THE one-day Connemara Pony Sales renewal in Clifden, Co Galway last Sunday sent signals that trade for the native breed continues to hold strong with an improved, and impressive, clearance rate of 82% (78% in 2024) and a top price of €12,000.

Continued work at the Clifden site is ongoing and for this sale, delivered more parking for vendors and buyers on-site. The online market proved exceptionally strong with 61 (37%) of the 163 ponies sold through the MartEye platform, while the UK market delivered again snapping up 39 ponies. The influx of visitors was noticeable around the town and the sale coincided with the reveal of the newly-renovated Station House Hotel, popular with sales goers.