PROOF of the pudding is in the eating they say and there’s scarcely a stronger acid taste test of what the market wants than the public auction yardstick.

There was strong active trade at Cavan Equestrian’s first auction of the year which took place on Wednesday for Irish-bred horses and ponies. Bidding was lively throughout the session and in a further encouraging sign for the industry at this early stage of the year, British buyers certainly made their presence felt, departing with truckloads. Well done to Stuart Clarke and his hard-working team at Cavan who pulled out all the stops to get their sales year off to a flying start.

A rising tide lifts all boats and the strong prices achieved at the rostrum will inject confidence into industry for breeders, owners, producers and riders alike. (See Sally Parkyn’s report and sales results pages 102-103).

Up to the Challenge

There was enormous public interest at last weekend’s Ward Union Antlers Challenge, well witnessed with over 1,000 vehicles cramming the public parking area. Hats off to all involved in the organisation of this highly successful event and to all those who took part. (See Margie’s McLoone’s adjoining report and the Picture Desk on pages 100-101).