If you’re on the hunt to buy a Welsh section D to ride and compete, this guide is for you.

What is a Welsh section D?

The Welsh section D — or the Welsh cob — is the largest of the Welsh breeds. The breed has no upper height limit but must exceed 13.2hh to ensure it is in fact a section D and not a section C. While there is no maximum height requirement, it is desirable that the section D retains pony character and true Welsh type.

The section D can be any colour, except piebald and skewbald. Grey colouring is more rare than in other types of Welsh ponies, but white markings are common.

A Welsh cob’s action should be: “Free, true and forcible. The knee should be bent and the whole foreleg should be extended straight from the shoulder and as far forward as possible in the trot. Hocks flexed under the body with straight and powerful leverage.”

Welsh Pony and Cob Society conformation standard for Welsh section Ds

General character: Strong, hardy and active, with pony character and as much substance as possible

Head: Full of quality and pony character. A coarse head and Roman nose are most objectionable

Eyes: Bold, prominent and set widely apart

Ears: Neat and well set

Neck: Lengthy and well carried. Moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Strong but well laid back

Forelegs: Set square and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearms. Knees well developed with an abundance of bone below them. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well shaped. Hooves dense. When in the rough, a moderate quantity of silky feather is not objected to but coarse, wiry hair is a definite objection.

Middlepiece: Back and loins, muscular, strong and well-coupled. Deep through the heart and well ribbed up.

Hindquarters: Lengthy and strong. Ragged or drooping quarters are objectionable. Tail well set on.

Hind legs: Second thighs, strong and muscular. Hocks, large, flat and clean, with points prominent, turning neither inward nor outward. The hind legs must not be too bent and the hock not set behind a line falling from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well shaped. Hooves dense.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society suggests that the section D has been aptly described as “the best ride and drive animal in the world”.

“The general character is the embodiment of strength, hardiness and agility. The Welsh cob is a good hunter and a most competent performer in all competitive sports. In recent years they have had great success in the international driving world. Their abilities in all spheres are now fully recognised throughout the world.”

What can I do with a Welsh section D?

Welsh section Ds are a breed that you will find in most disciplines in the UK and across the globe. Welsh section Ds are popular showing animals, with standalone classes at major finals such as Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). They compete in the large breeds category against other native breeds, or in specific Welsh section C and D classes.

The breed is popular as they can carry most adults and taller riders, but have native pony traits meaning they are generally hardy. They can fare well in dressage owing to their movement, and the more athletic types also have a presence in working hunter classes, eventing, showjumping and out hunting. Some Welsh section Ds have also competed successfully in driving and they can also make good all-rounders and non-competitive rides. The in-hand showing scene is equally well supported, with many breeders showcasing their home-bred stock at breed shows, on the county show circuit and beyond.

Ultimately, the ideal job for each pony depends on its type, character traits and natural talent in specific areas.

Is it the right breed for me?

Aimee Devane is a leading native pony producer who has ridden many successful Welsh section Ds. Her first top pony was the gelding Pentrepiod The Judge but she has since ridden many stars, including the late Aleanto Bon A Parte and Steppers Relight My Fire, ridden champion at the Royal Welsh in 2023.

“They are my favourite breed,” Aimee confirms. “But I would not say a Welsh cob is the breed for an easy life in the sense they can be more hot-headed and generally do need stimulation and consistency to get the best out of them, especially in the early stages of training. This does not mean dangerous, but you need to have your wits about you.

“Obviously, upbringing has a lot to do with how they take to ridden work, and you do find more laid-back examples. If you find the right pony for you, though, they are amazing animals to work with and train.”

What should I look for in a Welsh section D?

“I like an old-fashioned type; I’m looking for a true pony of cob type and my preference for the show ring is for something that stands between 14hh and 14.2hh, ideally no bigger,” Aimee says. “I’m looking for a pony that has a nice length of rein as well as good bone, feather and feet. You can add topline, but you cannot add limb, feather or foot.

“I would look for something with an uphill front as this is usually an indicator of how they will eventually ride. A lot of cobs don’t have the most natural canter, so if they’re more uphill they’re likely to find that pace easier. They can be later maturers, though, and the canter can come as they get stronger. There are a few four- and five-year-olds who have a solid temperament and brain, but you will usually start to get the very best out of a Welsh section D when it is six or seven.

