Swedish Connemara Society

The first Connemaras to be imported for breeding purposes came to Sweden in 1964 when the Weckner family imported Roundstone Chief IRE 151 and the mares Autumn Sunset IRE 2193, Easter Blues IRE 2247 and Atlantic Blue IRE 2408. In 1963 Roundstone Chief won his class at Clifden Show, and he fulfilled the expectation in his new home country. Together with all three of the Weckners' mares he left stallion sons (Golden Rover, Blue Chief and Nice-n'-Easy) and many of his offspring have done well in the ridden arena. Of his sons Blue Chief has been Champion at the breed show and Nice-n'-Easy has recieved the Elite premium.

At about the same time, but ignorant of the Weckners, Mrs Karin Johansson brought the stallion Slieve Dara IRE 146 and the mares Keehaune Belle IRE 2310 and Autumn Holiday IRE 2200 to Sweden. Slieve Dara had a successful life, leaving over 200 progeny after fourteen years at stud, as well as being Champion at the first breed show in 1971. Many of his daughters have done well as brood mares or in the show ring and seven of his sons have been approved stallions. The two full brothers Brantshammar Korak and Brantshammar Bell Dara out of Keehaune Belle have been breed show Champions as well and also awarded the Elite premium. One of Slieve Dara's notable daughters is Brantshammar Julie, herself the mother of three successful stallion sons (Rolls Royce, Juno Rory and Janus).

In 1965 Countess Andrea Oxenstierna imported her first ponies, 27 in all, and the following year another ten mares and the stallion Lambay Inver IRE 162 followed. During his long fruitful life, Lambay Inver had sired over 230 foals when he was put down in 1996, at 33 years of age. Six of his sons have been passed on for stallion duties, among which are the Elite stallion Värnbergs Neptunus out of Countess Oxenstierna's foundation mare Jealous Lady.

On the 31st of July 1965 the, at that time, nine Connemara owners founded the Swedish Connemara Society (SCS). With the early interest from several Swedish authorities on the horse the Connemara spred rapidly to other breeders. Low prices of transport and the lack of ponies in Sweden ensured many ponies were imported to Sweden in the early years, mainly from Ireland, but also from England and in later years Denmark as well.

The Swedish Connemara Society has today some 300 members. The keeping of a stud book and registration is the back bone of SCS, and the aims are to work for the development of the Connemara breed along the lines put forward by the parent society on Ireland. A breed show is held every year, usually with an Irish guest judge, as well as Connemara competitions. The society also encourage local initiatives such as local shows and competitions. SCS also arranges courses for its members on a national and local basis. The subject can be judging in hand, breeding, colours and their inheritance, driving and showing in hand. SCS awards yearly ponies that have distinguished themselves at major competition or other events. As a member of SCS you have the opportunity to join in the above activities along equally interested members. Through the members magazine and other sent out material you can follow what is going on in your breed on the ordinary day, at competitions and at shows.

As an active or passive member you are of help and support in the work for the Connemara breed in Sweden. To become a member you pay 300 SEK (single member) or 350 SEK (family), in Sweden to "postgiro" 23 38 23-4 or from abroad IBAN SE12 9500 0099 6034 0233 8234, and the magazine and other information will be sent to you.

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