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Here are all the comments that were included in our 2005 Connemara inspections survey of ACPS members:

Commemara gene pool

Your survey came in the mail three days ago. While I do not, as they say, “have a dog in the fight,” I have been a longtime admirer and trainer of Connemaras and am a former owner. I am not at this time a breeder and therefore not presenting animals for inspection. I am a Life member of ACPS. Since I “ponied up” (no pun intended) my $1,000.00 years ago because I was and remain a believer in Connemaras, I’ll throw in my two cents at this time.

First, I will state I feel this move to exclude the Little Heavens and Little Heaven “type” is an error.

Given Connemaras are in fact more accurately small horses rather than true ponies, we could set about weeding out anything that goes back to the Welsh that was used in Ireland. Would we do this? No. Most of our Connemaras go back to Rebel. (Rebel was by Cannon Ball by Dynamite who was by the Welsh cob Prince Llewellyn). Little Heaven has likewise made a significant contribution to the breed.

We must keep in mind the history and uses to which the Connemara “ponies” were put. (The only reason they are “pony” is because they are small horses, “pony” being derived from the Gaelic word for small horse.) The Connemara was ridden and used for fieldwork, drawing carts and racing just to start. Right at the outset we have grounds for three different body types. They also had to jump and were later used for hunting and the show ring. The Irish in their efforts to save, preserve and improve the Connemara used Iright Draught (Skibbereen, Hillside Rober and May Boy), Thoroughbred (Winter and Little Heaven), Arab (Naseel), and the before mentioned Welsh cob. Keep also in mind that, of these stallions used, many of the registered offspring were of dams of unknown breeding. Prior to this, Barb, Arab, Hackney and Welsh cobs were used. The early inspectors knew the Connemara had to wear many hats, but their main concern was infusing and stabilizing quality to provide marketable animals to alleviate some of the poverty in the “Congested Districts.” I would suggest for anyone who has the notion that there is ONE Connemara type that they go back and look at photos from the first half of the 20th century. Look at that offspring of some of the above stallions and even later. You’re sure to wonder, “How did THAT happen?!” You know it’s not all about the stallions. There had to be some funky mares early on. (Note: Ewart in his 1900 report lists “five fairly distince types.”)

So, this is the gene pool we are drawing from. In genetic terms, the Connemara as a breed (systematically bred, selected and registered) has not been around that long. Our ponies are going to produce a variety of types, all of which have heretofore been acceptable breed representatives.

ACPS has not been in existence long enough to establish nor has it specified and selected for a specific phenotype. Phenotype is the expression of genes governing certain outward physical characteristics. (Poodles are a phenotype different froim the Chihuahua phenotype, for example.) (I personally would love to see long weak loins eradicated from whatever the type.)

To have a breed standard statement that is virtually all-inclusive and then exclude on the basis of (previously accepted) type is incoherent and illogical. To say again, given the background and history of the Connemara, it is only logical at this time to EXPECT the expression of multiple types. The gene pool is still quite (happily) broad.

Until there is an agreed standard and phenotype model, it is hasty and highly questionable to begin excluding animals of previously acceptable and desirable types. Types I might add that have done much to popularize and increase the regard for the Connemara.

I do believe we need to have inspections. We need to be very stringent in regard to correct conformation, movement and temperament. I do believe all stallions should be inspected and performance tested. As well, I believe ALL breeding animals should be inspected and production evaluated. I think there is a problem with the quality of some of the stallions being bred. I believe we need to address quality first. If we are going to establish ONE type, then we need to sit down and honestly hash it out and reach consensus. It will determine the direction the Connemara will take as a breed and its future success and viability. I’m not in favour of sections as in the Welsh. I think in the long run sections will create “breeds within the breed” and have a negative genetic effect.

I don’t think ANYONE can at this point HONESTLY point to any one type as “true” Connemara type. It’s hard to even argue that ICPS or ACPS was or is in the business of preservation breeding. There was so little left in the Congested Districts in Ireland, much of what has come down to us as Connemara is infusion on top “of unknown breeding.” The ICPS was primarily an improvement society with some little bloodline preservation.

(A little interjection here on my part: many of the show ring ponies I saw in Ireland tended to be selected for the English fancy hack type. You have to look at who had the money and resources to breed ponies and have influence in the breed in the latter half of the 1900s. I saw a few good ponies in Ireland who would have had the “Little Heaven look” if not for the fact that they were so bloody FAT. Just my opinion.)

I would truly hate for the ACPS to too hastily limit the gene pool as there are some quality issues to be addressed and some highly UNDESIRABLE characteristics can be set through inbreeding and line breeding. I would sum up by saying I think our Connemaras should be inspected for quality (correctness), temperament and performance. That, in my opinion, is how the Connemara has come down to us, and is to me what it is to be a Connemara.

