GATEAU Stables, based in Ennis, Co Clare, this week announced they are continuing their sponsorship of the SJI’s National Young Pony Series which kicks off this weekend.

The first leg of the very popular Gateau Stables Young Pony Series 2019 takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Claremorris Show, Connaught, with eight legs held at venues nationwide. The final of the series will be held at the National Pony Championships on August 24th.

Commenting on the exciting partnership with SJI, Valerie Gateau of Gateau Stables, said: “We specialise in producing quality jumping ponies that we export across Europe. There is a real need for Irish breeders to keep breeding good ponies and producing them. The demand for quality young show jumpers is strong while they can be hard to source.

“That is why we came up with the idea of the Gateau Stables Young Pony Series three years ago with a view to offering a competitive and attractive platform for breeders, owners and riders to perform all height bands ponies, not only 148s. Every year the Gateau Stables Young Pony Series gets increasingly popular, with 138 starters in the 2018 championships final at Mullingar Equestrian. The league final is very appealing to riders with attractive prize money and great prizes. The six champions at the final also get a golden ticket to the National Pony Awards.”

This exciting league is for 128cm, 138cm and 148cm ponies aged four, five, six and seven, and there is no points requirement to take part.