“Movement-wise, I like a bit of knee action that comes up and out from the shoulder. I like a pony that covers the ground; we don’t want a pony that daisy-cuts. A Welsh cob should arguably be one of the biggest movers in a ring of natives, but it’s important that we’re getting the true action without rushing or pushing the pony out of its natural rhythm.”

How much should I expect to pay?

As with any horse or pony, the price will depend on several factors including the market at the time as well as the individual animal’s temperament, age, quality, competition record and breeding.

“Welsh cobs are very valuable as they can take a taller rider,” Aimee says. “I would always find a Welsh section D easier to sell than a Welsh section C of equal quality. Plus, a Welsh section D with form in the show ring is likely to have the ability to go and succeed in another discipline, especially dressage due to their movement.

“The price I would pay for a pony depends on quality,” Aimee adds. “You can find unbroken ponies for £1,500, and ridden ponies for £8,000, but it does depend on how much potential the animal has. For the top end I would want something special that has it all; bone, feather, movement and flare. Obviously, after being backed and trained the prices increase. Top ridden ponies can go from anywhere between £10,000 and £15,000, often more.”

I’ve bought a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If you tell the vet you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“Due to my experience I often buy ponies without a vetting, and I also buy them unseen if sourcing from breeders or from vendors I trust,” Aimee says. “Every pony will have a job, too, even if it’s not in the show ring or in competition.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you are hoping to buy a Welsh section B pony, this guide with advice from a top breeder should help you start your search for the right one

What is a Welsh section B?

The Welsh section B pony is one of the four Welsh breeds. It is the finer and arguably most athletic of the sections. The section B cannot exceed 13.2hh (137.2cm) in height but you regularly see smaller breed representatives out and about.

According to the Welsh Pony and Cob Association (WPCS): “The general description of ponies in section A of the stud book is applicable to those in section B. But more particularly the section B pony shall be described as a riding pony, with quality, riding action, adequate bone and substance, hardiness and constitution and with pony character.”

They can be described as the more refined and taller version of the section A. The B was developed by breeding mountain ponies with Hackney, Arab and thoroughbred influences.

The section B was added to the stud book in 1931 and the WPCS provides the same breed standard as the section A with the above characteristics:

Head: Small, clean-cut, well set on and tapering to the muzzle

Ears: Well placed, small and pointed, well up on the head, proportionately close

Neck: Lengthy, well carried and moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Long and sloping well back. Withers moderately fine, but not “knifey”. The humerus upright so that the foreleg is not set in under the body.

Forelegs: Set square and true, and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearm, well developed knee, short flat bone below knee, pasterns of proportionate slope and length, feet well-shaped and round, hoofs dense.

Back and loins: Muscular, strong and well coupled

Hind quarters: Lengthy and fine. Not ragged or goose-rumped. Tail well set on and carried gaily.

Hind legs: Hocks to be large, flat and clean with points prominent, to turn neither inwards nor outwards. The hind legs not to be too bent. The hock not to be set behind a line from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped, hooves dense.

They have straighter, more low and long striding movement than the A, C and D sections arguably with a more pointed toe, though they still need to have appropriate hock action from behind.

What should I look for in a Welsh section B?

Hayley Grota runs the successful Cadlan Valley Stud alongside her parents, Howell and Yvonne Davies. Hayley’s daughter, Libby, currently competes the home-bred ponies under-saddle.

Ponies with the Cadlan Valley prefix have won at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal International and Olympia.

“Conformation and breed type are the most important things to look for in a quality Welsh section B,” says Hayley. “I like a section B to possess Welsh pony characteristics, too, as well as plenty of substance and limb, two things a lot of ponies have lost over the years, which in turn has meant they’ve lost some of their hardiness.

“Today, a lot of Bs are weak in their hind legs; they move in front but they don’t move from behind. I like a pony to really use itself from the back end. Adding to this, I would never buy a section B that looks like a show pony, unless you intend it for this class; I like a pony with substance, limb and bone.”

What can I do with a Welsh section B?

Welsh section Bs are versatile and they can fare well in multiple jobs due to their athleticism and level temperaments.

Welsh section Bs have their own final at Horse of the Year Show. Sometimes they compete against Welsh section As or against other small breeds.

Many modern section Bs are also successful in plaited showing classes, standing at the top of show hunter pony and plaited working hunter pony line ups at championship level.

