From the outset, the Connemara Pony was expected to perform. In the first published volume of the Connemara Pony Stud book in 1926, the second paragraph outlines that, “In Connemara, unlike many other pony breeding localities, breeding mares work throughout the year: consequently, a form of natural selection for utility purpose is continually at work.
Awkward, ill-tempered, or badly constituted animals are of little or no value to the Connemara farmer owing to the nature of the work which has to be carried out.”
The breed’s performance abilities has always been a consideration, originating as their ability to perform as a work animal.
Over the past century, the concept of performance has become increasingly related to aptitude in sports disciplines. This is reflective of the changing role of the pony in direct correlation to the modernisation of farming – they are no longer needed to plough fields or drag seaweed from the beaches.
But this early dedication to selecting breeding stock that had good temperaments, positive attitudes to work and trainability has allowed the Connemara to prove itself across a multitude of disciplines under saddle.
Debate
The word ‘performance’ in the current day is readily a cause for debate amongst breeders and pony enthusiasts, not merely due to the variety of interpretations of this word in the context of the Connemara.
For some it is purely related to show jumping ability, while others have a more holistic view of a pony’s prowess on both flat and jumping efforts, a mindset that has seen the rise in popularity of classes such as the Performance Hunter at the Dublin Horse Show.
For others, performance is still the manner in which a pony takes on a role, be it hacking the beaches, teaching the next generation how to ride or rearing future champions in the field.
Native pony
Regardless of the stance you choose to take, performance does not have to be an isolated concept that fractures type and the breed standards.
Instead, it can relate to the inherent beliefs set out at the onset of protecting and defining our native pony breed and their natural ability to perform a given task with positive attitude.
A great example of breeders who are producing multi-disciplinary ponies for an international market are Jackie Hockley and Jenny Lindsay.
The mother-daughter team who breed under the Carnakilly prefix are based between Eglinton, Co Derry and Inch Island, Co Donegal.
The pair epitomise a holistic approach to native pony breeding in a digital age.
Carnakilly Monarch, Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping pony Foal Champion, 2020.
Rearing, producing and competing ponies nationally, they authentically leverage social and online platforms to market and sell their ponies to a global audience.
Their consistency is multi-faceted. From results at some of the country’s most prominent championships and performance classes to the photography and messaging on their social media platform, it is all driven by the love of the pony.
“For us it’s a hobby, it is just the two of us doing it. Everything we do is for the good of them – making sure they’re happy and able to do their job,” says Jackie.
Great brain
Her father Jim started the breeding programme in 1984. Originally the focus was on Irish Sport Horses, and at times they would breed Connemara crosses. “When dad was alive, we would have had a few half-breds – Irish Sport Horse or thoroughbred crossed with Connemaras. They had a great brain, were very attractive and they came along quicker than a horse. Everything was easier – management, education,” Jackie says.
In 2004, Jackie began to diversify and focus on breeding Connemaras.
L-R Sarah Ennis, HSI judge, Jenny Lindsay, Nicky Roncoroni and Jackie Hockley with Carnakilly Noble, Horse Sport Ireland Eventing Pony Champion 2024. \ Horse Sport Ireland
She bought the stud’s foundation mare Castleside Killiney (Castleside JJ x Doon Flower) from the late Mick Rabbitte.
“This mare has been extremely special to us, she’s bred three approved stallions and several successful ponies,” says Jackie.
Some of her progeny that stand out include White Diamond (Kilmore Diamond x Castleside Killiney), a HOYS and Royal International finalist, Bally G Ash (Harp King x Castleside Killiney), a multiple showing champion, Carnakilly Finn (Dexter Leam Pondi x Castleside Killiney), Irish Green Hunter Champion who is now show jumping successfully in Sweden, and Carnakilly Golden Girl (Magherafadda Lad x Castleside Killiney), a multiple championship winner both across ridden and in hand sections.
Quality broodmares
In 2010, Carnakilly prefix was established. “Our breeding programme is dedicated to producing a top-quality Connemara Pony that excels in all performance areas. We aim to produce versatile, talented ponies that can thrive in various disciplines,” Jackie explains.
Carnakilly Fairytale, Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping Pony Champion 2021. \ Jump In Action
Throughout the years, Carnakilly Connemaras have produced Dublin Horse Show, RUAS Balmoral and nine Clifden winners ranging from the ridden, working hunter and loose jumping categories. Jackie considers the selection and retention of quality broodmares an essential part of their approach.
“We look for mares with a quality Connemara pony head, good limbs and nice temperament. Bloodlines are also important, and we have around seven broodmares with breeding such as Castleside JJ, Dexter Leam Pondi, Hocki, Glenree De l’Aulne, Carnakilly Mac Guire and Jack’s Promise.
