I am proud to present another kindly given sample model from our friends at Happy Hen Toys. Thank you! If you decide that you would like to add this model to your herd, you can find it on their website or wherever Schleich toys are sold! Without further ado, here is the first Schleich “pony” for the blog! This figure is item No. 13863 and was released as part of their Horse Club series (a subcategory of their Farm Life series). This model sports some fun detailing like flowers tucked into the mane and isa finely sculpted piece altogether. But let us get into the breed history first!
Origin stories are varied for this breed, many concepts were likely local folk tales shared amongst neighbors. The three most popular theories include their being descended from Scandinavian viking stock that was brought with them as they conquered the UK region; they could possibly be descended from Andalusians brought to Ireland and having unfortunately shipwrecked near the island they consequently bred with local stock ponies and refined those; or that these are some of the last living relatives descended from the now extinct Irish Hobby breed (alongside another notable Irish breed of the Irish Draught). Regardless of their exact provenance, these are known worldwide to be large ponies with very fine characteristics and personalities.
During the 18th century some breeders crossed in Arabian horse blood, alongside some thoroughbred and even Hackney, in the hopes of increasing these animals’ stamina and speed. Locals grew concerned of diluting the blood lines too much and losing that certain “Connemara quality” that so many treasured; a stud book was created in 1923 to attempt preservation of these marvelous animals.
Breed standard dictates that adults must be 12.2 to 14.2 hands tall (128-148 cm or 50-58 inches at the withers or top of the shoulder). They should have a strong back, loins, and hindquarters, with a deep and broad chest (through the ribs), a laid back shoulder for riding, and a shorter back than many other pony breeds. The head should be of “pony” type with short ears and large eyes. The lower leg should be short, but the upper leg should be muscular and well defined (knees, hock, and hoof should be good sized and obviously structured). These horses have been developed to be sure footed, strong, good at jumping obstacles and otherwise sound. These horses have been known for their tolerant and kind personalities as well as being suitable for a variety of riders including children. They are allowed to be any solid color, but “paints” (horses with patches of color on a white field) are generally not accepted as being true to breed.
Connemara ponies have developed a reputation as being a premier sport pony. They are excellent mounts for show jumping, schooled dressage, and eventing, while still having the stamina for endurance riding! Historically they were used as all around work ponies for pulling carts, travel, and lighter farm work appropriate for their size and strength. With their modern breeding and early crossbreeding before the organization of the breeder’s coalition, you can see the influence of the Arabian and the others who contributed to this modern versatility. This breed is widely loved today: from all over Europe, to South Africa, to the US.
And now, for the model itself. This small pony lightly trots along with its tail trailing out behind her. She is of a very pale coloration, with a lighter main body color and dark mane, tail, muzzle, eyes, and hooves. The only real drawback for the figure is that this paint scheme doesn’t comply to any determined horse “color” like dun or buckskin. For real life Connemaras they do not have the gene for dun coloration, but in either case for a dun or buckskin coloration she lacks the key characteristics such as dark legs or a dorsal stripe. She has one white sock on her right hind foot but no other markings. Her hair does not present any braiding like so many other Schleich figures with flowers in their hair. This model has two small pink flowers tucked into the mane hair, alongside two small leaves to accompany it. Overall, this model represents a much more “pony” type of this breed. The Connemara has been developed to be a large breed amongst ponies, and to my eye, this figure is presented as the smaller and more delicate body type. For a Schleich model, I am rather fond of this sculpt overall. It has a more unique look to it that many of the others from the Horse club series lack. She has finer sculpted legs and a full mane and tail. Her body color is rather flat and uniform but there is some painted definition to the mane and tail that further highlights the sculpt detail there. She does have large doe-like eyes and the smaller ears typical of the breed.
Overall, this is a nicely sculpted pony for anyone who appreciates equines and may like to have a miniature. Again, go check out Happy Hen Toys to add this figure to your harem!