Kingswell Connemaras is pleased to offer at stud the imported Champion German Connemara Pony stallion *Smaragaid Cliff. He is by the Danish dressage champion Munkholm Cobbergate (Ardnasillagh O'Flaherty x Oxenholm Cora) out of the German Federal Premium Mare Shamrock Bright Roxanne (Power Boy x Bright Pearl). He was bred by Martina Ferfers of Smaragaid Connemaras in Germany. You can see even more pictures of Cliff and his extraordinary family by visiting Smaragaid Connemaras. Smaragaid is Irish for emerald.
*Smaragaid Cliff brings new, exceptional bloodlines to the U.S., offering well-known and respected European Connemara Ponies close up on both sides of his pedigree, including multiple Danish Elite mares, Danish Elite stallions and German Federal Premium mares as well as champion Danish dressage stallions. Cliff is a third generation dressage champion; his sire and grandsire were both FEI Pony Dressage Medalists. As a USEF Leading Sire in Dressage, Eventing and Dressage Breeding, Cliff's progeny proves that he successfully passes on his own award-winning ways and those of his famous ancestors. According to a 2013 report by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society in Ireland, Cliff is among the best possible out-cross stallions for mare owners. To quote the report: "Many of these rare line stallions are free of Abbeyleix Owen, Mervyn Kingsmill, Hazy Dawn and Ashfield Sparrow. Consequently, they and some of their daughters are ideal for developing outcross stallions for breeding with the large numbers of mares from overused stallions." Cliff's grandfather, Ardnasillagh O'Flaherty, is listed in the report as a rare line stallion. Cliff also has none of these 'overused stallions' anywhere in his pedigree. Read the entire report by clicking here. Cliff has been inspected and approved by the American Connemara Pony Society and earned the honor of being named a Premium Stallion, the ACPS's top designation for inspected ponies. 
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Useful Information about Cliff
*Smaragaid Cliff and trainer/rider Amber Clark in a lesson with George Williams
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning." Lamentations 3:22-23 |
Quotes Worthy of Note
". . . Connemaras are so undervalued. They’re hardy, agile, sensitive, sensible, sane and built to withstand work. . . Great strong body, good legs and a super brain — the perfect little package!” Jessica Jo (JJ) Tate, Jan 6, 2016, Sidelines Magazine
"Does Size Matter?" by William Micklem: "The Connemara Pony/TB cross has long proved to be a wonderful mix. . . Ponies are different genetically and navicular, tendonitis and warts are less prevalent. A good dollop of pony blood has much to offer sport horse breeding. They live longer, are generally sounder, have more pound per pound dynamic strength, and in my opinion, are more intelligent overall." The Irish Field, March 31, 2017
A quote from Horsedaily.com 3/29/17: "During a renowned career as a 5* FEI judge, Axel Steiner has always been a fan not only of ponies, but also of riders making good choices regarding mounts which will best help them succeed in their dressage goals. “I believe there are a great number of smaller stature riders who would be much happier on a shorter mount but can feel pressured to ride horses that are simply too large or big-moving for them to be comfortable on, because they believe it’s the only way they will get good scores and succeed,” said Steiner. “Because of this, I always felt that the small horses/oversized ponies had little purpose and also little value in this country, which is a tremendous shame because there is a lot of talent out there with smaller horses. So I applaud the NDPC for taking the first step in promoting this division and providing separate awards, and I hope that other national organizations will follow. Then small horses will have a competitive mission and increase in value to owner and breeder, and smaller-stature riders will be much happier, safer, and successful.”
"Does Size Matter?" by William Micklem: "The Connemara Pony/TB cross has long proved to be a wonderful mix. . . Ponies are different genetically and navicular, tendonitis and warts are less prevalent. A good dollop of pony blood has much to offer sport horse breeding. They live longer, are generally sounder, have more pound per pound dynamic strength, and in my opinion, are more intelligent overall." The Irish Field, March 31, 2017
A quote from Horsedaily.com 3/29/17: "During a renowned career as a 5* FEI judge, Axel Steiner has always been a fan not only of ponies, but also of riders making good choices regarding mounts which will best help them succeed in their dressage goals. “I believe there are a great number of smaller stature riders who would be much happier on a shorter mount but can feel pressured to ride horses that are simply too large or big-moving for them to be comfortable on, because they believe it’s the only way they will get good scores and succeed,” said Steiner. “Because of this, I always felt that the small horses/oversized ponies had little purpose and also little value in this country, which is a tremendous shame because there is a lot of talent out there with smaller horses. So I applaud the NDPC for taking the first step in promoting this division and providing separate awards, and I hope that other national organizations will follow. Then small horses will have a competitive mission and increase in value to owner and breeder, and smaller-stature riders will be much happier, safer, and successful.”