Action dropped over pony that refused to jump

A couple have withdrawn their legal action claiming a pony they bought for their daughter for €67,000 to compete in show jumping refused to jump.

Sat, 16 May, 2015 - 01:00

Aodhan O’Faolain

Martin and Helen Carway, from Bleach Rd, Kilkenny, claimed the pony was “a stopper” at jumps and not safe.

They sued father and son Walter and Jonathan Reape and Northerly Ltd of the Ard Chuain Equestrian Centre in Corballa, Co Sligo, claiming the defendants had agreed to take back the pony if it did not work out as a show jumper.

The defendants denied their claims and said they only agreed to replace the pony if it did not work out, which they say they tried to do.

It was claimed the pony was a “stopper”, meaning it would not jump when first brought to events in January and February 2012. The High Court heard the Carways bought the pony in 2011 for their then 14-year-old daughter, Anna.

It was claimed it was represented to them that the pony, Castle Hill Clover, would be safe and capable of performing at a top level for two years.

The case began in February and was adjourned a number of times until evidence resumed this week.

Following discussions, Mr Justice David Keane was told the matter had been settled on the basis the Carways withdrew the claim. The case was struck out with no order as to costs.