TRIBUTES flooded in on social media this week, when Connemara pony breeder Henry O’Toole announced that his two-time Clifden Supreme Champion-winning mare Castle Urchin died aged 26.

The mare has been described as “iconic” and a “legend of the breed” by some of the 150-plus people who sent their well wishes.

Foaled in 1998 at O’Toole’s Castle Connemara Pony Stud in Clifden, Co Galway, Castle Urchin was by Abbeyleix Owen out of the Mervyn Kingsmill mare Castle Dame. She went on to win the Clifden Supreme Championship for the first time in 2002 – O’Toole’s first – and again in 2008, as well as standing reserve on two occasions and was unbeaten in her class at the venue.

Writing on Facebook, Henry O’Toole said: “Sadly, a few weeks ago we lost our beloved mare Castle Urchin. She has been a constant in our lives for 26 years. We are so grateful to Urchin for giving us some of the best days of our lives, not just in the showring. We were always so proud to show her.

“She brought our stud our first Supreme Championship of Clifden Show. She added a second championship a few years later, was twice reserve champion and was unbeaten in her class with multiple wins in Clifden and the RDS, where she also reigned supreme.

“She was happiest when she had a foal at foot. Her progeny has gone to all corners of the world and we are lucky to have retained some of her daughters and granddaughters, who will continue to be the backbone of our stud. Her legacy will live on.”

Some of Castle Urchin’s progeny include Castle Kestrel, by Glencarrig Knight, who won the M&M Supreme Championship at the London International Horse Show in 2022, the Connemara pony of the year at the 2023 Horse of The Year Show, as well as 2023 Royal Windsor M&M ridden champion. Her daughter, Castle Charm, was the reserve Supreme Champion at Clifden in 2022 and continues to breed at the stud.