all write-ups by Christine Othitis

UK BREEDS

CONNEMARA

Ireland's grand equine tradition boasts only one truly native breed. Named for the western part of Ireland, the Connemara is suitable for children or adult riders. Small but strong, the modern Connemara had help from TB and Arabian blood. Yes, Connemaras were once shaggy and mostly dun. The ponies, due to their natural environment, developed an uncanny ability to jump.

Connemaras have a straight back and a thick mane and tail, like most ponies. At 13-14 hands high, they come in grey, black, bay, brown or dun.

SHETLAND

Most riders have fond or not so fond memories of their first mount, which was probably a Shetland. Shetlands have been called mean pieces of horseflesh, but this is most likely because they were mistreated.

Known for their furry coats and thick mane and tail, the ponies comes in all horse colours and pinto (no Appaloosa). Standing no more than 10.2 hands high, the ponies thrived on the Shetland Islands were lack of food doomed larger horses.

Their small size made the Shetland an ideal horse to work in coal mines in the 18th and 19th century. The pit ponies endured as much hardship and risk as the humans they helped. Fortunately for the Shetland, many people find them ideal pets. A more refined version, the American Shetland, is far more attractive than its shaggy cousin.