“For us, it is important that the mares have the opportunity to have their own career and we work it so that they spend time under saddle before they join the breeding programme. Some of the mares that are currently being ridden will eventually go into the broodmare herd. Time under saddle is important to give them some profile of their own.”
Keeping the foundation line going, mother and daughter have retained Castle Killiney’s daughter, Carnakilly Coral (Dexter Leam Pondi) who has produced two Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) foal champions (Carnakilly Noble Man and Carnakilly Monarch). She also produced the 2023 All Ireland Four-Year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Champion, Carnakilly Empress (Glenree De l’Aulne).
Third generation
These young championship winners are third generation of Carnakilly ponies.
As well as the stud’s broodmare band, Jackie and Jenny stand the homebred stallion Carnakilly Mac Guire (Westside Mirah x Classiebawn Head Lass). He is a full sister to Lady Mirah who is competing at 1.25m level in Denmark.
Produced under saddle and an accomplished competitor himself, he was one of the few stallions to win the Irish Green Working Hunter Final at the 2019 Connemara Pony Show. He is used as part of their own breeding programme along with carefully selected stallions.
“We thoroughly evaluate our mares’ attributes, their strengths and weaknesses, and select a stallion that complements them with good movement, temperament, and conformation. Performance success is also taken into consideration as an added bonus,” says Jackie.
She was among the first Irish breeders to use the prolific show jumping Connemara Dexter Leam Pondi, and is conscious of bringing complimentary lines into their programme.
“For us we want our ponies to be rideable and able to jump. It’s important to be breeding different lines. We need to be bringing things in. I think it is getting harder now with the lines, but people will stick to their own plans and we will stick to ours,” she says.
Jenny has inherited her love of the pony from her mother, who juggles working full-time with the production and training of the youngstock through to competition level.
This involves very early mornings and late nights to balance everything in a day.
“We mainly focus on breeding our own ponies, but from time to time, we do purchase ponies to introduce new bloodlines into our stud. When selecting a pony, we look for one that is smart with a presence, a nice temperament, good conformation, and movement,” says Jenny.
Multiple disciplines
Additionally, through her creativity and photography skills, Jenny has leveraged the power of social media to extend the stud’s reach to a worldwide audience, celebrating the beauty of our native pony.
Her work on this front, from how ponies are turned out for photographs to how she captions and shares posts is something many breeders looking to improve their digital presence could learn from. Everything is executed to the highest standard, showcasing the ponies at their best.
While natural ability is an essential fact for performance attributes, correct production is the key to unlocking a pony’s full potential. It is undoubtable the schooling that the Carnakilly ponies receive is a fundamental factor that contributes to their versatility across multiple disciplines.
Jenny explains: “From when they are weaned, our foals are handled weekly and wintered in to ensure they learn the basics from a young age.
“Our youngstock go to our other farm on Inch Island for the spring/summer months. We also prepare our two-year-old fillies for Connemara Pony Breeders Society filly inspections and slowly introduce them to the outside world through occasional shows as three-year-olds. Later, we will start to produce them under saddle slowly and carefully.”
Jenny is passionate about bringing young ponies on. “There is nothing better than starting a pony yourself and bringing them on. It is even better when we have bred them ourselves.
“Knowing how far a pony has come when you have been there from day dot is so rewarding. Getting a rosette is a bonus,” Jenny says.
Carnakilly foals have achieved consistent success at the HSI Foal Championships winning on three occasions. The Championships are aimed at identifying, evaluating and rewarding breeders who have bred a foal that demonstrates the potential to be competitive at the highest level of show jumping or eventing.
In 2020, Carnakilly Monarch (Carnakilly Mac Guire x Carnakilly Coral) was awarded HSI Show Jumping Pony Foal Champion, with Carnakilly Fairytale (Echonix x Classiebawn Head Lass) claiming the title in 2021. Last year Carnakilly Noble Man (Carnakilly Mac Guire x Carnakilly Coral) fought off competition to claim HSI Eventing Pony Foal Champion.
“There are usually a lot of foreign and cross-bred ponies in these classes, so for our boy to win was a big thing. The judges commented that they couldn’t believe he was a Connemara as he was so light on his feet,” Jackie says.
Expressing praise for the HSI initiative, Jackie feels it is very valuable to breeders as it offers a showcase of Irish breeding programmes.
“It encourages breeders to handle their foals and bring them for a day out. It’s also a fantastic way to promote our prefix to potential buyers and make a positive impact in the market,” she says.
