Action withdrawn over show pony that refused to jump

High Court heard couple bought pony for daughter with intention of showjumping

It was claimed the pony Martin and Helen Carway bought was a “stopper”, meaning it would not jump when first brought to events in January/February 2012. File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times
It was claimed the pony Martin and Helen Carway bought was a “stopper”, meaning it would not jump when first brought to events in January/February 2012. File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times

A couple have withdrawn their legal action in which they alleged a pony they bought for their daughter for €67,000 to compete in showjumping refused to jump.

Martin and Helen Carway, from Bleach Road, Kilkenny, claimed the pony was "a stopper" at jumps and was not safe.

They sued father and son, Walter and Jonathan Reape, and a company, 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 showjumper.

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.

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Would not jump

It was claimed the pony was a “stopper”, meaning it would not jump when first brought to events in January/February 2012.

The High Court heard the Carways bought the pony in 2011 for their then 14-year-old daughter, Anna, with the intention of allowing her compete in showjumping competitions.

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

However, negotiations over any prospect of taking the pony back and refunding the money broke down.

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 and all allegations against the defendants. The case was struck out with no order as to costs.