A performance pony from the premier pony section topped Cavan’s two-day performance sale last week. Although his price of €13,500 fell some way short of last November’s record-breaking pony price of €20,000, it was an impressive sum. Another notable return of €7,100, and five more lots in excess of €5,000, contributed to an overall clearance rate of 54% (59% in 2014) and an average (not including the Irish Draughts and young stock) of €2,367 (€2,033).

Sale-topping honours fell to Robert Fagan’s Connemara show jumping pony Ryans Son, an eight-year-old 148cm gelding by Sweetwall Captain Courageous out of out of Ashbrook Mist (Earl of Castlefrench). Well campaigned with 281 SJI points, he was led out unsold at €9,200 and later secured by Kill International-based producer Josh Kerrigan.

“I have bought him myself to take on further,” said Kerrigan. “Once I have him home we will evaluate the situation further.”

The remaining trade was distinctly two tier, let down by the mixed quality of lots on offer. One to shine, however, was Kennedy Brothers Sporthorses’ five-year-old gelding by Cavalier Land (dam by Coevers Diamond Boy) who changed hands for €7,100. Bred by Peter Rice and produced by Katie McDonald, he was snapped up by English-based event producer Millie Earnshaw.

Another successful entrant from the premier pony division was Greg Yorke’s Forest View Grey Fox (by Glenayre Silver Fox), an eight-year-old with 162 SJI points. Yorke, who consigned November’s top-priced lot, had to settle for less this time but was still pleased to receive €6,000 from Scottish pony rider Caitlin Jolly.

Heading the remaining horse returns at €5,800 was Tara Creighton’s Dreamtime Willie John, a traditionally bred six-year-old by Echo King out of the RDS winning broodmare Rosetown Annie (Crosstown Dancer). Well produced by Rosscon competition horses, he was secured by Jim Derwin, who added him to his final tally of 12 purchases.

Another pony that impressed was Julia Zoellner’s 138cm performance pony, Camber Roy. The versatile seven-year-old had clocked up 57 points under Jenny Kuehnle and her brother Brian and was knocked down to Swedish visitor Jeanetta Hennkssan for €5,300.

Realising €5,100 was Kennedy Brothers’ five-year-old Candy Floss by OBOS Quality. The homebred mare (dam by Glidawn Diamond) looked well bought at €5,100, and will go show jumping with an Irish cash buyer.

The final lot to break the €5,000 mark was Dannys Best, a six year-old gelding by the thoroughbred Kings Best. Lightly evented, he was secured by English event producers Equestrian Direct for €5,000.

Youngstock

A fresh set of buyers arrived to view Tuesday’s evening sessions of young sport horse and breeding stock, followed by a small selection of Irish Draughts. Heading the overall group at €3,200 was PJ Glynn’s former Limerick Lady victor, Grove Star, a traditionally bred seven-year-old by Grosvenor Lad out of Fallduff Lady (by Appraisal), in foal to Near Dock. She was knocked down to British breeder Rupert Worrall.

Adding to the interest, Lissyegan Cruise Royale (by Cruising and in foal to Martell) changed hands to a cash buyer for €3,000.

Topping the group of eight Irish Draughts to find new homes was John Gilleen’s three-year-old filly by Fintan Himself and Joe Rohan’s four-year-old filly by Kilcotton Cross, both at €2,000.