Young John F. Kennedy would have been discarded as a Connemara

As we mark the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, let’s look at Ireland’s treatment of Connemaras against the backdrop of its treatment of its favorite son, the former U.S. president.

Ireland’s awe of Kennedy was captured by The New York Times in an article published on Oct. 17, 2013.

The Times called Kennedy “the last king of Ireland” and said he was mobbed during a visit to the country 50 years ago, months before he died. According to the paper, Kennedy “lifted hearts by his very presence. Here was the leader of the free world, the descendant of people who fled a famine that killed a million Irish. To see what time and good fortune had done to produce that youthful leader was to believe that anything was possible.”

Kennedy’s own history was actually one of a skinny, unhealthy boy who impressed no one until he evolved into the man he aspired to be.

Ironically, the Ireland that has adored him for half a century has clung to an inspection system in its horse world that writes off young Connemaras that lack bone and robustness and prevents them from evolving into the champions their owners dream of them being.

As a man, Kennedy was a hero. As a Connemara, he would have been discarded long before he had a chance to thrive.

If Kennedy’s ideals and success mean anything to people of Irish heritage, it’s time to get rid of any form of judgment of Connemaras that prevents a horse with Irish genes from developing to its full potential in a manner similar to the legendary president.