Ponies and ewes

When we arrived in Clifden, Co. Galway we found out that it was time for the annual Connemara Pony Auction. What luck! The streets were lined with cars and horse trailers and there were lots of Irish cowboys and girls walking the streets. We headed down to get a look at all the action.
In this photograph a mother and her yearling were being auctioned off together but when there were no buyers the mother was sold separately.






The Connemara pony is the only native Irish breed of horse. Some believe that the Connemara developed from Scandinavian ponies that the Vikings first brought to Ireland. Another source was likely the Irish Hobby, a now-extinct breed established prior to the 13th century. Legend, however, says that galleons from the Spanish Armada ran aground in 1588, and the Andalusians on board were set loose. The Spanish horses bred with the native stock, redefining the local ponies.



Ponies were going for a variety of prices. It seemed to be highly dependent on bloodlines and registrations. In the time that we were there, one male colt went for only 25 euros, while another beautiful mare went for 2500 euros!







While hiking the Twelve Bens in the Connemara we came across this herder, who bounded over the boggy heath lands with an agility and ease that we were certainly lacking. He crossed over an area about 4 square miles, trotting up and down the slopes with his two border collies. He continuously called to the dogs as they worked the sheep into a group and then moved them down the mountain. The sheep are spray-painted to help the owners identify their flock. All over Ireland sheep are painted either bright pink or blue.