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.