Sincerely,

Nancy M. Hawkins.

(My apologies here for any errors or incorrect assumptions regarding inspection rules or methods. I have not been a breeder of Connemara ponies, only an owner, rider, trainer and supporter. My own background in breeding as been Westfalen Sport Horses. I have a strong background and avid interest in equine genetics. I have been for over thirty years a professional trainer and instructor of Dressage and Eventing through Grand Prix and Advanced Levels respectively. I did go to Ireland in 1990 for vacation and to look for a filly of the Connemara Boy line to purchase. I did not end up with a filly. But I did spend three and a half years there engaged in my profession and improved my knowledge base of the Connemara. It was there that I fell in love with the Grange Finn Sparrows who are ass-kicking performance “ponies” and most decidedly NOT of the “drafty” type. I also training horses in Germany in the first half of 1990 where I encountered Connemaras as well. As a side note: pony competition there is fairly intense and serious. The performance Connemaras there were all over the map for type and even quality, but were highly regarded for their performance abilities. For many of the Germans in regard to Connemaras, “handsome is as handsome does.”)

More on Commemara genes

I was very pleased to receive your questionnaire concerning Little Heaven bloodlines in the Connemara. The opinions you have expressed are remarkable in that they duplicate my own in all respects! … I have voiced these concerns strongly and often, but I’m sorry to say, with little effect or even interest. I have gone to some lengths to study the history of this breed and have arrived at the conclusion that the Connemara owes a huge debt to Little Heaven and to the other Thoroughbreds found in virtually all Connemara bloodlines (Winter, Thistleton, Buckna) …

… From a P.S.: My belief is that the opposition you have experienced is a result of extraordinary ignorance of the history and true nature of the Connemara. It has been gratifying to find that someone else shares my views.

From an article this person wrote for a local newsletter:

There would seem to be a cherished and romanticized notion of the origins of the Connemara breed; a sort of mystique involving a mythical Celtic connection in which the breed is identified with old kings of Ireland, a sort of equimorphic Spirit of Erin. For purposes of publicity and art, this may be useful and pleasant, but the reality is quite different. Though it is historical fact that the ancient Celts brought horses to Ireland c 600 B.C. and the indigenous pony of the Irish west coast descends from this stock, the modern Connemara dates from the early 20th century and the breed society only from 1928.

Any Connemara breeder whose knowledge goes beyond that of a beginner knows that the Connemara of today is not the same as the original Celtic pony of antiquity. … The modern Connemara is just that — modern. A 20th-century invention resulting from the crossing of “native” stock with selected stallions of other breeds.

The concept “purebred,” though valuable in certain contexts, may be misleading, denoting as it does the idea of exclusion or separateness. The not too distant ancestors of the Connemara prior to 1900 were themselves the consequence of add-mixtures of Irish Draught, Iberian horses, Welsh Cobs, Arabs, and of course, the Celt pony. The need to enlarge and “renew” the genetic pool of the Connemara was understood by the founding fathers of the breed when they agreed to include certain “non-Connemara” stallions in the studbook. This is a proven practice in many other breeds. Even the grandaddy of all breeds — the Thoroughbred — is the result of crossing four eastern stallions with native English race mares of speculative origin.

Most modern breeds eschew all out-crosses and go ever further by establishing arbitrary standards such as height and colour, exclusions with woeful consequences. The ever narrowing gene pool which results from these practices is a genetic time bomb resulting in individuals that win “on the line” but are often useless for anything else. Which is not to say that certain standards should not be sought, but simply that standards established must be considered carefully to avoid “throwing the baby out with the water.”

The issue of breed inspections relates to this problem in a similar way. Assuming the integrity of the inspector is a given, expertise and subjectivity must inevitably influence choice, which may figure negatively in the future of the breed. Let the marketplace decide. The Irish are naturally very jealous of their breed and wish to retain their pre-eminence in Connemara breedings. North American breeders need to be cautious to avoid allowing a love affair with “the old sod” to cloud their knowledge of history and enlightened breeding practices.

Elephant in the living room

I enjoyed getting your editorial/survey/issue letter this morning, and I’m sitting right down to answer it. I think Connemara owners are like their ponies: tough, smart, the best survivors; and a very motley crew with a reputation for being tractible and lovable, which is somewhat misleading.

… Type is the elephant in the living room of the Connemara home. As it happens, I like solid, stocky ponies because they are my type. While they can’t make me look tall and slender, at least they can make me look more normal and suitable. I also like children’s ponies for themselves, not something to be discarded for a thoroughbred as soon as (or even before) the rider is capable of making the switch. I’ve never wanted to make the switch.

