Hollymead Farm Connemara Pony Mares

Remember the carefree days when we just rode for the fun of it? Connemaras take me back to those days of pure joy from flying over fences and galloping with the wind. Their steady natures and cheerful personalities build confidence in young and old riders alike. Our pony mares are selected for their kind temperaments and sweet natures. This is of greatest importance to us since they will be handled and ridden by our grandchildren.  The Connemara breed is known for their user friendly personalities. They are originally from Ireland, but are found all over the world today. To learn more about Connemaras visit the American Connemara Pony Society website at http://www.acps.org  Photo credit to High Time Photography.

Gately's Red Robin

Robin is a chestnut, 14:1 hand 1991 purebred Connemara pony. She was bred by Kathy Lucas of Gately Connemara Farm in California. Robin is sired by Balius Rhyddspence, a fourth level dressage champion and a multi national winner in eventing, out of Gralyn's Gypsy Rover,  an eventing and show pony. For more information on Connemaras visit www.acps.org

Robin is 21 years young this year. She is the sweetest of all our mares yet she is never dull. Aubrie has gained confidence riding Robin. They have made quite a team in pony club and on the hunt field. In this picture Robin is carrying Grandma Sue for the "Bareback Challenge" put on by the Yadkin Valley Hounds. Robin is the only equine we own that I would consider riding bareback cross country. Photo credit to High Time Photography.

Aubrie and Robin went on the Yadkin Valley Hounds Opening Hunt this past October.

Although Robin will always have her broodmare shape, she is an athletic and game pony. She has always tried to please Aubrie and willingly does all that she asks of her. Robin is 8 months in foal in this picture.

Robin has produced two foals for us. Hollymead Red Phoenix in 2008 and Hollymead Swan Bay in 2011.

Elphin Chickadee , a 2001, 13:3 hand Connemara pony mare, is by Maplehurst Michael Macdaire  out of the Premium approved mare, Scottsway Lullaby. She was bred by Heather Sherratt of Elphin Mountain Connemaras  in Canada. Chick's sire and Dam can be seen on Heather's website at http://www.elphinfarms.com  . We purchased Chickadee from Vanessa Morgan of Foothills Farms in TN.  

With Belle away in Iowa, Chick has become my hunt horse for this season. I thought I would be too large for a 13:3 hand pony but Chick has no problem carrying me. The Connemaras are very strong for their size.

Sophie visited us from Denmark over her Spring Break in April. Her one request was to ride Chick again. She wanted to regain confidence over fences and go on as many hunter paces as possible. We actually were able to attend 2 while she was here.

Sophie and Chick have been working on their arena exercises in preparation of riding a dressage test in an up coming show.

Sophie will miss riding Chick when she returns to Denmark at the end of June. Together they have formed a true partnership.

Shandora, a black, 13 hand Connemara pony, came to Hollymead Farm in November from Donna Duckworth's Balmullo Farm in Alachua, Florida. Shandora was bred by May Medley of Tullymor Farm in Georgia. She is by Fieldstream Riley out of Tullymor's Twinkle Too. Aubrie and Culver have made her their own pony.

Shandora has lovely pony type conformation. She is also a beautiful mover with a long sweeping stride. Shandora's 2010 black filly, Hollymead Hummingbird (Birdie) looks so much like her mother. Shandora's 2011 filly, Hollymead Starling, looks like her sire, Seamus.

Shandora is a lovely mover. She has been approved by the ACPS at her inspection. Donna told me that the inspectors loved her pony type. She is only 13 hands tall so she is easy for the grand children to brush and lead. Shandora has produced several beautiful foals for Donna over the years. She is a really special pony. Thank you, Donna! Visit Donna's website at http://www.connemaras.com/balmullo/index.html

Shandora is making great progress with her under saddle training. Aubrie has been riding Shandora on hunter paces and trail rides in addition to riding in the arena.

Shandora really enjoys jumping logs and anything in her way on trails. Photo credit to High Time Photography.

These two are best friends. Shandora is the dam of Hollymead Hummingbird and Hollymead Starling. Photo credit to High Time Photography.