It’s well known that the equine set love to pamper their youngster’s very valuable ponies.

But that pampering hit a whole new level recently when €100 a bale was paid for five bales of straw at a Kilkenny Pony Club charity auction.

The Dealer is aware that straw is not cheap at the moment, but €100 a bale seems a bit bananas.

Whatever the reason for the out-of-control bidding, the Irish Cancer Society will not be complaining – it netted €8,000 from the night’s activities. If only they had a field of bales to sell, the charity could have netted a right haul.