IN welcome news to breeders, the top price at last Sunday’s one-day Connemara Pony sale in Clifden was €10,000, slightly exceeding that of the same renewal last year. Of the 236 catalogued entries (up from 186 in 2024), 186 went through the ring and 155 were sold representing a healthy 83% clearance rate (77% in 2024).
Some 34 ponies sold on the day were bought by online bidders and 23 are bound for Belgium, thanks to the buying power of SDV Horses; 36 ponies are bound for the UK and three were transported to France. Hannah Taylor and Patrick O’Gorman signed for 16 lots, while Edward Burke signed for 12; Niall Daly signed for seven, Bryan Dagg signed for six and Kevin Reilly bought three.
Connemara Pony Sales manager Ann DeCourcey said the team was very pleased with the turnout.
“I thought the market was strong and there was plenty of demand with a buyer for every type of pony, especially ridden. Anything nice made plenty and that augers well for the October sale, which is traditionally a foal-dominated sale and for which we already have a huge entry.
“There was no shortage of online buyers and we had some from the UK who had followed the sale online for some time before deciding to take the plunge this time.
“We are also excited to be running our first-ever timed online auction via Mart-Eye from October 12th. There will be more details forthcoming, but I can say that the exceptional pony we have chosen is Callowfeenish PJ, a 2013 gelding who has proven himself as a consistent and competitive presence on the FEI Youth circuit.
“Under the saddle of Italian rider Giorgio Marini, this pony has represented Italy at some of the most prestigious youth competitions in Europe. He also had a top-10 finish in the International Pony 1.25m class at Valkenswaard in 2024.”
By Precious Otto, this pony was sold through the Connemara sales ring in 2018.
Top lot
The highest-priced pony was Lot 11, Longstone Beauty, a lovely grey six-year-old mare by Longstone Silver Shadow out of Addrigoole Annabel, an All-Ireland winner by Castleside Carrig. Measuring 14.2hh, she was described as a fantastic mover with a lovely temperament and wins under her belt in both in-hand and flat ridden classes. She was consigned by Laura McWeeney and sold to John Connolly.
Lot 53, Ulysses of Cloontusker by Seoigeach, was sold for for €9,000
Lot 53, Ulysses of Cloontusker, a 15hh grey gelding by Seoigeach out of An Cailin Dathuil (Ballinavilla Prince) was sold to Niall Daly for €9,000. Consigned by Brigid Geraghty, this five-year-old was marketed as being broken and well-schooled over show jumping and cross-country fences.
PJ Watson paid €9,000 for Lot 172, Rathcline Margaret, a five-year-old 15hh grey mare by Seoigeach
PJ Watson paid €9,000 for Lot 172, Rathcline Margaret, a five-year-old 15hh grey mare by Seoigeach out of Ussherpark Beauty. She was described by vendor Killian Bannon as having been been schooled in both cross-country and show jumping.
Lot 46, Brosna Jacks Gold, a 146cm gelding by the Grade A show jumper Glencroft Go for Gold out of Holmestead Cheeky Sparrow (Cheeky Bobby Sparrow) was sold by Sarah Kavanagh to Gareth Nevin for €8,800. This four-year-old was described as broken and riding, showing good scope over poles and a great mover.
Hannah Taylor and Patrick O’Gorman signed at €8,400 for Lot 168, Thór, a dun four-year-old gelding by Maam Hero out of Kinamara Lady Geraldine (Crosskeys Rebel). Standing at 148cm, he was described by consigner Gareth King as jumping a course of fences with cross-country experience and a lovely temperament.
Lot 28, Raclaghy Lizzy, a 15.1hh four-year-old dun mare by Coral Bambi out of Truelight Tempest was sold by Louise Farrell to Eddie Ahern for €8,000. She was described as having a beautiful temperament, being easy to shoe, clip and load and good in traffic.
€8,000 was also paid by Glenn Walker for Lot 171, Drumcrave Rua, a four-year-old gelding by Breffni Rebel out of Ashgrove Annie (Moonlight Silver Shadow). This 15hh bay was consigned by Killian Bannon as easy to do anything with and a good eventing prospect.
A further €8,000 was paid by Ardle Horses Ltd for Lot 236, Helen Barney’s 151cm dun gelding by Cashelbay Barney out of Helen’s Fancy. He was consigned by Leo Cleere and went to Kay Ryan. Rounding out the top 10 was the highest priced non-Connemara, Lot 216, a bay cob mare standing 14.2hh and named Gregan Bay. She was described as an exceptional mover who has hunted and has done riding club activities including dressage. She was consigned by Stephanie Mills and sold to Ardle Horses Ltd for €7,800.
Entries for the bumper five-day sale from October 23rd to 27th are now closed.