When preparing foals for this annual event, they start handling them from the day they’re born but stress not to overwork them. ‘We get the mare and foal leading a few times before qualifiers and, if we’re lucky, the final. The biggest challenge is keeping their coats in top condition before the final, especially as winter approaches in late October.”
Consistent success
The All-Ireland Loose Jumping Championships as part of the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden is another competition Carnakilly ponies have excelled at in recent years.
Winning the All-Ireland Four-year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Championship the last two years in a row, it is a class they strongly believe in, having won with Carnakilly Empress (Glenree De l’Aulne) in 2023 and Mai of Deerpark (Shadow’s Dun x Liscannor Dolly), bred by John Nestor, in 2024.
Mai of Deerpark All Ireland Four-Year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Champion 2024. \ Prime Photography
When asked how they have achieved consistent success, Jackie is modest, crediting the ponies’ natural jumping ability which she says, makes the preparation easy.
“We don’t over prep the ponies beforehand. We try to go to different venues to allow them to see different arenas as the loose jumping ring can be daunting on the day, especially for a young pony that hasn’t been out much,” Jackie says.
Many of the Carnakilly graduates go to homes across Ireland, the UK and Europe, including Carnakilly Lady Doris (Currabawn Mark x Lady Dexter) who has been successfully show jumping on the Dutch pony circuit.
2025 is set to be another busy year for Jackie and Jenny as they prepare to welcome foals by Carnakilly Mac Guire, Gwennic De Goariva and Moonlight Silver Shadow in the coming weeks. Jenny will also start to prepare this year’s riding ponies for Balmoral qualifiers in the spring, before a busy summer of competitions across the country.
Goals include a return to the Dublin Horse Show and the 100th anniversary of the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden.
Looking to the future Jackie feels the growth of performance Connemara Ponies is in a promising place.
Her advice to those looking to breed versatile ponies that have athletic and performance abilities is simple: “Do your research and consider breeding mares from strong dam lines. Look for bloodlines that are not overused and aim to diversify to strengthen the gene pool.”
The future of Carnakilly looks incredibly bright with their focus to continue breeding and producing high-quality, performance Connemara Ponies.
“And to enjoy our days out with our ponies, be that schooling or shows,” Jenny adds. “Isn’t that what it is truly all about?”
From the outset, the Connemara Pony was expected to perform. In the first published volume of the Connemara Pony Stud book in 1926, the second paragraph outlines that, “In Connemara, unlike many other pony breeding localities, breeding mares work throughout the year: consequently, a form of natural selection for utility purpose is continually at work.
Awkward, ill-tempered, or badly constituted animals are of little or no value to the Connemara farmer owing to the nature of the work which has to be carried out.”
The breed’s performance abilities has always been a consideration, originating as their ability to perform as a work animal.
Over the past century, the concept of performance has become increasingly related to aptitude in sports disciplines. This is reflective of the changing role of the pony in direct correlation to the modernisation of farming – they are no longer needed to plough fields or drag seaweed from the beaches.
But this early dedication to selecting breeding stock that had good temperaments, positive attitudes to work and trainability has allowed the Connemara to prove itself across a multitude of disciplines under saddle.
Debate
The word ‘performance’ in the current day is readily a cause for debate amongst breeders and pony enthusiasts, not merely due to the variety of interpretations of this word in the context of the Connemara.
For some it is purely related to show jumping ability, while others have a more holistic view of a pony’s prowess on both flat and jumping efforts, a mindset that has seen the rise in popularity of classes such as the Performance Hunter at the Dublin Horse Show.
For others, performance is still the manner in which a pony takes on a role, be it hacking the beaches, teaching the next generation how to ride or rearing future champions in the field.
Native pony
Regardless of the stance you choose to take, performance does not have to be an isolated concept that fractures type and the breed standards.
Instead, it can relate to the inherent beliefs set out at the onset of protecting and defining our native pony breed and their natural ability to perform a given task with positive attitude.
A great example of breeders who are producing multi-disciplinary ponies for an international market are Jackie Hockley and Jenny Lindsay.
The mother-daughter team who breed under the Carnakilly prefix are based between Eglinton, Co Derry and Inch Island, Co Donegal.
The pair epitomise a holistic approach to native pony breeding in a digital age.
Carnakilly Monarch, Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping pony Foal Champion, 2020.
Rearing, producing and competing ponies nationally, they authentically leverage social and online platforms to market and sell their ponies to a global audience.
Their consistency is multi-faceted. From results at some of the country’s most prominent championships and performance classes to the photography and messaging on their social media platform, it is all driven by the love of the pony.
