BREEDERS from abroad were amongst the many interested spectators at the 55th annual Spring Show of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, organised by the Lampeter Committee on the Llanllyr estate at Talsarn which again attracted some 500 quality entries of stallions and youngstock.

Athletic and hardy, flashy and sporty, intelligent, sound and reasonably easy to keep, a Welsh pony or Cob is considered by many to find its way into your home and into your heart. However, the Council of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society are mindful of the large number of ponies being bred in the current economic climate and urge members to act responsibly and be selective in their breeding policies.

The Lampeter show itself, located in the heart of Cob country, not only caters for stallions but also for youngstock, harness and ridden classes. Entries are drawn from all parts of Wales but include a large number from across England including the Home counties.

Again enjoying superb but rather chilly Spring weather on the day President, William Lloyd of Llangwryfon remarked how greatly he appreciated the positive and ongoing support from the many generous sponsors of the event and scores of enthusiasts of the Welsh breeds and proudly drew attention to yet another excellent turnout.

With a lifetime’s experience of the Welsh breeds, it was Mr Lloyd’s role to award the supreme championship and he gave this to Dafydd and Sian Morris of Neuadd Parc, Cwm Rheidol, Aberystwyth for their winning Section C stallion, the outstanding black 6 year old Moorcroft Master Tom. Bred by Rob Howard out of Synod Sweet Dreams he was got by Moorcroft The Master which was Junior champion at this show in 2010 .

The youngstock champion was the three year old Cob filly, Llwynhywel Lady Camilla, owned by Anwen Evans and presented by Jack Bowerman and honours in the ridden section went to the Batt family from Monmouthshire with their 11 year old bay Cob mare, Abergavenny Valmai, splendidly ridden by Eiry Bonner.

Championship results:

SUPREME

D and S Morris, Welsh Pony (Cob type) Section C. Moorcroft Mastertom).

STALLIONS

Welsh Cob (Section D) Standing in South Wales and overall - J Merrick (Brynithon The Director)., Standing in Mid Wales - O and R J Bentley (Thorneyside The Marksman)., Standing in North Wales - G Roberts (Brynithon A-Hab)., Standing outside Wales - Sainsbury & Hill (Powysvalley Mr Harry).

Welsh Pony (Cob type) Section C - Standing in Wales - D and S Morris (Moorcroft Mastertom)., Standing outside Wales - Lee & Co (Dunaway Bugsy).

Welsh Mountain Pony, Section A - Davies Bros (Criccieth Jaffa).

Welsh Pony, Section B - C Eleanor (Thistledown Breeze Up).

YOUNGSTOCK

Welsh Pony, Section B and Supreme - G Andred (Waxwing Glisten).

Welsh Cob, Section D - L E Bigley (Llanarth Gwyneth).

Welsh Pony (Cob type) Section C - J K Walters (Gornoeth Mastermind).

Welsh Mountain Pony, Section A - Yardley & Rowbottom (Penboeth Essay).

UNDER SADDLE

Welsh Cob, Section D and Supreme overall - J A Batt (Abergavenny Valmai).

Welsh Pony (Cob type) Section C - R H Reading (Varty Rhian).

Welsh Mountain Pony, Section A - I Latter (Powys Sprite).

Welsh Pony Section B - M Marshalsay (Moelkgarnedd Arthur).

Mountain and Moorland and supreme - H Parr (Moelview Prince Charming).

NPS - P Landon (Gwainiarll Ruth).

Novice - H Ellis - Jones (Barkway Guinevere).

First ridden - H S Davies (Glebedale Jubilee).

Leading rein - K Williams (Bengad Desert Sage).

HARNESS

Welsh Mountain Pony and Welsh Pony, Sections A and B and Supreme - Granger & Mitchell (Cargarsar Silver Shadow).

Welsh Cob, Section D - S Watts (Tremle Watts Up).