Connemara ponies

Connemara ponies

Mary Baker has had a deep love for Connemara ponies since her childhood. Her journey with these remarkable ponies began in 1984 when she purchased her first Connemara pony, Rosie. Rosie was rescued by Mary from the meat trade after a trip to the famous Stow Fair with some friends, and this marked the start of her lifelong commitment to these wonderful ponies.

Rosie was a versatile pony, cherished by the entire family. All four of Mary's children rode Rosie, and she excelled in various equestrian activities, from dressage to team chasing and polo cross.

Eventually, Mary decided to breed from Rosie, and in 1992, Percy was born in the paddock at Spring Hill Farm. Like his mother, Percy was an exceptional all-around pony. Mary personally broke Percy, and her daughter Jennie enjoyed him as her pony for many years.

When Jennie got engaged in 2010, she chose Percy as her mode of transport to the Church on her special day. Percy, who was now broken to harness, made Jennie's day perfect by safely delivering her to the local Church at Barford St Michael.

Percy was the first Connemara pony that Mary bred, and this marked the beginning of her dedication to breeding these remarkable ponies. Today, Springdown Connemara Ponies includes her beloved stallion, Horace.

If you’ve stayed with us before, you might have noticed little nods to Mary’s love of ponies — our wood storage boxes and shepherd’s huts are even named after many of them.

Our wood shed compartments - named after many of Mary's ponies.

Percy getting ready for his wedding duties

Family photo!  Dad, Horace with Mum, Mabel and son Hector!

Flo and the chickens 

Baby Horace with his Mum Teasanna

 Grown-up Horace

See more photos of the ponies on the Springdown Connemara Facebook page.