“For us it’s a hobby, it is just the two of us doing it. Everything we do is for the good of them – making sure they’re happy and able to do their job,” says Jackie.
Great brain
Her father Jim started the breeding programme in 1984. Originally the focus was on Irish Sport Horses, and at times they would breed Connemara crosses. “When dad was alive, we would have had a few half-breds – Irish Sport Horse or thoroughbred crossed with Connemaras. They had a great brain, were very attractive and they came along quicker than a horse. Everything was easier – management, education,” Jackie says.
In 2004, Jackie began to diversify and focus on breeding Connemaras.
L-R Sarah Ennis, HSI judge, Jenny Lindsay, Nicky Roncoroni and Jackie Hockley with Carnakilly Noble, Horse Sport Ireland Eventing Pony Champion 2024. \ Horse Sport Ireland
She bought the stud’s foundation mare Castleside Killiney (Castleside JJ x Doon Flower) from the late Mick Rabbitte.
“This mare has been extremely special to us, she’s bred three approved stallions and several successful ponies,” says Jackie.
Some of her progeny that stand out include White Diamond (Kilmore Diamond x Castleside Killiney), a HOYS and Royal International finalist, Bally G Ash (Harp King x Castleside Killiney), a multiple showing champion, Carnakilly Finn (Dexter Leam Pondi x Castleside Killiney), Irish Green Hunter Champion who is now show jumping successfully in Sweden, and Carnakilly Golden Girl (Magherafadda Lad x Castleside Killiney), a multiple championship winner both across ridden and in hand sections.
Quality broodmares
In 2010, Carnakilly prefix was established. “Our breeding programme is dedicated to producing a top-quality Connemara Pony that excels in all performance areas. We aim to produce versatile, talented ponies that can thrive in various disciplines,” Jackie explains.
Carnakilly Fairytale, Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping Pony Champion 2021. \ Jump In Action
Throughout the years, Carnakilly Connemaras have produced Dublin Horse Show, RUAS Balmoral and nine Clifden winners ranging from the ridden, working hunter and loose jumping categories. Jackie considers the selection and retention of quality broodmares an essential part of their approach.
“We look for mares with a quality Connemara pony head, good limbs and nice temperament. Bloodlines are also important, and we have around seven broodmares with breeding such as Castleside JJ, Dexter Leam Pondi, Hocki, Glenree De l’Aulne, Carnakilly Mac Guire and Jack’s Promise.
“For us, it is important that the mares have the opportunity to have their own career and we work it so that they spend time under saddle before they join the breeding programme. Some of the mares that are currently being ridden will eventually go into the broodmare herd. Time under saddle is important to give them some profile of their own.”
Keeping the foundation line going, mother and daughter have retained Castle Killiney’s daughter, Carnakilly Coral (Dexter Leam Pondi) who has produced two Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) foal champions (Carnakilly Noble Man and Carnakilly Monarch). She also produced the 2023 All Ireland Four-Year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Champion, Carnakilly Empress (Glenree De l’Aulne).
Third generation
These young championship winners are third generation of Carnakilly ponies.
As well as the stud’s broodmare band, Jackie and Jenny stand the homebred stallion Carnakilly Mac Guire (Westside Mirah x Classiebawn Head Lass). He is a full sister to Lady Mirah who is competing at 1.25m level in Denmark.
Produced under saddle and an accomplished competitor himself, he was one of the few stallions to win the Irish Green Working Hunter Final at the 2019 Connemara Pony Show. He is used as part of their own breeding programme along with carefully selected stallions.
“We thoroughly evaluate our mares’ attributes, their strengths and weaknesses, and select a stallion that complements them with good movement, temperament, and conformation. Performance success is also taken into consideration as an added bonus,” says Jackie.
She was among the first Irish breeders to use the prolific show jumping Connemara Dexter Leam Pondi, and is conscious of bringing complimentary lines into their programme.
“For us we want our ponies to be rideable and able to jump. It’s important to be breeding different lines. We need to be bringing things in. I think it is getting harder now with the lines, but people will stick to their own plans and we will stick to ours,” she says.
Jenny has inherited her love of the pony from her mother, who juggles working full-time with the production and training of the youngstock through to competition level.
This involves very early mornings and late nights to balance everything in a day.
“We mainly focus on breeding our own ponies, but from time to time, we do purchase ponies to introduce new bloodlines into our stud. When selecting a pony, we look for one that is smart with a presence, a nice temperament, good conformation, and movement,” says Jenny.
Multiple disciplines
Additionally, through her creativity and photography skills, Jenny has leveraged the power of social media to extend the stud’s reach to a worldwide audience, celebrating the beauty of our native pony.
