A STRONG two days of trade at the recent Clifden Pony Sales saw a strong clearance rate of 78% with 98 ponies sold overseas, another boost for the popularity of the Connemara Pony in Europe.

The largest majority of those (39) were sold to Germany, with a further 24 going to Holland, 16 to France and 15 to Britain. Austrian (three) and Swiss (one) buyers were also in Clifden for the weekend, as was RTÉ racing and equestrian commentator Robert Hall who enjoyed the sales.

Over 20 ponies sold for a price higher than €3,500, with 11 fetching over €4,400. The top lot of the sale was a four-year-old grey gelding by Williams Boy, knocked down to Ballina’s Darren Walsh for €5,000. Consigned to the sale by Kieran Egan from Ballinasloe, the broken and ridden gelding showed plenty of potential over fence.

There is no doubt the four-year-old broken gelding were the most sought after. However, good quality unbroken three-year-old were also making close to €4,000. The yearling and two-year-old colts were slower to sell and, depending on quality and colour, were wide ranging in price from €600 to €2,000.

Padraic Heanue, manager of the Connemara Pony Sales said: “The future looks good for a rise in prices especially for ridden ponies, our ongoing advertising and sourcing out new overseas buyers is starting to bear fruits now.”

The next Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden take place on Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th, during the world famous Connemara Pony Festival show week.