… I first met Connemaras in Virginia in the ’60s. … I learned to recognize them by their heads, their solid symmetry, and their spectacular jumping ability. Everything else was negotiable. I thought they had an even stronger pony mind than other ponies. They were bold and determined, but I didn’t notice a particularly calm demeanor or biddable temperament. I haven’t noticed that in my pony, either. …

When Connemaras leave their families to compete in the wider world, type, next to size, has always been their biggest problem. The highest price, and the highest ambition, leans toward the sleekest and most refined. Who looks more expensive, Paris Hilton or Rosie O’Donnell?

The native pony idea has never been popular outside Connemara circles. It has been an uphill battle all the years I’ve been around. The growth of eventing has given them a special niche to shine in. So has driving competition. I guess what I’m saying is that, as a show ring hunter pony, they are not the type most A circuit judges go for. (So-and-so) is the rare exception to that rule. Does that make him less of a Connemara? Certainly not.

It would be a mistake to think that the only purpose of inspections is to save the native pony. It also addresses soundness (through conformation), temperament (I’m not sure how this is addressed. Don’t kick the inspector, probably). I’ve not found inspections to be very educational. They have a secretive atmosphere, like classified government secrets, which is a not-too-successful attempt to compromise between maintaining standards (including subjective ones) and not alienating anyone or hurting their feelings. I’ve noticed the inspectors work very hard and are very tired at the end of the day, but I haven’t been able to figure out what the hell they do. Still, I think having inspections is a good idea, and keeping them confidential may be essential to their survival.

Inspections or no inspections, standards or no standards, breeders are going to go for what they like. …

In the last 40 years, Connemara ponies have been well served by their breeders and owners. Their reputation has grown, their prices have quadrupled, and probably their behavior has improved, partly as a result of good handling, and good training. (I cannot imagine a Connemara putting up with being handled as many other breeds are handled.)

… I’m sure (your stallion)’s tough enough to withstand a few comments that he is just too pretty. Wouldn’t you be just as angry if they were calling him “too ugly?”

From a P.S.: … I’d have to say “more respect for diversity” is one of the ways the world has improved in my time. That’s a good thing.

Prejudice

We detected the great prejudice against our ponies and horses in numerous situations, but we never had a name for it. You have named it — “Little Heaven prejudice.”

More prejudice, without the genes

I have owned a black sleek Connemara with no connection to Little Heaven that the judges did not like.

More prejudice, and a health concern

I sometimes think they only want small, grey, chunky ones. We like dark bay, brown, black, because I lost my wonderful old grey hunter mare to melanoma tumors that grew too big and caused her a lot of pain. Grey may be OK in the British Isles where the sun is not as strong as in mid-Continental North America.

Don’t let comment divide our membership

I sympathize with the ideas that you have expressed in your letter to the Connemara membership. I have answered the questions that I can but have left many unanswered, because I am not sure about all of these thorny issues. I too have a sleek, black pony who did not get pinned because of her thoroughbred likeness, but she was not a relative of Little Heaven’s. I think that the judges and the inspectors do object to that look regardless of their bloodlines. I am not sure, however, whether that is a good or bad thing. What we all love about these ponies is their sturdiness, but certainly not to the exclusion of their usefulness. Another attraction to these ponies is their diversity. I can’t see that the inspection process that we have in place has eliminated that diversity. It is probably not perfect, as few things are, but there do seem to be many different types that get inspected and passed.

I think that if you were to look at the stallions that have been approved by the inspection committee, you would find that a huge number of them are related to Little Heaven. They tend to be the ponies that are out there performing and giving our breed a wonderful reputation. …

It would be a mistake to allow a personal insult, whether or not it was intentional, to divide our membership. In any subjective judging forum, there are trends, but I can’t see where the inspection of our ponies has much to do with the outcome of the ponies that are actually being bred. Different people like different types of ponies and have different types of ponies and are going to make up their own minds about what they breed. Connemara people seem to be fiercely independent people who will hardly listen to a group of inspectors as to whether or not their ponies “pass muster.”

… Enjoy him (your stallion) and the accolades he has brought your way and, and let those inspectors just keep on being the fallible people that we all are. … The trend will change again before it’s all said and done.

The biggest mistake, in my opinion, would be to have a controversy that would further divide and separate us. We don’t need another organization. We don’t need to start taking sides about an issue that is really just a personal preference. Ultimately, the ponies will decide. The cream will rise to the top … That should be the legacy of Little Heaven.

Report the results fairly

From letter: I have answered everything as best I can — I hope you will report all results fairly. I am a little worried that you are so angry that you will not consider ALL the results.

Your letter gives the STRONG impression that Kiltuck was turned down. I think that is deceiving, when in fact he received the HIGHEST honor. You don’t mention that. How does that figure into your equation?

… Many ponies with Little Heaven in their backgrounds have been approved … I own several.

