On Top of the World
Ruth Rogers traces the global success of the Connemara Pony
Reproduced by kind permission of the Irish Field
Since the inception of the Stud Book in 1923, the Connemara Pony has etched its name all over the World. Today no less than sixteen international societies championing the breed are in existence are in place.
In past decades, great names like Dundrum, Ashfield Bobby Sparrow, and Stroller readily come to mind as true legends of the jumping arena.
Today, there are Connemara ponies all over the world that have provided owners with immeasurable pleasure on the hunting field, eventing grounds, show jumping arena, dressage ring, cross-Country course, driving and in-hand.
More importantly the mares and stallions who were exported have, in their own right, established foundation bloodlines and opened up new opportunities to breeders in overseas countries. They now represent many European nations including Denmark, Poland, Italy, Luxemburg, France, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and England.
Ireland’s Sillogue Darkie has both individual and Nations Cup wins in Belgium, Italy, France, England and Holland to his credit and was a leading light on the Irish team at the Pony European Championships in Freudenberg, Germany and carried the same form into 2008 with rider Jessica Burke from Co. Galway. He also has two stallion brothers in Ireland
OVERSEAS BUYERS
In the the 1960s breeders became aware of the extraordinary potential of the Connemara pony. Buyers from Australia, America, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, England, and Holland travelled to Connemara in search of foundation stock. Quite often it was owing to economic reasons that many of our most valued stock was exported as the sale of a pony generated much-needed income for the breeders.
The Carna Dun and Carna Bobby lines that left Ireland at that time have gone on to dominate in the performance field.
The famous Marble (Rebel Wind-Callowfeenish Dolly 2nd ) was one of the most influential and outstanding Connemara stallions who ever left Ireland.