THE three-day August Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden once again highlighted the enduring strength of the market for well-produced ponies, with a busy ringside and an equally engaged online presence driving spirited bidding. Eleven of the top 20 lots fetched five figures and, at €15,500, the topper far exceeded the top price at the 2024 edition of the sale when €11,000 was paid for Oakland Hero.

Last year, there were 662 entries with 546 through the ring and 387 sold giving a 71% clearance rate. This year, 571 of the 716 entries went through ring, giving an 80% clearance rate.