Smaller section Bs can make good first ridden ponies, and the breed is also a popular choice for native working hunter classes due to their natural scope and stamp.

“Welsh Bs are highly popular, both in the UK but especially in the USA,” Hayley notes.

Where should I buy a Welsh section B pony from?

There are online sale sites such as Whickr that have Welsh section B ponies advertised throughout the year.

“I advise you to do research into certain bloodlines and types that you like,” Hayley says. “Buying direct from a breeder, especially if you are looking for a youngster, is a good way of sourcing exactly what you want. Do your research and look at the back breeding of certain ponies you like that are out and about on the circuit.

“Usually, good families pass on their temperaments, which is ultimately the most important thing if you’re looking for a ridden pony. For example, if we had a stallion that didn’t have the best attitude we would not use him again.”

How much should I expect to pay?

As with all breeds and types of horses and ponies, the price you will be looking to pay for an animal will depend on your own personal budget, the competition CV of said horse or pony and the level of the sales market at the time.

“A two or three-year-old Welsh section B pony that is nice but that is not going to be a world beater could still fetch anything from between £2,500 to £3,000,” Hayley says. “If you have a youngster that is a bit more special then you’re looking at prices from £5,000 upwards, especially if the pony has done some winning in-hand.

“When it comes to older ponies with competition records they can go for anything over five figures. I have spoken to people who have sold HOYS-level Welsh section B ponies for up to £25,000. I do think breeders will sometimes sell ponies for less money, especially if they know the home is knowledgeable.”

I’ve bought a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

If the pony is for a child, the vet will hopefully keep an eye on the temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can be more susceptible to laminitis so ask the vet to consider this risk.

“We have been doing this long enough that we don’t tend to have unbroken ponies vetted as we can look at their teeth and limbs, and we have a friend who is a vet who is always willing to provide advice on certain aspects I might be worried about,” Hayley says. “I know people who have had ponies vetted and something has gone wrong later down the line, and I’ve also known ponies that fail the vet but have gone on to be great with no issues.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Rebecca Penny, a native pony specialist who has won at HOYS and RIHS while also working as a website designer and online marketing consultant, on why we must promote the versatility of our native breeds

The recent announcement on Facebook from the long-established Welsh Pony and Cob performance event regarding the Welsh Pony and Cob Society’s (WPCS) decision to reduce the funding to just 17% of what it has historically given, quite rightly sparked significant debate and concern.

As an avid supporter of native pony breeds and their versatile capabilities, I share the sentiment of many who believe that this decision represents a significant step backward for the promotion and recognition of these animals.

While acknowledging that the WPCS may need to streamline their operations and look to save on costs, it’s essential to note that they don’t look to be in dire financial straits. Thus, the decision to discontinue funding for a performance event with such historical significance raises questions about the society’s priorities and commitment to showcasing the full potential of Welsh ponies and cobs.

Performance schemes and events play a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions and elevating the desirability of native breeds beyond the confines of the show ring. Not only that, but they also give riders the opportunity to try their hand at other disciplines.

For years, Olympic event rider Laura Collett was an attendee at the Welsh Pony and Cob performance event. She was a young rider that brought ponies up through the ranks and undoubtedly used events like this to further her skills outside of the show ring and they would have provided her with a great stepping stone on her road to success.

“Actively promote versatility”

Breed societies, in general, have a responsibility to be proactive in championing the performance abilities of their breeds across the disciplines.

Recognising and rewarding achievements in activities such as dressage, eventing, driving and endurance not only highlights the versatility of native ponies but also attracts new members to the societies and encourages riders to consider native ponies for their equestrian pursuits.

In a competitive market where riders have numerous breeds to choose from, societies must strategically position their native breeds to thrive. Some societies are guilty of being a little stuck in the past and need to focus on promoting ponies that meet the modern-day rider’s needs, or they risk being left behind. One only needs to look at current class entries to see that the demand is in more performance-based classes.

While some native breeds naturally lend themselves to these disciplines better than others, it’s crucial for societies to actively promote the versatility of all breeds. Otherwise, they are at risk of becoming an afterthought in the equestrian community.

The exemplary efforts of societies like the British Connemara Pony Society serve as inspiring examples of what can be achieved through strategic promotion and advocacy, ultimately leading to increased demand and recognition for native breeds worldwide.