I also think it is very important to be part of the ICCPS. We live in a global society, like it or not (read Friedman’s “The World is Flat”). …

From comments in the margin of the survey: It is not about this (underlined: How did U.S. inspections come to be about judging whether a Connemara is drafty enough?) — it is about Connemaras looking like Connemaras.

I don’t think anyone objects to Little Heaven genes — it is the breeding out of other Connemara genes — when you inbreed to one horse you breed out others. Little Heaven was meant to compliment the breed, not remake it.

You have misconstrued many things … Still, I assume you will fairly evaluate the responses and report them all. I will be interested to know what you find. Most people I know think MORE ponies should be failed.

Mountain out of a molehill

First, your letter arrived at the same time as the May/June American Connemara. The magazine featured a number of horses that trace back to Little heaven: Lynfield’s Patrick, FF Dutch Sparrow, Will Ya Love Me and Texas Hope himself. And the 2004 Tooreen Laddie Trophy was awarded to Lynfield’s Kiltuck. Many other TBs, not just Little Heaven, contributed to the Connemara genetic pool. And one of the inspectors is explicitly described as an admirer of Texas Hope. So I find it a bit difficult to believe that the ACPS is as prejudiced against Little Heaven and Lynfield’s Kiltuck as you imply.

Second, as I understand it, the ACPS is not doing anything against the horses that do not pass inspection. They are still eligible for registry as purebred Connemaras, just not put in the “inspected and approved stud book.” Offspring of registered but not approved Connemaras are still eligible for inspection, and if they pass, they go in the “inspected and approved stud book.” So my initial reaction is that you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.

The prejudice against Blue Eyes Creams was a much bigger problem.

But the overall issue of which horses should be “approved,” and which not, is still an important discussion. Some people are interested in Connemaras because of their potential to excel in modern equestrian disciplines — whether that be dressage, driving, show hunter, jumpers or eventing. Even though these activities are a long way from the traditional activities of the original Connemara, many Connemaras and crosses have shown great aptitude. Therefore, people breed Connemaras and Connemara crosses purposely to succeed in particular disciplines. There is nothing wrong with this but it does tend to lead to greater diversity within the breed, and ponies less like the “original” Connemara. This is especially true of temperament. Ponies and horses which have a strong “competitive spirit” tend not to be the placid “child safe” temperament associated with the original Connemara.

Most “registries” (such as the German warmblood registries) have an inspection process which is directly tied to current competitive success. You only need to look at how the Hanoverian standard (and the horses themselves) has evolved from “a carriage horse and cavalry horse” emphasis to a “dressage and show jumper” emphasis. Or how, even more recently, the Dutch Warmblood registry has added an approval process tied to “American show hunters” in addition to ones tied to dressage and show jumping.

The Connemara inspection process, however, is aimed at “preserving” a particular set of characteristics, which may, in fact, only have applied to a small subset of the breed.

I have no problem with a restricted “inspected and approved studbook” aimed at preserving, or recreating, some hypothetical “original” set of characteristics, as long as they keep the Connemara registry open to all purebred Connemaras (and a halfbred registry for the halfbreds), whether the breeding objectives are related to the “original breed characteristics,” modern competition success, or any other objective. If there were a desire for additional categories, such as “sport pony,” “kid’s pony,” “grey pony,” “draft pony,” etc., that would be OK with me, though I don’t think it is needed.

… If I were to buy another Connemara, or halfbred, it would be based on correct conformation, and ability to meet my competition objective (as well as enjoyable to work with). Again, I wouldn’t be concerned about “type” or whether is was “approved,” “registered” or even “unregistered.”

Bloodlines determine pedigree

TBs are not inspected. Only bloodlines determine pedigree, not a subjective standard. We don’t believe in inspections.

Breath of fresh air

Your letter was a breath of fresh air in the ACPS inspection nightmare. I’ve had serious reservations about the process and would prefer not to have inspections. Perhaps some horses will be bred that shouldn’t, but that will happen anyway. If you breed only for looks, (then) health and temperament problems will increase, and if you have health and temperament problems in anything, it doesn’t really matter what it looks like. … I am too small and unimportant in the society to battle the BIG people… (not planning on breeding fullbreds anymore) — The hassle and expense of the inspections is a deterrent. … I think it is a big mistake to fail 2- and 3-year-olds. We have all had 2-year-olds that looked absurd only to mature into beauties. I don’t think they should be rejected until age 6.

Breeding for performance

I was very interested in your ACPS survey. I have had Connemaras that are of both types — the thoroughbred type and the “old style” pony type. I have just started to breed my ponies and have focused on breeding for performance, regardless of “look.” I also have a Holsteiner mare that I have bred this year. What surprises me is how many Connemara people still have stallions standing that have never done anything; they just have a certain “look.” It is not that way in the Holsteiner world; inspections take into account movement and conformation for performance.

