in County Galway, the ancestral home of the Connemara pony. Hosted by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS), it’s the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Ponies and people travel from across the country, and increasingly from abroad, to compete in in-hand classes, working hunter divisions, and performance events. It’s more than a show; it’s a celebration of rural life, community, and a shared passion for one of Ireland’s most treasured breeds.
The 2025 edition, running from August 19–22, will be especially significant, marking 100 years since the event began. To reflect the show’s growing scale and international interest in the breed, a newly formed committee will organise the centenary event in collaboration with the CPBS. It promises to honour the breed’s roots while showcasing its modern relevance with exhibitions, classes, and festivities for breeders, riders, and visitors alike.
As the breed show celebrates a century of recognition, its future looks stronger than ever. The Connemara isn’t just a pony from the past; it’s a modern-day marvel with a future as bright as its glittering history. And for anyone seeking an equine partner with character, talent, and charm, it may be precisely what you’ve been looking for all along.
For more information about the Connemara Pony Festival and Show in Clifden, please click here.