By investing in performance events and schemes, societies can cultivate a positive image of their breeds, attracting a diverse range of riders and ensuring their long-term viability and relevance.

Furthermore, performance events provide a platform for breeders and owners to showcase the capabilities of individual animals, contributing to the genetic improvement of the breed and preserving its heritage traits.

By neglecting the promotion of performance activities, breed societies risk stifling the advancement of their breeds and limiting their appeal to a broader audience.

● What do you think breed societies could do to promote native ponies as versatile performance animals? Let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 18 April

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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The Welsh section B has been classified as “rare” for the first time, following a decline in numbers.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) released its 2024–25 watch list today (17 April). A sustained decline in Welsh section B dams producing registered progeny – from 1,044 in 2009 to below 400 in 2023 – that the breed is now considered to be rare.

The watch list uses a traffic-light system to identify breeds of most and least concern. These are “priority” (red), “at risk” (amber) and “UK breeds” (green).

The RBST approached the Welsh Pony & Cob Society (WPCS) last year, as part of a native equine conservation project. The society provided the trust with data for all the Welsh breed sections, and the section B has now been highlighted as being “at risk”. The two organisations are collaborating to help reverse the decline.

WPCS chairman Ed Gummery welcomed the results of the RBST’s research into populations of Welsh breeds, adding that the findings relating to the section B are “particularly thought-provoking”.

“Our breed society has reached a crossroads affected by many global factors, but is the first time any of the Welsh sections have been recorded as ‘at risk’ on the RBST watch list since the Welsh mountain hill pony some 25 years ago, and this presents a further challenge,” said Mr Gummery.

“As a society, we will be using the RBST’s findings to positive effect, and are already looking at ways to promote the breed, which will instantly trigger the anticipated review of some recent show decisions as the society had been awaiting this expected report and digested the subsequent findings.

“Urgent and priority reconsideration must now be given to encourage breeding programmes and to ensure that we encourage exhibitors of Welsh section Bs continue to come forward to our affiliated events to showcase their stock.”

RBST chief executive Christopher Price said the watch list process helps the trust “pick up on concerning trends early, such as the marked decline in section B dams”.

“The section B Welsh pony is a fantastic breed, really intelligent and adaptable, well suited for children but also at home in the show ring or driving,” He said. “Its addition to the watch list today is the start of an increase in activity in collaboration with breed societies, conservationists, farm parks and the wider RBST membership to help reverse this decline.”

There is positive news for the New Forest, Dartmoor and Exmoor breeds in this year’s watch list. The “at risk” New Forest pony is “performing very well” and the RBST said if current trends continue, it “could move out of the rare categories in coming years”.

Stable numbers have been recorded for Dartmoor ponies, solidifying the positive trends and genetic diversity improvements that resulted in its move from the “priority” to “at risk” categories in last year’s watchlist. Exmoor ponies have also had “a welcome improvement”, as the number of dams has increased by 28% from 2022 to 2024.

Mr Price said the improvements reflect the “strong successes” of breeding programmes and conservation activities of recent years.

“This good news is testament to the dedication of all those working with rare breeds, and the growing appreciation among keepers, riders, land managers and the public that our native equines are great, versatile breeds for modern times,” he said.

The Cleveland Bay, Suffolk, Hackney, Dales and Eriskay pony remain among the most vulnerable, with work continuing to support and promote these breeds.

• View the full RBST 2024/25 watchlist

You might also be interested in:

The Welsh section B: the athletic and multi-talented Welsh pony

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Geraint Jones, the former Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) president and founder of Nebo Stud died on 8 March, aged 88.

As a young boy, Mr Jones would accompany his uncle David John Jones of Fronarth Stud to ploughing matches and at the age of 10, he would harrow the fields at his parents’ farm in Tyngwndwn with mares Tyngwndwn Beauty and Isfryn Bess.

When Mr Jones married Mary in 1961, they were given Tyngwndwn Mathrafal Lady as a present from Mr Jones’ father Idris. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Lluest Hen and formed Nebo Stud.

The pinnacle for Welsh cob breeders is to breed a George Prince of Wales Cup winner and Mr Jones was proud that he had bred four – Tyngwndwn Cream Boy, Nebo Black Magic, Nebo Daniel and Nebo Hywel. Nebo Brenin sired two Prince of Wales Cup winners, won the harness class at the Royal Welsh and also monopolised the WCPS sire ratings, winning the section D ratings eight times and the section C ratings nine times.

