About Us
The Connemara Pony is one of the world's most beloved pony breeds. Originating from the rugged west coast of Ireland, they are known for their excellent temperament, intelligence, versatality and athleticism. They hold their own both in the showing ring and sporting disciplines for both children and adults as a true family pony.
Clairvale founder, Tearna Goldston, was first introduced to the Connemara Pony as a child. She lived close to the Shelford Downs Connemara Pony stud where she first learned to ride on the imported mare Chiltern Saffron. Her parents purchased two ponies from Shelford Downs, Shelford Downs Castanette and Shelford Downs Ardrahan, and this led to a long standing passion for the breed.
Clairvale Connemara Stud was established in 1999 with the birth of our first foal, Clairvale Cenedra. It has remained a small boutique stud breeding selectively and occasionally, with a focus on producing top quality ponies that prove themselves in a range of disciplines under saddle. We train and compete our own ponies both for enjoyment and to promote the breed and the stud.
Tearna's interest in breeding and pedigrees of her own ponies led to her researching the Connemara Ponies of Australia extensively, ultimately producing the A Dusty Grey Pony series of books. Visit the A Dusty Grey Pony page to read about the first book in this series. The second book in the series is currently being finalised.
With the Clairvale Stud family moving temporarily to the UK in August 2013, our broodmares were leased to excellent homes to continue their breeding or performance careers. During our stay we had many opportunities to view the best of Irish, British and European Connemara breeding. Newly inspired and back on home soil in Australia, we continued to be involved with the Connemara breed in Australia.
Today, Clairvale continues with the next generation playing an active role in the stud's direction. Tearna's daughter Isobel now leads our breeding and performance program for the future. With a continued focus on bloodlines, performance, type and temperament centred around the mare-line of Clairvale Eibhlin, Clairvale aims to continue producing quality modern Connemara ponies for Australian riders.
Following her mother's passion for bloodline research, Isobel has also begun contributiong to the documentation and analysis of the Connemara herd in Australia. Documents on breeding and bloodline statistics can be accessed through the Statistics page.
