Throwback Tuesday - 'But sure hes red!'

 We received an overwhelming number of messages after missing last week’s episode of the Tuesday Throwbacks—let’s just say you all really missed us! But fear not, we are back and ready to dive into another exciting episode!

One of the highlights of our year in 2023 occurred in August when Penny embarked on an adventure to purchase a feral Connemara pony from the bogs of Offaly. Now, one might expect that she would bring home a spirited grey pony, typical of the breed, but to everyone’s surprise, she came home with a timid chestnut Connemara she named Moo with ‘MOVER’ as a show name. The initial reactions from our friends were priceless—“But sure he’s red!” they exclaimed, scratching their heads in disbelief as they met Moo for the first time.

This unexpected twist led us on an intriguing quest to uncover the reasons behind Moo's distinctive, rich chestnut coat. Upon researching his lineage, we discovered that Moo is sired by “Inis Bui,” a stunning Dun, and his dam is “Fancy Mover,” who was a grey. Given the predominant greys in both of their bloodlines, one would typically expect their foals to inherit similar colors. This conundrum kicked off an extensive investigation into Moo's breeding history.

Our exploration took us deep into the annals of equine genetics, where we stumbled upon a true gem—a historical figure named “Prince Llewellyn.” Born in Wales in 1904, Prince Llewellyn was a Welsh Section D and, like Moo, bore a beautiful red coat. To our astonishment, we traced Moo's coat color back nine generations to this remarkable pony. It was a revelation that illustrated just how astonishing the world of horse breeding can be—over 100 years and countless breeding programs later, that chestnut coloration re-emerged.

Interestingly, Moo is a chestnut purebred Connemara pony, and only about 2% of purebred Connemaras exhibit this rare color. Our deep dive into Moo's heritage not only satisfied our curiosity but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of genetics in horses. It’s fascinating to think that a color could lie dormant for generations, only to appear again after over a century.

We thoroughly enjoyed this journey into Moo's past and the intricate tapestry of his lineage. It not only deepened our appreciation for his unique qualities but also underscored the wonders of horse breeding. Join us as we continue to explore these incredible stories in upcoming episodes!