Sales, Clifden Mart, August ‘11
After the impressive 15% increase in numbers attending this year’s Clifden Show, it was no surprise to hear that many spectators had decided to visit the Mart Sale of Connemara ponies on the Saturday and Sunday directly after the Show. According to Manager Padraig Heanue, Riding Ponies were in great demand and this must have had some connection with the increased number of newly introduced Classes which had demonstrated the athletic ability, manners, soundness, versatility and beauty of the breed to a whole new audience of admirers. Ridden geldings were fetching up to €4,000, a healthy increase on more recent prices, and there was interest in fillies also Buyers were indeed bidding and the highest price achieved – for a five year old mare – was €6,600. Groups of buyers from France, Germany and Switzerland also made an impact and the Clearance rate was 78% with 51 of those sold going to France. Irish dealers, as well as ordinary buyers, also took home a respectable number. Entries of over 1,200 ponies are expected for the next Sale, the massive five day Autumn Sale, starting on the 27th October. (My acknowledgements to Ireland’s Horse Review and Padraig Heanue for the Mart information.) Sorry no photos as yet.
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