Parents pony up to get the kids in the saddle

THE children of the Celtic Tiger are beginning to dictate trends at one of the country’s oldest horse fairs.

For, increasingly, more riding ponies and donkeys suitable for children are being seen at Puck Fair in Killorglin, and fetching big prices as they meet the needs of the growing leisure industry.

Trading in horses was generally described as ‘slow’ yesterday, but donkeys were making over €1,000, with some sellers seeking €1,400 for mares.