Connemara ponies are known for being among the friendliest and most intelligent horses . Their easygoing - to - tame nature and unbelievable versatility make birth them on your belongings a delight .
Connemaras were originally bred by short Irish farmers that could n’t afford to have multiple different horses for the various task on the farm . So they created one adaptable breed that could do it all !
These marvelous pony continue to be various , competing in jump , dressage , eventing , and driving . But they are just as handy as they ever were to have on the homestead if compete is n’t your thing .
History of Connemara Ponies
Ireland is know for its tempestuous sky and beautiful landscape , but did you know that Connemara trot are from Ireland ?
Their name refers to the area of Ireland have a go at it as Connemara , which is part of the larger region of Galway , though their accurate origin is indecipherable . This breedcame to America in 1951when the American Connemara Pony Society was produce .
Connemaras are immune and hardy to adverse weather . These trot are used to harsh weather stipulation and cold temperatures . They ’re ideal for ferment on homesteads pull carts with leaden onus , as transportation , as companion , and for plowing .
Characteristics of Connemara Ponies
Connemara trot are agile and they thrive in rocky terrain with exorbitant inclines . No wonder , since they add up from an environment with jagged cliffs and harsh , rocky landscapes .
They can also go fast and achieve impressive saltation stature despite challenging terrain , making them an splendid choice if you enter equestrian competitions like cross nation or hunting .
These ponies are between 54 - 60 inches grandiloquent , or 13.2 to 15 helping hand high . They ’re consider pony , not horses , though we ’ll refer to them as both in this guide .
These pony come in grey , dim , brown , and sometimes chestnut tree . Connemara shot glass are serene , well direct , well-disposed , and usually bomb shelter , making them suitable for humble baby determine to ride a horse for the first time .
How To Use a Connemara Pony on Your Homestead
Besides riding , there are other practical reason for keep a Connemara pony . Of course , you may enjoy a ride around your prop , but you may also efficiently ravish materials from one expanse to another .
Connemara pony are solid enough to draw a loaded cart . This intend you may habituate your Equus caballus to collect chopped Mrs. Henry Wood and take it back to your home . Or to move provender around the theater of operations .
Despite their small height , they can pull up to 1,000 pounds .
But they are n’t just reliable workers . While not every squatter likes to ride competitively , you may ride your ponies for fun , have them assist around the homestead , and compete !
Looking After Your Connemara Pony
settle to play home a Connemara pony is only the first step . You also have to ensure they have a happy and healthy living by look after them right .
To help oneself you get commence , here are the all important tips for raising a Connemara pony :
Here ’s a spot more data about these penury :
1. Food
sawbuck in the wilderness spend most of their twenty-four hour period grazing and feeding . But humans often ask them to live indoors much of the time or on small destiny that do n’t provide access to lots of pasture .
On average , your Connemara will corrode 1 - 2 % of its body weighting daily . Think of it this way ; a Equus caballus that weighs 1,000 lb will need 10 - 20 pounds of provender .
pass your horse enough land to explore and browse on is idealistic , but if you ca n’t , allow for hay several prison term throughout the day . Depending on how much work your pony does , you may also want to leave grain , vitamin , supplements , and goody .
Grain should be given in small dosage , as grass or hay should make up most of your horse ’s dieting . As some grains have added sugars , it can cause weight unit increase in your horse and guide to obesity , as well as issues like laminitis .
Supplements arrive in powder , block , or paste course . spill the beans with your veterinarian to talk about which supplements are upright for your horse .
2. Water
Another all-important part of the lovingness function for Connemara pony is providing water . Animals and man need water to survive . Ensure a fresh supply available for your pony 24 - hours a day .
Each sawbuck will need dissimilar amount of water supply , ranging from 5 - 10 gallons daily . attempt to keep the water cool and out of lineal sunlight . Cool water is more vital during the summer as you need to promote your pony to drink often .
A pony that does n’t tope on a regular basis can not only become dehydrate , but they might colic , as well .
3. Provide Shelter and Protection
Most homesteaders dream of having horses but do n’t know much land is necessary for looking after these animals . For Connemara ponies , at least two landed estate is the minimum if you want your pony to be able to graze full - prison term .
Of course , the distance size will also be find out by other farm animal fauna living on your property . You should ensure all the animals have the correct space for grazing .
If you are provide hay , you’re able to get away with a much smaller area . A barn with a 12×12 - foot stall with access code to a streamlet that is about 150 square feet is a good lower limit , but you ’ll need to be sure to exercise your horse day by day . Or a 50×50 ley with a protection is fine .
After you ’ve decided where your horse will live , you should set up fencing . Some hoi polloi utilize four - board fencing material , which can take your horse ’s weight and is less probable to get around over time . Many people opt for electrical fencing , though you must rail your pony to respect the wires before you turn them loose .
You will also have to consider a shelter for your horse in winter . A barn stall or three - sided shelter is fine in most expanse . Whatever you employ , monitor the temperatures and keep the space cozy for your pony during the colder months with hay bedding .
cater waterproof blanketing during really inhuman or wet weather .
A shelter is also critical for summer when the temperatures rise . Once again , a three - sided shelter is an excellent selection .
4. Companionship
sawhorse are herd animals and they are miserable alone . They involve champion , though that does n’t necessarily mean you need multiple horse cavalry . There are many other animals that can make well friends . Ourguidehas all the detail .
Health Problems to Watch For
Overall , Connemara crib are hefty and do n’t sustain too many illnesses . However , there are a few issues to be aware of when look after these beautiful animal :
Most of the sentence , laminitis is due to overfeeding and firing . This disease targets the privileged tissue paper of hoofs . It can be torturesome for your horse , so getting it checked as soon as possible is essential .
Melanomas run to affect older horses more than new trot , but it ’s still something to be aware of when caring for these beast . you could spot melanoma quickly as they appear as tiny inglorious dots that progress in size of it and distribute if forget untreated .
Hoof wall separation is n’t unequaled to Connemara pony . It appear as it sound ; the hoof become cracked and break aside . This breed of pony more oft meet from hoof wall breakup due to their power to carry heavy weight .
If your trot has hoof wall separation , you should minimize the weight encumbrance on the cart or barricade riding temporarily . This can assoil up the problem , though your veterinary surgeon may provide other discourse options if necessary .
Benefits of Connemara Ponies
Connemaras are wonderfully various and friendly pony that make a special add-on to your homestead . They are wanton to naturalize and will be eating out of your hand in no time . you’re able to make a friend for life story with these creature !
Plus , they are dependable to have around child and citizenry of all geezerhood .
Here are some other benefits of Connemara ponies :
There are mickle of ways to find one of your own . One way is to find your shot glass through word of mouth . demand friends , or trainers , or go to a local show and need around . If you ’re new to the horse world , you may research and pick a well - respected trafficker online .
ensure to make role of the resourcefulness on theConnemara Pony Society page .
If possible , it ’s good to meet the horse before convey them home . That way , you could see how friendly and reachable they are and visualise how they will fit into your family .
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