Pony staying power shows in recession

THE sturdy Connemara Pony has coped with difficult terrain and the vagaries of the Irish weather along the western seaboard for thousands of years.

Now in great demand for the equestrian and leisure sectors worldwide, it proved at the celebrated Clifden Show in its traditional Co Galway heartland yesterday that it is also showing resilience in the current economic downturn.

Buyers kept a sharp lookout for the breed’s quality traits of good temperament, athleticism, staying power, jumping ability and conformation as 600 entries competed in 23 in-hand and 10 ridden classes at the show.