This book brings together the elements needed to discover the origins of the Connemara pony as well as the reasons for its decline and revival. Originally from Ireland, the Connemara pony is the result of both its environment and Irish culture. Ancestral myths and legendary heroes have shaped the soul of this country. Opening with historical reminders, this book retraces the evolution of Irish breeding and gives indications on the use of horses and their size in order to better understand the variety of uses. This book also looks at the French stallions and presents the different bloodlines used by breeders to produce ponies for leisure and high-level sport. The result of meticulous research encompassing the genetics of the stallions and the organisation and current development of Connemara pony breeding in France, this richly illustrated book paints a portrait that is both comprehensive and accurate of what is the world's first sport pony.