Galway Bay Fm news-An article in an annual publication from the British Branch of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society questions whether the pony is being too far removed from the life it led in its native habitat.
There is comment in the article on the condition known as Hoof Wall Seperation which the Connemara Pony Breeders now views as serious issue for the breed.
The Connemara Pony Breeders Society has announced this week that ponies being registered in the future will have to be checked for what is known as “Hoof Wall Seperation”. With this condition, the outer part of the hoof will become frayed or separated leaving heavy pressure on the sole of the foot; this has a very serious affect on the pony. Scientists say it is inherited through breeding.
Pat Lynn from England who established the Pony Museum at the Clifden Station House writes in the British Connemara Pony annual that this condition is relatively new; she bred over 100 Connemara ponies and never seen it.
She says that the Connemara pony drew heavy loads unshod on rough roads in the past and lived mostly on the mountains. She questions the use of stables and intensive feeding and says ponies are putting up weight before their feet and bones are sufficiently strong to carry it.
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