Her work on this front, from how ponies are turned out for photographs to how she captions and shares posts is something many breeders looking to improve their digital presence could learn from. Everything is executed to the highest standard, showcasing the ponies at their best.
While natural ability is an essential fact for performance attributes, correct production is the key to unlocking a pony’s full potential. It is undoubtable the schooling that the Carnakilly ponies receive is a fundamental factor that contributes to their versatility across multiple disciplines.
Jenny explains: “From when they are weaned, our foals are handled weekly and wintered in to ensure they learn the basics from a young age.
“Our youngstock go to our other farm on Inch Island for the spring/summer months. We also prepare our two-year-old fillies for Connemara Pony Breeders Society filly inspections and slowly introduce them to the outside world through occasional shows as three-year-olds. Later, we will start to produce them under saddle slowly and carefully.”
Jenny is passionate about bringing young ponies on. “There is nothing better than starting a pony yourself and bringing them on. It is even better when we have bred them ourselves.
“Knowing how far a pony has come when you have been there from day dot is so rewarding. Getting a rosette is a bonus,” Jenny says.
Carnakilly foals have achieved consistent success at the HSI Foal Championships winning on three occasions. The Championships are aimed at identifying, evaluating and rewarding breeders who have bred a foal that demonstrates the potential to be competitive at the highest level of show jumping or eventing.
In 2020, Carnakilly Monarch (Carnakilly Mac Guire x Carnakilly Coral) was awarded HSI Show Jumping Pony Foal Champion, with Carnakilly Fairytale (Echonix x Classiebawn Head Lass) claiming the title in 2021. Last year Carnakilly Noble Man (Carnakilly Mac Guire x Carnakilly Coral) fought off competition to claim HSI Eventing Pony Foal Champion.
“There are usually a lot of foreign and cross-bred ponies in these classes, so for our boy to win was a big thing. The judges commented that they couldn’t believe he was a Connemara as he was so light on his feet,” Jackie says.
Expressing praise for the HSI initiative, Jackie feels it is very valuable to breeders as it offers a showcase of Irish breeding programmes.
“It encourages breeders to handle their foals and bring them for a day out. It’s also a fantastic way to promote our prefix to potential buyers and make a positive impact in the market,” she says.
When preparing foals for this annual event, they start handling them from the day they’re born but stress not to overwork them. ‘We get the mare and foal leading a few times before qualifiers and, if we’re lucky, the final. The biggest challenge is keeping their coats in top condition before the final, especially as winter approaches in late October.”
Consistent success
The All-Ireland Loose Jumping Championships as part of the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden is another competition Carnakilly ponies have excelled at in recent years.
Winning the All-Ireland Four-year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Championship the last two years in a row, it is a class they strongly believe in, having won with Carnakilly Empress (Glenree De l’Aulne) in 2023 and Mai of Deerpark (Shadow’s Dun x Liscannor Dolly), bred by John Nestor, in 2024.
Mai of Deerpark All Ireland Four-Year-Old Mare Loose Jumping Champion 2024. \ Prime Photography
When asked how they have achieved consistent success, Jackie is modest, crediting the ponies’ natural jumping ability which she says, makes the preparation easy.
“We don’t over prep the ponies beforehand. We try to go to different venues to allow them to see different arenas as the loose jumping ring can be daunting on the day, especially for a young pony that hasn’t been out much,” Jackie says.
Many of the Carnakilly graduates go to homes across Ireland, the UK and Europe, including Carnakilly Lady Doris (Currabawn Mark x Lady Dexter) who has been successfully show jumping on the Dutch pony circuit.
2025 is set to be another busy year for Jackie and Jenny as they prepare to welcome foals by Carnakilly Mac Guire, Gwennic De Goariva and Moonlight Silver Shadow in the coming weeks. Jenny will also start to prepare this year’s riding ponies for Balmoral qualifiers in the spring, before a busy summer of competitions across the country.
Goals include a return to the Dublin Horse Show and the 100th anniversary of the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden.
Looking to the future Jackie feels the growth of performance Connemara Ponies is in a promising place.
Her advice to those looking to breed versatile ponies that have athletic and performance abilities is simple: “Do your research and consider breeding mares from strong dam lines. Look for bloodlines that are not overused and aim to diversify to strengthen the gene pool.”
The future of Carnakilly looks incredibly bright with their focus to continue breeding and producing high-quality, performance Connemara Ponies.
“And to enjoy our days out with our ponies, be that schooling or shows,” Jenny adds. “Isn’t that what it is truly all about?”
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