Anyway, I am neither pro or con on the inspections but do feel that the system needs to include the types of Connemaras that are built to perform and last. … Good luck with this. I hope that the feedback you receive is helpful. I think you have begun a dialogue that is important for Connemara owners of all types.

Survey fan

Love this survey!

“Not in their crowd”

Best of luck to you. I’m pretty removed to all the goings on with the club — I do find them to be quite cliquish. If you’re not in their crowd, it’s hard to be recognized.

All discussion is good

I think the idea of inspections is a good one. A group can have diverse opinions, which should result in improvement of the breed. But genetics prove that the same breeding does not result in the same (offspring) every time.

Inspections are for breeding stock, trying to keep the best horses as breeding prospects. In Ireland, the not-so-wealthy can breed for a low fee through the National Stud. So, the stallions are selected. That doesn’t prevent some not-so-desirable types from breeding. Technically, form should follow function. But that is not always true. What do other organizations do? Hanoverians, Trakeners, etc.

From a survey question: All discussion is good. Keeps the organization on its toes. If everyone thinks alike, change does not occur. I do not own breeding stock, and I have always felt that the society could care less about my opinion.

Not sure

I do think there needs to be types, but it’s so political as to be impossible. I don’t think they should look like a TB, Morgan or Welsh, but I’m not sure what a Connemara should look like, only what I like.

Genes in deep

Naseel (Arab) and Little Heaven were introduced as the gene pool was so small. They are there, in deep, as it were.

What is refined?

If being lovely, slick, good movers with good conformation means they are refined, then, yes, my Connemaras are refined.

Tests of temperament

I do think it would be a good idea to include tests of temperament in the testing as is done by warmblood registries. They test for type, conformation, performance, temperament, trainability, etc. Many of these thoroughbred-type Connemaras do not have the tractable temperaments that make the breed so special. The breed (in the U.S., at least) has become so varied as to be practically unrecognizable. We should use the inspection process to preserve the Connemara type and temperament.

Inspectors’ qualifications

I do not believe our inspectors are qualified to inspect. I think the standards for inspection change often. I think the system promotes bias and cronyism. There is not an independent board for training/oversight/appeals. There is no code of ethics for inspectors outside of the inspection day.

Inspections snafu

Inspection was planned for 11 a.m. I invited four people who are interested in Connemaras. The inspectors did not show up until 4:30 p.m. It was a 90-degree day, and I was in the middle of feeding when they finally arrived. I feel it was totally mismanaged and poorly organized.

Be careful

I love what Little Heaven added to the breed — athleticism, movement, etc. — but I don’t like the results of the TB line breeding, making “little TBs,” not Connemaras. … I think one has to be careful after adding a different breed into the studbook that breed’s characteristics don’t take over the original breed. The object is to enhance the original breed but not change it in the main original characteristics and appearance. You can see some changes in some old breeds because of man’s engineering — so that some are not even recognizable. Look at what they have done to the “show” Morgans — they look just like Saddlebreds.

“You have done considerable harm”

I have been involved with Connemaras for 10 years and currently own 15 horses, most of which are pure or part-bred Connemaras. My stallion is … a great-grandson of Little Heaven through … My stallion passed inspection in 2002 and was given excellent in temperament, feet and coat but was not considered particularly typy. If (he) had not passed inspection, I would have gelded him and looked for a typier pony to continue breeding Connemaras. I believe in the inspection process. Without inspections, the ACPS is not leading the diverse groups into improving the Connemara gene pool in America. They are merely a social club. I believe we need to be moving toward a closed book of inspected ponies in the future. As a rule, I believe the inspectors are dedicated, hardworking knowledgeable horse people with a desire to maintain quality and improve the Connemara breed. I think you are reaching too far in believing that a big goal of the U.S. inspectors is to weed out any horse that looks like Little Heaven. As an ACPS member, I want ponies that conform to our standard. If they have too much TB influence or too much draft or Arabian influence, then they should be weeded out. They should not be weeded out simply because they are black and sleek and fit the standard. Obviously, the “standard” involves or includes a range of ponies from thick and heavy boned to more refined. The inspectors have to judge first whether a pony is conformationally correct and mentally sound enough to be judged on type. This is a sujective process so we need the input and opinions of every ACPS member to try to maintain balance. I also agree with the ACPS president that to be a positive force, you should speak out, participate as much as possible and influence the direction of the group. However, hearing your grievances and agreeing with them are two different things. The reason we elect leaders for organizations is so that the general membership does not have to be as knowledgeable or involved on every issue as the leaders.

