Buy Connemara

Connemara for sale: Buying and selling Connemara

There’s a particular kind of rider who falls in love with a Connemara and never really goes back to anything else. If you’ve ever watched one skip around a showjumping course, then hack home on the buckle like it’s nothing, you already know the appeal: they’re practical, rideable, and often much more athletic than people expect.

The Connemara pony comes from the rugged west coast of Ireland, shaped by hard ground, tough weather, and sparse grazing. That background produced a hardy, sure‑footed pony with good bone, a deep girth, and a strong hind end. Traditionally around 13hh to 15hh, modern Connemaras often sit in the 14.1hh–15hh range, which makes them ideal for both capable children and adults who prefer a more compact ride without losing scope or stride. They’re widely used for pony club, eventing, showjumping, working hunter, dressage, and even hunting, and many happily double as family all‑rounders.

What keeps them in such steady demand on the buying and selling market is that blend of brain and ability. A good Connemara is brave but not reckless, forward without being silly, and intelligent enough to learn quickly without needing a professional rider every day. You’ll see them competing up to 1.20m showjumping and BE100/Novice eventing, as well as winning in the show ring and carrying novice riders safely on fun rides. That versatility is exactly why “Connemara for sale” adverts draw clicks from so many different types of riders and why prices can climb sharply for the right pony with the right record.

Buying Connemara - what you need to know

When you’re buying a Connemara, start with the basics: conformation, movement, and temperament. You want a pony with a good length of rein, a sloping shoulder, a strong, well‑set neck, and especially a powerful hindquarter; that engine is what gives them their jump. Feet should be well‑shaped and proportionate to the body, with enough bone to support work. Watch how the pony moves in straight lines and on a circle, then under saddle. A typical Connemara should look economical and balanced, not flashy for the sake of it, but with a natural rhythm and an easy stride.

Temperament is where this breed really sells itself, but it’s also where you need to be honest about your own experience. Many Connemaras are clever and can be a bit opinionated if they’re under‑ridden or poorly schooled. For nervous or novice riders, look for one that has already done the job you want: maybe a 10‑ to 14‑year‑old with a record in pony club, riding club, or low‑level competition, and a reputation for being straightforward. If you’re a more experienced rider or professional, you might consider a 4‑ to 7‑year‑old with good breeding, started correctly, but still green enough to bring on.

When viewing, ride more than once if you can. See the pony caught, groomed, tacked up, and loaded if possible. Ask the seller directly about registration papers with the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society or relevant studbook, any recorded breeding (especially popular lines like I Love You Melody, Frederiksminde Hazy Match, or Westside Mirah), and a clear history of riding, competitions, injuries, and veterinary issues. A pre‑purchase exam is crucial: Connemaras can be prone to issues like bone spavin, mild changes in the hocks, or sweet itch, so ask your vet to pay particular attention to joints, skin, and feet, and consider x‑rays for higher‑value animals.

In terms of prices, the range is wide. Unbacked or lightly handled youngstock may start around the low hundreds to €1,500–€2,500, depending on bloodlines and location. A backed, riding 4‑ to 6‑year‑old with decent potential typically sits between €4,000 and €8,000. Proven all‑rounders with a solid competition record and a safe, family‑friendly temperament can push into the €8,000–€15,000 bracket, and top‑class performance or show ponies with consistent results can reach the high teens or even low twenties in thousands. Red flags include vague or incomplete history, reluctance to allow a vetting, inconsistent behaviour between viewings, or a pony that looks much older or more worn than its passport suggests. Take your time, compare several Connemaras for sale, and remember that a slightly higher initial price for the right brain and soundness usually saves money and stress in the long run.

Everything about selling Connemara

On the selling side, Connemaras are a relatively “liquid” breed in the marketplace, which is good news for you as an owner or breeder. They’re sold by specialist Connemara breeders, performance yards, and private owners who have brought them up through pony club, riding club, or hunting. Dealers also handle a fair number, especially those imported from Ireland. Because buyers actively search “Connemara for sale” and “Connemara pony for sale” on major equestrian websites, you’re working with a breed that already has strong name recognition.

To achieve the best price, preparation matters. Have your pony working consistently in the job you’re advertising: if you’re selling as an all‑rounder, it should be happily popping a small course, hacking alone and in company, and loading reliably. Make sure vaccinations, teeth, worming, and farriery are up to date and have records ready to show. Registration papers, breeding certificates, and any competition results should be clearly listed in your advert and available to send to buyers on request. Buyers of Connemaras expect transparency, so be upfront about quirks, mild sweet itch management, or any previous injuries; most experienced buyers would rather hear it from you than discover it at the vetting.

Pricing your Connemara depends on age, training level, temperament, competition record, and location. A straightforward, safe kids’ pony that will do pony club and low‑level shows can easily sit in the €6,000–€10,000 range, sometimes more if it’s the sort that rarely comes on the market. Young, well‑bred prospects with no competition record may be around €3,000–€6,000, while a top‑end performance Connemara with results at 1.10m–1.20m or strong eventing placings can command €12,000–€20,000 or higher, especially if it’s suitable for a junior rider. Timing can help: late spring and early summer are often prime months to list, when people are shopping for the season ahead and the “Connemara for sale” search volume spikes.

When you market your pony, think like a buyer. Good, clear photos on level ground, plus ridden pictures over fences and on the flat, will do more for you than any flowery description. Short, honest videos showing tacking up, flatwork in all paces, a small course, and a bit of hacking traffic or open field work give remote buyers confidence, especially if you’re selling into the international market. Respond quickly to enquiries and be ready to answer questions about temperament, turnout routine, shoeing, and how the pony behaves after time off. The more open and organized you are, the more likely you are to attract serious buyers who are prepared to pay the right price and offer a suitable, long‑term home for your Connemara.