Our connemara mare produced a blue eyed cream filly which we are hoping to breed to a chestnut Arab stallion to produce a nice palomino connemara/arab cross.
Could any of the readers of this forum indicate whether an Arab Connemara cross is a successful one and what specific traits, if any, we can anticipate. My understanding of Arabs is that they can be somewhat skittish but this could be a complete misunderstanding.
1. "RE: Connemara cross with Arab"
In response to message #0
I would think it would make a lovely cross. Arab crosses aren't normally particularly skittish (as a breed, Arabs aren't really any worse than TBs and most are absolutely bombproof!) and I would think you'd get a very pretty little horse who would make a great all rounder. Would make a great PC pony. I think it's quite a common cross for Connemara breeders so if you did a bit of searching, you may find a few examples.
If you are in SA, contact Templewood Riding School as they breed (or used to) Connemaras and crosses which they use for the riding school. I took some friends there for a trail ride and I got a lovely little Connemara x Andalusian they bred.
2. "RE: Connemara cross with Arab"
In response to message #1
You must have seen a few arabs at shows to think the breed is skitish. I breed arab X welsh ponies & all ours are exceptionally quiet with impecable manners, I have 4 kids aged 9 - 3 And trust everyone of my horses even the stallion with my kids. We have a 6year old pure arab mare here that is unbroken but can be ridden by anyone bareback or with a saddle...... The breed gets a bad rap because they are natural showoffs & love to snort & dance just for the sheer fun of it, But most are placid people horses who bond with there owners, But they just love to show & trainers use that trait to there advantage in the showring. Just a thought , If your connies are pure , registered & you use a pure arab or arab pony stallion your foals are able to be registered arab pony, The arab pony cross is a fantastic cross I have even seen arab shetland X , Goodluck with your ponies & try to find a local arab stud & meet the horses so you can really see what there nature is truly like. Cheers
3. "RE: Connemara cross with Arab"
In response to message #2
Arabs cross well with most ponies. My best pony is a shetland arab X, she did everything, tho she looked like a 13hh shetland, and round in proportion, but she did everything, put a disabled rider and she would be really careful and still lots of fun as if your more experienced then she'd stay being cheeky. Still going strong at 25.
4. "RE: Connemara cross with Arab"
In response to message #0
Hi, I have a ConnemaraxArab and he's lovely! He's a 14.2hh dapple grey gelding, 8 yrs old and he has lovely conformation to make him a good little all-rounder. Unfortunately nothing was done with him til I got him last year so had to start from scratch, but he's already more than exceeded my expectations and is rapidly making up for those lost years. He has fantastic paces-my instructor said he's got the best trot of any horse she's ever seen, he has a really long stride. On our first outing at dressage this summer we scored 59.6% and the judge commented that he was 'a nice little horse' with 'good paces'. I have started jumping him and he doing really well, he's such a quick learner with a big, safe jump, and we're going to our first jumping comps in a couple of weeks. I'm also going to try him at cross country next month which I reckon he'll be ace at. He's a nice medium build but also quite agile. When I got him he wouldn't hack in lead or on his own, but now we go everywhere. He has always been 100% in traffic, but can spook at hedges, though he does no worse than a little jump on the spot. He did use to nap when I started to ride in front but once he got confident he was fine-if you start yours off well though I doubt you will have this problem. Leading in hand he's perfect, does not pull, barge or anything. His manners are good now, weren't too good before cos he's clever so will get away with things if he can, but quickly learns what's not allowed.
Obviously every horse differs but I think the cross is one that works really well. My boy is a clever little horse so likes variety/challenges when riding and in return he always tries to please-he gives 100% all the time. He is a very good doer with tons of stamina/energy but isn't 'fizzy' or silly. I think the arab in him makes him quite sensitive to your aids so he doesn't work well if you're heavy handed for example. He can go incredibly fast when we go for a gallop but only when I ask (does somethimes get a bit strong though). A good little allrounder, ideal for teenagers/young adults esp with an interest in competing.
Sorry it's a bit of an essay but thought I'd try and give you as much info about him as I could. If you want to see some pics I'd be happy to email you some. Hope this helps!x
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