I have often been part of conversations debating the value of the mare versus the stallion. From the start, I have to admit—I’m a mare’s person, all day, every day.
When it comes to breeding, many people talk about the stallion—how successful he was, how great and powerful, his achievements in the ring, and so on—but too often, the mare is disregarded and only referred to as “the dam of the foal,” while the stallion’s greatness takes centre stage.
But I often sit back and reflect on what we, as breeders, have been doing over the past 20 years. For me, it has always been about breeding and retaining fillies—holding onto them to see if they follow similar patterns, watching for throwbacks, and identifying traits that continue to reappear in the herd. I now have four generations stemming from two different dam lines, and I find it incredibly rewarding to look back and see who brought what forward.
It all began with three mares: Lishin Star, who is still with us today at 23 years of age; her lifelong companion Lackragh Beauty, now 25; and Clyadagh Marie, a mare my late father owned. Lishin Star and Lackragh Beauty were both inspected at two years old and measured 142 cm, later maturing to stand at 148 cm in their prime. Clyadagh Marie was also inspected at two, measuring 143 cm and standing no more than 146 cm at full height. Together, these three mares painted a beautiful picture of what we believe to be true quality Connemara mares—similar in type, each possessing the traits we value most in the breed.
Unknowingly, over 20 years ago, these mares would come to define our breeding program. Our entire herd of Connemaras today stems from this gene pool. So when people ask, “How important is a foundation mare?”—the answer is simple: she is the most important investment a breeder can make. Choosing her shouldn’t be a rushed job. It’s a decision that must be built on research, patience, and a clear understanding of what you want to preserve or improve. Once you, as a breeder, understand what it is you like in a Connemara, then follow that path with confidence and purpose.
I still remember the day my dad told me about a nice mare for sale. I called the breeder, Joe Cunniffe, arranged a viewing, struck a deal—and never looked back.
When you buy from a breeder, you don’t just purchase a pony—you gain a lifelong connection. These breeders become like family. They wish for your success more than you might realise. Your win becomes their win. And as breeders, when we sell, that’s exactly how we feel.
We can all measure success by the ribbons a mare wins in the ring—but for a breeder, true success is breeding something that reflects your original vision. It’s not always about accolades. Sometimes, it’s the quiet triumph of producing a foal that carries forward the traits and spirit of generations before her.
We all know that Connemara bloodlines are well influenced by other breeds—with influences ranging from Thoroughbred to Irish Draught—especially considering the studbook remained open until the 1960s. Throwbacks are always part of the intrigue. Height, for example, is one trait that can truly surprise you. Our dam lines have produced ponies just over 148 cm, and others as small as 138 cm. Every so often, a foal arrives larger than life; other times, one turns out unexpectedly petite, leaving you wondering where it came from.
Then come the quieter details—a white sock you hadn’t seen in years, a familiar slope of the shoulder, the unmistakable eye or trot—and it hits you: her grandmother had that too. These are the moments that remind you why you do this. It’s not just breeding—it’s legacy.
Breeding isn’t about quick results. It’s about time, observation, and heart.
And it all begins with the mare.
