By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the world’s finest pony breeds—the Connemara pony. Known for their versatility, these ponies excel across various equestrian disciplines, making them a favourite among riders of all ages and abilities.
From eventing and dressage to showjumping, Connemaras consistently feature on championship teams, showcasing their athleticism and competitive spirit. However, they are equally popular as first ponies for children starting their equestrian journey or as reliable partners for adults returning to riding, thanks to their kind temperament and steady nature.
The Connemara pony hails from the picturesque region of Connemara in County Galway, Ireland. Bred to withstand the rugged terrain and challenging climate, these ponies are renowned for their hardiness and ability to thrive on minimal feed. They are often described as ponies that “get fat on thin air.”
Anyone who has visited Connemara will appreciate its breathtaking landscape—rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and a stunning coastline. However, the region’s poor-quality grazing has shaped the breed’s ability to adapt to a sparse, high-fibre diet. As a result, one of the main challenges in caring for Connemara ponies is managing their weight and preventing obesity.
Connemaras have a genetic predisposition to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), making careful diet management essential. Their feeding requirements vary depending on workload:
Ponies in light work thrive on a diet of hay or grass, supplemented with a zero-calorie balancer to provide essential vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. A product such as Pegavite can help maintain a nutritionally balanced diet while keeping calorie intake low.
Ponies in moderate work may require a small amount of additional feed to support muscle development. Given their tendency to gain weight, it’s important to provide extra nutrition without excessive calories. A high-protein balancer, such as Golden Oldies or Nurture Pro from the Keyflow range, is ideal for maintaining muscle condition without promoting weight gain.
Ponies in high-level competition need specialised nutrition to sustain their performance. Like human athletes, they require tailored diets that provide sufficient energy while respecting their breed’s natural characteristics. Connemaras in intensive training benefit from complete feeds such as Stay Cool for controlled energy release or Maestro for those needing extra fuel for peak performance.
The Connemara pony is an exceptional breed, excelling in both competitive and leisure riding. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for riders of all experience levels, but their natural tendency to gain weight requires careful dietary management.
By selecting the right balance of fibre, protein, and calories, owners can keep their Connemara ponies in top condition—whether they are a child’s first pony or a high-performance competition star.
Everyone should own a Connemara at least once in their life!
The Keyflow Range
International Stockists
United States
Ireland