… I am not alone in believing that there is concern over the amount of inbreeding and line breeding to Little Heaven in the American Connemara pony gene pool. Americans generally believe that if some is good, more is better.

When we have our ponies inspected, the inspectors should be looking at the pony as presented on that day (the phenotype). The inspectors should not be making judgments on genotype and ideally should not know the parentage of the ponies in front of them. From a practical standpoint, that is not always possible.

I believe that you have good intentions and simply wanted your opinion expressed to the wider group. I know that it is hurtful when someone maligns our ponies that we love as individuals. However, I do not think you considered the consequences of your letter deeply enough. Your letter has done considerable harm to Little Heaven’s offspring and the ACPS by casting dispersions on the inspections process.

I think you should have sent a letter extolling the virtues of Little Heaven’s offspring and their value to the breed, expressing you desire to maintain the genes of every worthwhile Little Heaven offspring.

… I have had two clients that bought (her stallion’s) offspring call to ask about the letter.

“Why is Joanie McKenna so upset?”

“We don’t have Little Heaven in our horse pedigrees, do we?”

“Do we have a problem in the ACPS?”

That type of response may be gratifying to you in the sense that the general membership are hearing you. But, for the most part they don’t understand what is happening. Think about it, if you were a new Connemara breeder and you had received the letter on Little Heaven, would you go out and buy a stallion prospect with several crosses to Little Heaven? I don’t think so. Most people just want to avoid controversy.

Don’t make definition too narrow

I own performance horses and at present do not breed purebreds, so feel the inspections do not pertain to me. One major reason I chose Connemaras and love them is their athleticism. I will always choose a horse (of any breed) for conformation, disposition, appearance (what I like) and the ability to do the task required. I do not buy for “true to type” whatever that may mean for others.

I do believe there ought to be a breed standard, but don’t believe it should be so narrowly defined as to include only one type of Connemara. Diversity is a necessity.

All have their place

Too drafty Connemaras should be breed to lighter ponies, just as lighter ponies might need more bone. All have their place in the ACPS.

… It seems people are, however, proud to have Texas Hope in their bloodlines. Considering that Little Heaven was an “improvement sire” in IRELAND, it is absolutely not appropriate for inspectors to disallow these bloodlines. Obviously, the Irish approved of Little Heaven. What right does the ACPS have to then decide his bloodlines are not suitable for ACPS approved ponies?

Keep the “looks”

… I can understand you’re upset. However I believe that the ACPS does need to attempt to keep the “looks” of a Connemara. Recognizing exactly what that is comes along witn studying the old pictures, and lines, and perhaps visiting Ireland, visiting knowledgeable breeders, and looking at Connemaras so much for so long that one begins to recognize the breed characteristics at a horse show or in a pasture, at a sale or wherever they might show up. They shouldn’t have to have “Connemara” emblazoned across their chest for a knowledgeable person to recognize him/her as a Connemara pony. … How to keep the look and unique quality is an almost impossible task for the ACPS — even with the best of intentions a breeder may be ignorant or new to breeding and produce a wonderful TB or Welsh look alike. No one would be criticized for producing a perfectly good pony — except if one wants to breed him. And as you pointed out — who knows what the progeny will turn out to be! They may hearken back to Thunderbolt in looks. then what? But the point is, in my opinion, that inspectors can only look at what’s in front of them at the time. Of course, there is no law that says one cannot breed a pony — just not register it. And if said pony ends up siring a string of true to standard Connemaras, then the ACPS made a mistake and great satisfaction can be had by said breeder!! After all, it’s just a book, and human opinion can be wrong.

Finally, all would-be breeders should be encouraged to educate themselves on the different lines and Connemara looks and choose accordingly. TB, old-fashioned pony, draught, or even Arab — they are all there in the Irish Stud Book.

Name of the game

… Winning performances are the name of the game. If Little Heaven bloodlines win, buyers will line up to buy them. “Type” is a moot point. Form follows function as does temperament. Outbreeding is the healthy life source of a gene pool. There is no modern performance breed that has not had an infusion of Thoroughbred and, thus, Arab genes. Not being accepted by ACPS breed judges may be your kiss of success in the market place and the winner’s circle. …

Given up

It is nothing more than a dog show at present. I actually sold all my Connemaras because of the “cliquiness” and ignorance of current officers and inspectors.

Foundation horse

I was probably not much help because of little involvement, but I wish you the best of luck. I’ve always thought of Little Heaven as a foundation horse for the Connemara breed.

Observations

Here are some quickie observations:

1) Don’t think you can judge any young Connemara — they change tremendously when they mature. My kind of “weedy” yearling became a very sturdy 14-hand 4-year-old.

