Just a word about getting Connemaras out into the wider world so everyone can see they are
marvellous and just have to have one - I would like to say that it's geldings that are the ones who will
spread the word for good or evil, and not necessrily in the area of competition.
The horse/pony world is increasingly about just being out there, on the trail or in social riding clubs,
with a beautiful and reliable horse/pony.
If we want Connemaras to be identified with quiet temperament and reliability (we can all see they are
beautiful, LOL ! ) then quite a lot of work needs to go into their breeding and early handling.
I have noticed that in the areas of horsemanship that are outside studs and competition, quite a few
people are buying young, unstarted Connemaras because there is the idea that they are quiet and easy
to bring on. This is good for the studs because it means they can turn off young stock rather than hold
onto it for a number of years.
The Parelli group that I attend, is full of Connemaras. In fact the trainer made a joke of the group being
Connemaraland. Apart from ( a couple of named ponies, Editor ), all the others are young. Two were
unstarted at the last play day, and one recently broken in. To create a good impression, it is vital that
the breeders really select for temperament and also give the young ones the start that they need - with
good handling and feeding/worming/trimming etc.
This gives the purchasers of young stock a good foundation for bringing them on, and showing how
good they are - well before the choice to compete or not to compete comes into effect.
Buyers are looking at younger stock because educated Connemaras are hard to find, and in the present
economic climate it's much more economical to buy young ones. They are cheaper, and the style of
pony that someone wants is more available. For example - if someone has a heart set on a big buckskin
or black or whatever, gelding because it's part of "the dream" - then it's practically impossible to find an
educated one. The obvious way to go, is to go to the studs and find a young one.
There is an increasing number of young stock out there and these are the ones that are going to give
the name 'Connemara' to people looking for ponies.
No matter how good the stallion is in competition (which is very important) it's what people buy and
take home and show others that will spread the word.
Just some thoughts - from my perspective of the horsemanship area that I'm involved with.