Among some of the stud’s other notable ponies, Nebo Daniel and his son Nebo Prince also topped the WPCS sire ratings, and Nebo Bouncer was champion at the Lampeter Stallion Show five times and won at the Royal Welsh on seven occasions. Nebo Julie Ann and Nebo Joni Jones were champion ridden at the Royal Welsh, and Julie Ann also won at Horse of the Year Show.

Mr Jones joined the WPCS in 1957 and served as a council member for more than 30 years. He was made president in 1993 and was also later awarded the fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society. His services as a judge were in much demand, judging at the Royal Welsh five times, as well as travelling all over the world in this capacity.

He was known for his character and infectious personality, with friends far and wide. He enjoyed a “good chat” and had time for everybody. It was said he could diffuse the most difficult situation with his quick wit and one-liners. He was a “wonderful raconteur” and his memory of events of long ago were clear to the end. He was especially proud of the achievements of his children, Owen and Lisa, and grandchildren, Catrin and Lowri.

Mr Jones was taken on his final journey with a pair of Dutch gelderlander horses and laid to rest in a private service at the local church, a few hundred yards from the family home. This was followed by a service to celebrate his wonderful life.

Mr Jones is survived by his wife Mary, children Owen and Lisa and grandchildren Catrin and Lowri.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

BREED societies are taking positive steps to ensure the ongoing ability to register rare-breed and native horses and ponies abroad following Brexit.

After Britain left the EU, foreign studbooks had to apply to Defra for an extension of breeding territory so horses and ponies in the UK could still be registered with them. The move has affected many foreign sport-horse studbooks that were not granted permission (news, 24 February), but also has an impact on UK breed societies, which have to apply to EU countries for the same extension of breeding territory.

The Clydesdale Horse Society and the Welsh Cob and Pony Society are among those taking steps to ensure foreign breeders can continue to register foals with their studbooks. The Clydesdale Horse Society, which registers around 200 foals a year, 25 of these in EU countries, has created daughter studbooks in Germany and Ireland. The German studbook will cater for breeders in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the Irish for Denmark – but other EU countries can apply for extension of breeding territory.

Clydesdale Horse Society secretary Ian Roy told H&H the creation of the daughter studbooks was a “positive and proactive solution”.

“We found colleagues in Germany and Ireland who were willing to take us on and run with us,” he said. “It’s taken almost a year to get them up and running, but we’re now approaching each EU country seeking an extension of the Irish studbook into these countries and we’re finding there’s a lot of cooperation.”

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society already had daughter studbooks in EU countries, and around the world, but ahead of Brexit the organisation worked with the Welsh Government to come up with a solution to still allow EU breeders to register on the UK studbook, as this is still favoured among many EU breeders.

“We wanted to work around this because we did not want to lose the gene pool and the work of those overseas breeders who have for many generations worked hard to breed high-quality stock,” said a spokesman for the society.

“We have now split the document – you have the passport as an identification document with the microchip, and a separate breeding registration document. Although we cannot issue a passport to EU-bred ponies because of the legislation, overseas breeders can scan their passport from their country of origin and email it to us with the pedigree. If it complies with our rules and regulations, we can register them on our overseas register and they go into our studbook alongside UK-bred animals, so this secures the pedigree and bloodlines.”

Rare Breed Survival Trust chief executive Christopher Price told H&H Brexit had “clearly created challenges” for equine breed societies as it has in many other sectors including livestock, but said “although it is cumbersome, expensive and time consuming, there is a way round it through the creation of daughter studbooks”.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Four Welsh section B mares have become the first of the breed to be exported to Argentina.

The quartet of palominos came from Peter and Ann Jones’s legendary west Wales-based Menai Stud.

“Other than a solitary Welsh cob stallion exported years ago, this is the first ever shipment of Welsh ponies exported to Argentina,” explained Peter, who breeds Welsh ponies of all sections as well as cobs.

The four mares are sired by the illustrious palomino stallion Newtonhill Naughty Boy Charlie, who in turn is by the prolific Heaton Romeo.

They were all descendants of the black Welsh section B stallion of the 1960s Menai Shooting Star and of a line bred continuously at Menai for over 100 years.

