The halfbred Connemara of the year for 2026 is BSF Liam, owned and competed by Braden Speck. Liam was clearly the hottest thing out in the advanced eventing world this season. He is a 13 year old 16 hand grey gelding by Ballywhim An Luan x Rumor Risky (TB) bred by Maura Jordan. He finished 20 th at the Kentucky 3 day event 5 * with a clear round XC course on his first attempt . He also placed in the top 20 in the USE open 4 *L and 8th at Terranova 4* L.
His success at these big events came within a year of his having stifle surgery to remove a bone fragment from his Patella.
This pony exemplifies the intelligent, tough, yet gentle spirit that typifies the Connemara breed. One professional horseman commented on their XC course with “ his ears are always forward and he is never confused about what his rider wants him to do “ He is incredibly sound and sturdy and approaches each course with great intellect and he is always gentle and sweet in the barn.
