Different stallions of various breeds, including Barbs, Arabs,[1] Thoroughbreds, Hackneys and Welsh Cobs, were introduced to Connemara in order to try and improve the local ponies by crossbreeding.

[3] Today, Connemaras are bred worldwide in Ireland and Britain, as well as on the European continent, North America, Australasia, and South Africa.

The adults are usually 128 to 148 cm (12.2 to 14.2 h; 50 to 58 in) in height, with a strong back, loins, and hindquarters, deep and broad through the ribs, and with a riding-type well laid-back shoulder and well-placed neck without undue crest, giving a good length of rein.

The head should be of pony type, broad between the eyes, which should be large and appear kind, and with a deep but refined jaw and clearly defined cheekbone.

Permitted colours are grey, black, brown, bay, dun,[4] roan, chestnut, palomino, and cream.

[8] Some Connemara Ponies carry the autosomal recessive disorder hoof wall separation disease[9] and all foals born are tested as part of the registration process.

Ridden by both children and adults, it is considered to be a very versatile pony breed, competitive in show jumping,[11] dressage and eventing,[12] but also with the stamina for endurance riding.