Connemara
Pony
Handbook
By Niamh O Dochartaigh

This book offers a comprehensive guide to buying and caring for Ireland's native pony. The author draws on her many years of experience of breeding and producing ponies to offer advice on how best to enjoy owning a Connemara pony

Contents
Sea Horse, Myth and legend.
Fables and folklore.
The Celtic Horse and Arab blood.
Pre-history. 
Famine and poverty in the 19th century.
A tough worker in hard times.

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society.
Official guardians of the breed. 
The Changing Role of the Connemara Pony.
From small farmer's workhorse to all-round performance pony.

Learning to ride.
Getting started and basic skills. 
The Connemara Pony Club.
Horsemanship, animal care and club activities.
Buying a Connemara pony.
Breeders, shows, sales and inspections.
Connemara Pony Breeders Society, guidelines.
What to look for, head to toe.

Maintenance: field and stable.
Best grazing, feed and bedding.
Grooming and basic tack.
Winter and summer conditions: cleaning tack.
Preparing for a show.
Washing, brushing and trimming. Showing a pony.

Health and well-being.
Measuring and marking, teeth and feet.
Appendix.
Other equine activities, organisation addresses.
Photo Album.
106 Connemara ponies whose reputations live on.

What the reviewers said . . .
'A beautifully illustrated and informative book' . . . 'A visually striking production' . . .'Takes the reader on a journey through the history and development of the Connemara Pony'    . ..'Entertaining and essential reading both for the connoisseurs of the breed and for the complete novice' - Connacht Tribune

'This little gem deserves a place on Connemara breeders' and lovers' book shelves' - Irish Farmers Journal.

'..packed with practical pony tips' - Connacht Sentinel

Published by Ardcru Books
To order: email the author





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