Three of the mares were sold in foal to Kerry Wainwright’s multiple ridden and in-hand champion Skellorn Bronze Soldier (pictured) and the fourth in foal to Three-B Stud’s Bluewood Pythagoras.

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“The importers, Jorge Mastroizzi and Laureano Oliver from Buenos Aires, were anxious to get the mares in foal as late as possible to be nearer in line with their breeding season in the southern hemisphere,” added Peter. “The owners of the stallions kindly allowed them to cover out of season. Hopefully this is the first of many shipments and the importers are excited about the prospect of starting an Argentinian Welsh Pony and Cob Society.”

Ponies with the Menai prefix have succeeded in all disciplines and the stud has produced several Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal Welsh winners as well as Olympia best of breed contenders and Royal International contenders.

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A Welsh section D mare with an enviable list of achievements under saddle topped the 2019 Brightwells’ Autumn Cob Sales (30 October-1 November).

Top lot was the flashy six-year-old dun Llanarth Fair Lady (Penlangrug Deio x Llanarth Pam Evans), owned by the Hughes family, who was sold for a trade topping £25,500 to the Alford family where she will continue her career under saddle. Her producer Katy Marriott-Payne rode the mare in the sale ring where she displayed her fabulous paces to the crowds.

Fair Lady was a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalist this season in both open Welsh cob and junior ranks. She took third place in the latter final. She was auctioned with her ticket to the mountain and moorland ridden final at Olympia, a qualification she picked up at the BSPS Heritage championships last month.

The £25,500 price tag is the second-highest price to have ever been reached at the sales with the record being set last year when the Welsh section C stallion Tyrllawn Rolls-Royce sold for £45,000.

The top young stock lot was Andrew Thomas’ filly foal Caederwen Miss Monroe (Waunoris Golden Boy x Caederwen Merch Euraidd), which was knocked down for £13,500. The striking palamino found a new home with Carol Prater of the Rhencullen stud.

Continued below…

The Welsh section D: the ‘native cobs’ with power, action and presence

While there is no maximum height requirement, it is desirable that the section D retains pony character and true Welsh

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Dun mares were certainly popular as Glyn Anderson’s five-year-old Welsh section C Tyntyla Catkin (Cadfach Who Dunnit x Tyntyla Catrin) scored an impressive price of £10,000.

Prices were high across the board as the sale averaged in excess of £1,400 per lot, a level which has not been achieved for some time.

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This week, don’t miss our veteran special with tips and tricks to keep your golden oldie on the road, plus an insight into the competitions available to veterans across the disciplines.

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The Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) defines the Welsh section C — also known as the Welsh Pony of Cob Type — as a stronger counterpart of the Welsh pony, but with cob blood.

The height should not exceed 13.2hh (137.2cm) and there is no minimum height limit. The Welsh C is a hugely popular choice of pony for both adults and children and is a common sight both in the show ring and across other performance disciplines.

In contrast to the Welsh section B which has the same height limit, the C should be more cob-like and compact with a greater amount of body and bone.

The WPCS provides the following standard for both the Welsh C and the D, suggesting that the C should be in effect, smaller versions of their cob counterparts.

General character: Strong, hardy and active, with pony character and as much substance as possible

Head: Full of quality and pony character. A coarse head and Roman nose are most objectionable

Eyes: Bold, prominent and set widely apart

Ears: Neat and well set

Neck: Lengthy and well carried. Moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Strong but well laid back

Forelegs: Set square and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearms. Knees well developed with an abundance of bone below them. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped. Hooves dense. When in the rough, a moderate quantity of silky feather is not objected to but coarse, wiry hair is a definite objection.

Middlepiece: Back and loins, muscular, strong and well-coupled. Deep through the heart and well-ribbed up.

Hindquarters: Lengthy and strong. Ragged or drooping quarters are objectionable. Tail well-set on.

Hind legs: Second thighs, strong and muscular. Hocks, large, flat and clean, with points prominent, turning neither inward nor outwards. The hind legs must not be too bent and the hock not set behind a line falling from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped. Hooves dense.

When it comes to colour, the C can be any, except piebald and skewbald. Many sport white socks and stockings.

The action should be: “free, true and forcible. The knee should be bent and the whole foreleg should be extended straight from the shoulder and as far forward as possible in the trot. Hocks flexed under the body with straight and powerful leverage.”

The Welsh C can also be a popular cross for producing progeny suitable for any discipline.