2) Think the inspectors are often lacking in skill. Had one who later came to look at my halfbreds (for sale). Could not discern which actually moved better — had it backwards. …

3) Connemaras are all mutts! They have not evolved in total isolation like a few breeds. Therefore, there are many different types. There are on my farm alone an Andalusiany type, a chunky pony type, a hard colored mare who looks like a miniature warmblood, a small white mare who, when younger and fit, looked like a big Welsh (to me). … In “Gone Away with O’Malley,” the author speaks of crossing Connemara mares with TB stallions as a common practice in the late 1800s and I’d bet some of the female offspring wound up in the Stud Book.

4) Speaking of the gene pool — it is too small to be able to afford to reject any good animals.

5) Because the bloodlines are so mixed, don’t think you can judge young stallions until you see their get (unless they have some obvious flaw). Beauty is as beauty does/produces.

6) Connemaras, like any breed, don’t do it all. They are versatile, yes, but some can jump the moon and some can’t jump the moon’s shadow. Some move beautifully; some are painful to watch. Same with temperament. Some with lots of TB are hot, but so are some with very little. …

7) Color — I love the grays but I also love those with “hard” colors. Duns are attractive but problematic, and we are being overrun with duns. We need to encourage the hard-colored ponies. …

8) Thoughts on inspection — Would hate to see ours become like the various warmblood versions: pay a lot or don’t stay registered; if it looks like an x or y or z (or all three) it can be registered as such.

What does approved or disapproved really mean? A good horseman recognizes a good horse. Does the inspection help anyone but a rank amateur buying their kids’ first pony — and does it help that person? Really just an advertising gimmick?

What does the current system tell you about temperament? Really, a rotten tempered pony handled by a pro could show better than a sweet pony handled by a cluck. There is no drug testing — an unscrupulous person could abuse that. …

Thanks

Thanks for addressing this.

Huge country

This is a huge country with people desiring different types (still Conn. type) for different disciplines. A show hunter is different from a jumper from a cow pony from a driving pony or dressage horse. I do believe in correct conformation clinics nationwide. We do have breeders etc. who may lack knowledge.

More observations

— Breeding Connemaras to look like draft animals is silly because they are not used for draft work, and form follows function.

— Lighter built stallions are needed to refine “old style” mares. Similarly, draft type stallions are good to add substance to lighter built mares. The gene pool is not big enough to exclude any high-quality stallions.

— I first became became familiar with the Connemara breed when I was looking for a stallion to breed to my warmblood mare. My top four choices were all black.

Reservations about inspectors

I breed for athletic ponies. I come from a dressage/CT background and chose Connemaras because of what they can do, not because they fit a certain “Barbie” type. My colt is correct and to my eye fits “the type” perfectly. However, after seeing some of the inspector ignorance in action (ignorance of what are and are not serious conformation flaws and what is and is not genotype vs. phenotype, etc.) I am afraid to let them label my colt. He happens to be the heavier type, although he is maturing slowly so that is not evident yet (would the insectors be knowledgeable enough to see what is immaturity vs. type?) I like this style for my stallion because I can cross to TB mares and get an athletic foal with a bit more bone, I can cross to stout old style mares and get solid breeding stock; I can cross to lighter style mares and get a little fancier pony … My point is, I think there is definitely room in the breed for both types. I also think it is dangerous to artificially narrow the gene pool at this time.

Inspectors need to be chosen and trained differently. I don’t think the majority should be pony owners. We should recruit vets, inspectors of other breds, judges, etc. Good conformation is good conformation; type can be taught quickly.

While I think it is important to have breed standards, I also think there is danger in taking a breed whose most attractive assets have historically be non-tangible (people orientation, heart, athleticism, tenacity) and basing its future on only physical attributes. I also think the breed in America is a little too young to know for sure and make far reaching future decisions on which lines are suitable for carrying on. The book has been closed to outside breeds. Let’s not start artificially narrowing what we have.

Learning

We are very new Connemara owners, so I can’t answer many of the questions. … I didn’t know anything about Little Heaven until your letter came. He is our pony’s G-G-great grandfather on the dam’s side.

Valid points

You make very valid points. I applaud your courage to undertake this.

Untrained horses

I am not very active as a member but I think that breeders need some encouragement to get these ponies going under saddle or in harness so they are not compromised if they have to be sold. … We devalue the breed by having older untrained horses floating around like this. A performance section which requires the ponies to go at a basic walk, trot, canter by age 5 under saddle would really help Connemaras and the Little Heaven cause. … I like my mare (with Little Heaven bloodlines) … She has lots of personality, jumps like a deer and does her best to do whatever I want. Isn’t that what we have Connemaras for? Good luck.

Nice to receive

It was very nice to receive this from you!

Thank you for doing this. I’ve only owned Connemaras for three years now. I wanted to breed something other than Welsh ponies. I bought into the breed because of Little Heaven and looked for his bloodlines when making my purchases.

