AMID some concern over the rising costs of inputs such as fuel and low entry numbers afflicting some competition fixtures, there’s still plenty of key positive industry parameters to take home this week.

Prices continue to boom for good Connemara ponies, evident throughout the three-day sale at Clifden with the buzzing town packed to the rafters. The top price was a very respectable €17,200 amid plenty of five-figure sales sums to reward breeders and producers. The continuing demand for quality Connemara ponies, national and internationally, certainly bodes well for a bumper Connemara Pony Festival this August. (Judith Faherty’s Clifden Sales report is on page 99).

The ‘Millstreet wheel keeps turning’ reads the famous sign out on the stunning Drishane Castle world-class eventing course. Millstreet has attracted a bumper entry of top international eventing riders to Cork for its upcoming International Horse Trials. Some of the world’s biggest eventing names will be out in force, including 2022 Badminton winner Laura Collett. (Sally Parkyn’s preview is on pages 96-97).

Also watching the sporting spectacle for the first time will be the hundreds of Ukrainian families who are settling down well at Green Glens. Is there anywhere else in the world that could say that? Hats off to the Duggan family and their team.

Iconic horsewomen bow out

Irish Horse World extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of the late Grainne Sugars, and the late Riona Finn Naughton, both of whom passed away last weekend. Synonymous with Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre in Rathcoole, Grainne Sugars was a wonderful horsewoman who leaves behind a towering legacy, having educated generations of horsepeople in the very best of the BHS tradition.

Galway’s Riona Finn Naughton, an active HSI coach, generously shared her passion for horses and coaching with many people, always enriching both human and equine lives.