The Welsh C was originally developed by crossing the Welsh Mountain Ponies (Section As) with the larger and heavier Welsh Cobs (Section Ds) — the result is this small cob type. According to the WPCS, Welsh Mountain Ponies are believed to be descended from the Celtic pony and existed in the mountains of Wales for over a thousand years.

Today, section Cs can be either the result of a cross between the section A and the Welsh Cob or can be bred directly from two section C ponies.

In October 2018, at the annual autumn cob sales held at The Royal Welsh Showground in Builth, the six-year-old Welsh C stallion Tyrllawn Rolls-Royce sold for a record-breaking price of £45,000 on the final day of the auction. This is the highest price a Welsh pony has ever been sold for.

Welsh section Cs often have their own breed classes but are sometimes required to compete against Welsh Ds. They have their own final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the 2018 winner was Danwood Llewellyn (above) ridden by his breeder Linda Atkinson.

In 2013, Maggie and Beth Simons’ stallion Yrallt May Day Surprise was crowned overall ridden mountain and moorland pony of the year at the NEC. In the same year, champion of the prestigious Cuddy supreme in-hand championship was the 15-year-old mare Synod Lady Lillian, owned by Gareth Williams.

Welsh Cs also excel in the working hunter ring and are often seen at the top of native classes across the country. Georgia Darlington and her own Tynwydd Good Friday was the last C to net the HOYS working hunter pony of the year title in 2016, after scooping the 133cm class.

Their athleticism also makes them popular all-rounders and they can excel on the show jumping circuit or can be successful dressage ponies. The section C can be one of the most versatile native breeds for varying age of riders, perhaps more so than the section B due to their sturdier stature, meaning adult riders can be very comfortable them.

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The Welsh section B or Welsh pony cannot exceed 13.2hh (137.2cm). According to the Welsh Pony and Cob Association (WPCS): “The general description of ponies in section A of the stud book is applicable to those in Section B. But more particularly the section B pony shall be described as a riding pony, with quality, riding action, adequate bone and substance, hardiness and constitution and with pony character.” They can be described as the more refined and taller version of the section A. The B was developed by breeding mountain ponies with Hackney, Arab and Thoroughbred influences.

The section B was added to the stud book in 1931 and the WPCS provides the same breed standard as the section A with the above characteristics:

Head: Small, clean-cut, well set on and tapering to the muzzle

Ears: Well placed, small and pointed, well up on the head, proportionately close

Neck: Lengthy, well carried and moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Long and sloping well back. Withers moderately fine, but not “knifey”. The humerus upright so that the foreleg is not set in under the body.

Forelegs: Set square and true, and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearm, well developed knee, short flat bone below knee, pasterns of proportionate slope and length, feet well-shaped and round, hoofs dense.

Back and loins: Muscular, strong and well coupled

Hind quarters: Lengthy and fine. Not ragged or goose-rumped. Tail well set on and carried gaily.

Hind legs: Hocks to be large, flat and clean with points prominent, to turn neither inwards nor outwards. The hind legs not to be too bent. The hock not to be set behind a line from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped, hooves dense.

Welsh section Bs could be described as the most versatile Welsh breed across the disciplines due to their athleticism, which enables them to stand up against quicker and finer non-native breeds. Many modern section Bs are also successful in plaited showing classes, standing at the top of show hunter pony lines ups at championship level.

They have straighter, more low and long striding movement than the A, C and D sections arguably with a more pointed toe which makes them suitable riding ponies. One of the most influential sires of the modern day Welsh section B breed was Tan-y-Bwlch Berwyn.

In the Horse Encyclopedia, Elwyn Hartley Edwards says that Berwyn was sired by a Barb stallion and his dam was the granddaughter of the section A stallion Dyoll Starlight.

Last year, Katy Marriott-Payne won the Olympia M&M ridden final at Olympia on the palomino Welsh section B gelding Cadlanvalley Sandpiper. Pure section Bs have also been seen on the BSJA circuit competing with much success. The stallion Rotherwood Signature is 128cm pure-bred who was SPSS showjumping pony champion in 2011 and 2012.

Section Bs are known for being great children’s rides and ponies which don’t exceed 12.2hh are often seen in M&M first ridden classes.

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The Welsh section A or Welsh Mountain Pony is one of the most popular breeds for both children and small adults.