Keep up the fight

I have competed my Connemara at the … levels in dressage and he can compete with anybody when he’s relaxed. It’s about performance, not ruling some ponies out because they are more refined, etc. Thanks, keep up the fight. The Connemara in America is better off with people like you.
Never been OK with this

Thank you for addressing these issues! I’ve never been “okay” with these inspections for many reasons.

Horses for summer camp

Your questions did not fit my experience, so I’ll briefly talk about that. In 1950, I began collecting ponies — sire Texas Hope. In ’52, I started to breed — several Connemara stallions, several TB. I was raising to provide horses for our summer camp for children. The outstanding ones I sold to support my “habit.” No inspections at this time. When they started, I didn’t send ponies, as I liked what I had, didn’t really want to sell, didn’t really care what anyone else thought. Still don’t. I have just sold my last two young ones, and my 37 year old mare died this winter. At, 79, I am giving up breeding. Several mares also had Little Heaven bloodlines. I love the look!

Gene pool is there

The gene pool is there, regardless of looks.

I am sure that Little Heaven is in lots of current Connemaras. The ACPS inspection board is beating a dead horse — literally. Little heaven’s genes were introduced into the gene pool 60 years ago! His genes are present, tho very diluted. To propose rejecting any Connemara with his “look” is ludicrous! And financial suicide — Look at what the people are buying and showing.! If they want a purist line, let them come up with a prefix as the Lippit Morgans have done.

Just opinions

The only reason we went to inspections was at the urging of ACPS people in our area. Once there, I found they were interested in our ponies for breeding. Since I have no interest in breeding our mares, I took their comments about our mares as just opinions. Our ponies are my children — yes, spoiled but loved. Good luck.

Recognizing Connemaras

Color should not be a factor … within stated guidelines. Black, chestnut, BEC — all should be acceptable.

Pony type should be retained. The U.S. inbred too many refined TB-type ponies without crossing them back to the true pony types. … There should be a worldwide standard for the Connemara pony.

Don’t we want to breed ponies that are recognizable as Connemaras — or are we breeding American Connemaras (similar to American Shetlands, which are not true Shetlands at all).

Thank you. These are fair questions.

Beautiful and cute

All of the Connemaras that I have bought and bred since 1974 have been from the Little Heaven line. Although they’re beautiful and cute, I don’t see them looking “refined” like a TB, but rather ponyish and like Connemaras I’ve seen in Pat Lyne’s books. Little Heaven did nothing but improve the breed!

Inspections are the way to go

… There is not a pony on this place that does not have Little Heaven in the background. Having said so, I have not set out with the idea of breeding and selling purebred stock, but of producing animals that I can enjoy and ride. I am in favor of the inspection process for breeding stock in order to maintain true Connemara type. I would like to be able to look at a field of ponies in any country and be able to pick out the Connemara without difficulty — and I travel a lot.

We have now had three inspections … and if the inspectors had marked down any animal with Little Heaven blood, we would hardly have had any passed. As it is, we have a number of mares and stallions which have passed inspection — several having Texas Hope as a grandfather. I think the inspectors have been fair.

In short, I think that inspections are the way to go for purebred stock. I think that the focus has changed, and for that reason you have my sympathy. If you think we have problems here, you should hear about Europe, where the Dept. of Agriculture is making everyone’s life a misery.

More on color prejudice

My biggest disagreements with the ACPS people have to do with color prejudice. I think it is completely schizophrenic and illogical to issue purebred registration papers to mares and geldings that are “blue eyed creams” while excluding stallions. I also think it is defeating the purpose to breed (and approve) Connemara ponies that are substantially over pony height. Since when was 15.1 or 15.2 a “pony?” And I’ve never liked the extreme old fashioned, heavy type of Connemara … the European warmblood breeders are breeding away from the old style, heavy bodied and heavy boned warmbloods because the taller, leggier modern types suit the modern competitors better. If yo are breeding for performance horses, or ponies, then the old adage that “form follows function” is very true. The horses (and ponies) that are most successful at the upper levels of any of the sport disciplines are not the heavy, old fashioned types.

“All looks” would destroy breed

I don’t think all black, sleek, fancy Connemaras should fail inspection, but in order to maintain a breed standard, the horses need to conform to the standard, because “all looks” would destroy the breed. If you allowed “all looks,” would you allow a pony that was narrow, had no bone, a dished face, carried their tail like an Arab, had tiny feet but had two registered parents?

… As you’ve said, many horses with Little Heaven bloodlines are featured as “greats” in the breed. Texas Hope looks like a Connemara. My horse has lots of L.H. in its pedigree, but looks Connemara. Like AKC, I think purebreds should be registerable, but not all should be approved as breeding stock.