ON Sunday, August 14th next, Lot number 556 at the Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden is a gelding by the name of Park Snowy Henry.

Henry is a three-year old, well-handled grey gelding with a very interesting pedigree. His sire is the world-famous Moorland Snowy River, and his dam is Moycullen Star Girl by Shadow’s Dun. Henry was bred in Connemara National Park which has been his home to date, and was named after the late well known Connemara pony breeder Henry Kelly.

He is quiet and well-handled and is used to being greeted and admired by the many visitors to the park.

Connemara National Park has very kindly entered him in the Connemara Pony Sales and the funds he raises will be donated to Connemara Therapeutic Riding.

Registered charity

Connemara Therapeutic Riding is a company limited by guarantee (CLG), a charity registered with the CRA and a not-for-profit organization. It was established to provide specific therapeutic riding services and equine-assisted activities to people with a very wide range of mental, physical and intellectual additional needs, including Down’s syndrome, autism, acquired brain injury and many more.

It also aims to facilitate accessible supported holiday breaks to people with similar additional needs and their families/carers in Connemara.

CTR recently moved to its new long-term centre at Cleggan Farm with a new board of directors. At present, it has 30 clients availing of it services each week. The TR service requires the employment of one manager and one coach on a full-time basis, and it depends heavily on volunteers to act as lead-rein walkers and side walkers.

“We also rely heavily on the continued goodwill and support of the wider community for funding. We are extremely grateful to Connemara National Park for their generosity and show of support for our service,” said a CTR spokesperson.