Ireland's only native pony breed, the Connemara is the performance pony of the native world — athletic, brave and a natural over a fence, yet blessed with a kind, sensible temperament. For a child who can already ride and wants to jump, event and compete, a good Connemara is the dream pony to do it on. Here is an honest guide to what they are like and who they suit.
Connemara at a glance
- Height: up to 14.2hh (148cm), occasionally slightly over
- Origin: Connemara, in the west of Ireland
- Temperament: kind, willing, intelligent, bold and athletic
- Best for: a second or competition pony — jumping, eventing, Pony Club, working hunter
- Typical UK price: around £3,000–£12,000+
Origins and character
Shaped by the rugged coastal terrain of western Ireland, the Connemara developed into a sure-footed, athletic and hardy pony with remarkable jumping ability and stamina. Careful breeding — including historic infusions of Arab and Thoroughbred blood — refined it into a genuine sports pony that keeps native sense and soundness. The result is a pony that can compete at the highest junior levels while remaining kind and trainable.
Temperament: what they are really like
Connemaras are famous for combining ability with a lovely temperament: kind, intelligent and willing, they want to work with their rider rather than against them. That is what sets them apart from many sports ponies. They are, however, forward-going and athletic, which suits a competent child far better than a nervous beginner. Buy an established, honestly described one and try it more than once before committing.
Height and the right rider
At up to 14.2hh — the very top of pony height — the Connemara suits older children, teenagers and light adults, and makes an excellent second pony or step up towards competition. It is rarely the right choice as an absolute first pony; a child needs an established seat and independent control first. Read choosing a second pony to step up without over-horsing, and check the fit with our height guide.
What Connemara ponies are good at
Jumping is the Connemara's headline talent — natural, brave and scopey — which makes them favourites for show jumping, eventing, working hunter and Pony Club. They also do dressage and showing with real quality, and their stamina suits them to hunting and long days out. For a family stepping up in ambition, browse stepping up / Pony Club ponies.
Keeping a Connemara: health and upkeep
Connemaras keep native hardiness and are good-doers, so grazing management to prevent laminitis still matters, though the finer, competition-bred types can be a little less extreme than the smallest natives. They are generally sound, tough and long-lived. As with any more valuable pony, careful vetting is well worth it — read what a pony really costs to budget for the full picture.
What does a Connemara cost?
As a broad UK guide, prices range widely from around £3,000 to £12,000 and beyond, with proven competition ponies and well-bred youngstock commanding the most. Ability, record and breeding drive Connemara prices more than in most native breeds — but a genuine, kind temperament remains the most valuable trait of all for a family.
Is a Connemara right for your family?
Wonderful if your child rides confidently and wants to jump, event and compete on a talented but kind pony that can take them a very long way.
Think twice if you need a first pony or a steady confidence-giver — an athletic Connemara asks for a capable rider. A New Forest or Dartmoor suits an earlier stage better.
Next steps
- Browse Connemara ponies for sale on Pony Search.
- Step up safely: choosing a second pony.
- Compare the natives in our best breeds for a first pony guide, and always arrange a vetting.
For the ambitious young rider, the Connemara is one of the most rewarding ponies in the world — talent and heart in a single, honest package.