SOLID trade was seen at Mullingar Equestrian’s select sale of just over 30 lots held on April 13th. Well advertised in advance, the sale drew a large attendance both ringside and online, leading to a healthy 65% clearance on auction day with quality lots making good prices at home and overseas.

Connemara ponies always sell well at Mullingar Equestrian and this select sale proved no different. Bill Ferry’s Brodella Girl (Lot 18), a seven-year-old 146cm dun mare, fetched the top price of the day, selling for a healthy €9,500. She was bought by Carl Dore for a Swedish client. Sired by Woodfield Sammy, she is out of Brodella April by Robe Thunder with Glencarrig Finn as the dam grand sire.

This pure-bred Connemara (aka Diskin) has competed at show jumping classes (70-90cm) with the potential to come up the levels. Described as a very willing type, she also has some cross-country training shows under her belt. With straight correct movement, she was lightly produced to date, largely owing to the pandemic outbreak, and was only for sale as her rider has now moved on to horses.

Online buyers

Although unable to attend in person, the UK’s Hannah Taylor made full use of Mullingar’s online facility to purchase two lots. A further three lots sold online, one via a UK purchaser while the other two were from Irish buyers unable to attend MEC in person.

Taylor’s eye was taken by Priscilla Mangan’s Connemara Pony Brocks Laddy (Lot 15) which she bought for €5,500. By Brock Lodge Buster, this five-year-old 14.1hh bay gelding has been quietly produced over arena jumps and flat work and previously ridden by an 11-year-old girl.

Meanwhile, Ciaran O’Connor of Taurmore Stables signed at €5,600 for Seamus Ryan’s Connemara Pony Barana Dice, a 141cm grey gelding by Royal Atlantic Star out of Sky Lass 2nd by Gwennic De Goariva (Westside Fred). The vendors have produced him slowly from a two-year-old and, now rising five, he is expected to progress with a good young jockey on board.

In the sport horse section, Ava Donoghue’s Milchem Celtic Gold, an eight-year-old 162cm chesnut mare, drew a lot of interest in the run-up to the sale and sold for €5,700 on the day. She was snapped up by Dylan Ross of Ross Sport Horses. By Contra A out of Milchem Dreamer by Silvano, this well-bred mare comes with a full green book. Described as a real all-rounder with hunting, hunter trials, show jumping and cross-country experience, she has a half-sister eventing with a Young Rider team member.

Ava Donoghue's Milchem Celtic Gold (Lot 28) fetched €5,700 when bought by Dylan Ross at Mullingar Equestrian Sales \ Courtesy of MEC

Seamus Ryan's Barana Dice (Lot 23) fetched €5,600 from Ciaran O’Connor of Taurmore Stables at Mullingar Equestrian Sales \ Courtesy of MEC