This is the story of how Mac, our wonderful Connemara pony, came into our lives.
The Beginning
Mac was born on 13 May 2018 at Dinarthall Stud in Wales. His passport name is Dinarthall McCormick, but to us, he’s just Mac.
Mac is first left in this picture of him with his herd at the stud in Oxfordshire.
He was bred by Jackie Parry, who is known for producing beautiful Connemaras—and Mac was no exception. His dam, Grange Anya Sparrow, was a stunning mare. Jackie chose the legendary I Love You Melody as the sire, a stallion famed for producing top-class performance Connemaras.
Mac’s dam Grange Anya Sparrow
A Special Pedigree
Mac has many notable names in his lineage, including:
- Abbeyleix Owen
- Carna Dun
- Carna Bobby
- Ashfield Sparrow
- Wise Sparrow
Sire – I love you Melody
His breeding reflects generations of excellence, and it was clear from the beginning that he had inherited something very special.
Life at Sands Farm
Jackie and Emma from Clarkstown Stud had an agreement: if the foal was a filly, she would stay with Jackie; if a colt, he would go to Emma. So Mac went to Sands Farm, where he spent his early years growing up with a lively herd of around 12 young ponies.
They had acres of land to roam, race, and play—a perfect start for a young Connemara.
Mac leading the herd
Coming Home
In the autumn of 2020, Mac decided he was ready for a new chapter—and that’s the day he came home with us to Derbyshire.
Mac, Bill, Wheelbarrow, Fun
Thanks for reading about Mac’s early years. Scroll through the photos to meet his family and see how far he’s come.
Foraging at 3 ……………………………
First winter with us in Derbyshire
The joy of fresh winter grazing
Mac’s mum Anya winning at Clifden show as a youngster
He looks quite similar to his mum at the same age
Our first (and only) entry into an in hand class. Mac is 3 here
Bill’s first ride on Mac summer 2022
X country training 2023
Mac and Me 