Success in Canada for emigrants (From Western Telegraph)

Success in Canada for emigrants

A family who quit British agriculture to run a pony stud in Canada have won one of the countrys premier equestrian prizes.

Dave and Sue Stepney were beef and arable farmers at Hollybush, Llandeloy, before emigrating eight years ago. They left Pembrokeshire with some of the Welsh cobs and ponies they had bred.

They established the Gallod Stud at the 800-acre holding they farm in Manitoba and have now achieved the ultimate accolade at the Toronto Royal Show, the biggest event in Canada.

Their Pembrokeshire-bred Section D Welsh cob, Nebo Calanog, was named supreme champion of champions, widely regarded as a huge achievement for one of Canadas lesser-known breeds.

Ann Riggs, of Walterston Farm, Newton Cross, Hayscastle, has maintained her friendship with the family and was one of the first to congratulate them by e-mail.

She spoke of the moment Sue had to accompany Nebo Calanog on his lap of honour around the show ring.

The crowd went absolutely wild, she said.

Sue had to run around the ring with him in evening dress, I dont think anyone had seen Sue in a dress before let alone a full-length gown! Dave and Sue had bought Nebo Calanog as they were preparing to emigrate.

He was just six-weeks-old at the time and followed them to Canada along with five other ponies.

The couple, who have three daughters, chose to emigrate because they were tired of working long hours for little return, says Ann.

It was a big decision to make for a couple in their 40s but it was the best thing we could have done.

Caption: Nebo Calanog wows the judges in Canada.