Connies

[TheAlertCrow]

Hello
I’ve been searching for a new pony for my daughter for a few months, we’ve been focusing on Welsh’s and cobs but tonight we viewed a gorgeous Connemara, he’s perfect in every way, only downside is he’s a little older than we’ve been looking for. He’s 14, we’ve been looking for around 6-12yrs.
In your experience, do Connie’s keep going into their older years, what sort of age do they usually retire?
thanks

Connie's are super ponies IMO, I'm a total convert having been a Welsh/cob person most of my life. Obviously it depends a bit on how much wear and tear they have and what they've been doing work-wise, but mine is in in his 20s and still going really strong at hacking and low level RC stuff (having come to me 3 years ago now from a hunting and junior eventing home apparently ready for a quieter life, but no-one gave him the memo!). I'd say that's reasonably typical, they're hardy, sound little horses on the whole. Things to look out for, they can be prone to bad feet, PSSM is worth testing for although maybe by 14 he'd have shown symptoms by now, and also personality wise they can be quite, quite mad and surprisingly sensitive for a native breed, I've never known a horse with a sense of humor like my boy but he is also extremely opinionated which has alarmed and put off some previous riders. Totally safe with it though, there's no malice in most Connie's I've met although some have not been novice rides...

I had mine until she was 42! She was 13.2 and used to fly round 3ft hunter trials until well into her 20,s. anf then did low level showing and agility until her 30’s. Absolute pony of a lifetime. She was about 30 in the picture below.

Thank you, that’s good to hear!

42!! That amazing! Gorgeous girly.

i love Connie’s, they can be very clever which can mean they can be sharp but if you were considering Welsh Ds I don’t think that would be a problem.

HWSD would always be my main concern with a Connie

HWSD would have shown by now. If worried check the breeding and find out if there is any in the breeding lines

A well looked after Connie (with negative hoof wall) can go on a long time. The problem is though that they are often produced heavily very young - this seems particularly pre slang in vinnies as they make good money as competition ponies and generally mature faster (mentally) that a Welsh cob and the likes . This can take years of their working life span at the other end so I'd check history carefully and 5 stage vet. X-rays might be worth considering!

That was supposed to say *particulary prevalent in Connie's 🙈

We have a Connie for my son. He is 11, fully fit and sound and doing great. We have always had welshies but I wouldn't hesitate to get another Connie.

Yes I know quite a few still doing lots well into their 20s. In addition to looking at HWSD, PSSM and full vetting etc. I would also find out as much as possible about his background if you can - Connies mature physically quite late compared to other breeds, and many are still growing well after 6. What this means is that if they are started early, some do a lot on young bodies not fully developed or strong enough for what they are asked, which can have an effect later on in life. I see loads of 4yos or even rising 4yos etc advertised straight off the boat from Ireland and the ads say things like 'keen but well mannered out hunting', 'XC machine' etc. and I just think you shouldn't even know that yet. They might not all have problems in later life, but it isn't the start I would wish for a long and healthy and sound ridden career. It might not be possible to find this out as he's 14, but knowing as much about his background as possible can only be a benefit in making the right decision.

But yes, Connies are ace!

Sorry I realise @liveforsummer basically already said wha I just said!

I'd love an over height Connemara if I was looking for a second... Can have crap hooves one I know needs shod on all 4s. Theres hardy types and finer types..

Also if they are in work and you want something low level id say go for it, if you need to sell on (daughter outgrowing?) after they are 17 year old (not breed specific) can be challenging to rehome and you may end up funding retirement / loaning out

They live as long and work as long as as another pony, if they keep well :)

My friend breeds and shows Connie's. They are beautiful, but do come with a price tag!

Have you looked at New Forests?