Not to exceed 12h (121.9cm) the section A is the smallest of the four Welsh breeds. The breed, according to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) should be: “hardy, spirited and pony-like.”

They can be any colour, except for piebald and skewbald, and section A ponies with white socks and stockings are particularly popular in the show ring.

The section A is a popular choice for children, with many being seen at the top of lines in lead rein and first ridden classes. They also have their own open ridden final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and this year, the winning section A, Glebedale Mumbo Jumbo, stood overall mountain and moorland ridden pony of the year in October, beating off several of his larger rivals.

The WPCS offers some advice on the desired breed characteristics to look out for:

Head: Small, clean-cut, well set on and tapering to the muzzle

Ears: Well placed, small and pointed, well up on the head, proportionately close

Neck: Lengthy, well carried and moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Long and sloping well back. Withers moderately fine, but not “knifey”. The humerus upright so that the foreleg is not set in under the body.

Forelegs: Set square and true, and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearm, well developed knee, short flat bone below knee, pasterns of proportionate slope and length, feet well-shaped and round, hoofs dense.

Back and Loins: Muscular, strong and well coupledg

Hind Quarters: Lengthy and fine. Not ragged or goose-rumped. Tail well set on and carried gaily.

Hind Legs: Hocks to be large, flat and clean with points prominent, to turn neither inwards nor outwards. The hind legs not to be too bent. The hock not to be set behind a line from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped, hoofs dense.

Welsh ponies should also move well, and have action which is: “Quick, free and straight from the shoulder, Knees and hocks well flexed with straight and powerful leverage and well under the body.”

According to the WPCS, Welsh Mountain Ponies are believed to be descended from the Celtic pony and existed in the mountains of Wales for over a thousand years.

Available evidence tends to show that the Welsh Mountain Pony has existed since prehistoric times. They were originally used by farmers as ridden animals as well as in the pits and mines.

Today, the section A is predominantly used as the child’s first pony and the temperament of the breed is generally reliable, although there are always some exceptions. Due to its natural barrel type appearance and its ability to carry variable amounts of weight it can carry smaller or larger jockeys comfortably.

Article continues below…

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The Welsh Pony & Cob Society was founded in Wales in 1901, and their first studbook was published in 1902, containing the records of 38 stallions and 571 mares. In 1931 the height limit the section A was fixed at 12 hands.

The stallion Dyoll Starlight was credited with being the foundation sire of the modern breed. He was a combination of Welsh and Arab breeding. From his line came an influential stallion of the Section B type: Tan-y-Bwlch Berwyn. The often dished face seen on section A ponies is from the Arabian breeding influence.

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Do you have a story about a Welsh Section A you’d like to share with H&H readers? Then write to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited). 

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A young rider and his Welsh section B pony have won the overall supreme title at the 46th Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) performance awards.

The number of section B ponies forward this year was higher than ever before, but 12-year-old Ollie White and his own Llanarth Gold Label beat several top ponies, including British Show Pony Society and Royal International champions, to win the section and overall title.

Ollie won the WPCS bursary award in 2017 and with the help of his mother Sam Reid, has produced and trained the Bigley-bred Gold himself.

The pair usually compete in working hunter classes and have scored many wins and championships this season, including at North of England and Notts County. They have also triumphed in dressage and one-day events. Being a member of Quorn Pony Club has helped the pair notch up the points, which also enabled them to claim the versatility award.

In addition to the Welsh section B title, they also won the junior working hunter, gelding and English championships.

Awards organiser Jo Filmer said that the competition is “going from strength to strength.”

She added: “The increased number of entries this year is testament to the popularity and versatility of this great breed. It is important to remember that every discipline is recognised, whether you take part in scurry driving or long-distance riding at affiliated or unaffiliated levels. I am sure this diversity contributes to the popularity of this competition.

“Breeders with two or more entries are recognised and there is a very healthy rivalry going on between several of the studs. This can only be to the benefit of the Welsh breed as breeders are specifically breeding ponies which are fit for purpose.”

Continued below…

Road to Olympia: ‘I took it as a sign we shouldn’t go’ — superstitious show team nearly don’t make it to qualifier…

Nothing like an early morning drama on show day...

Records smashed as Welsh section C stallion sells at auction for £45,000

The previous world record was set in 2012 at £22,000...

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Winning the Welsh section A title was Joan Hayden’s Blisland Hero and Freya Herring, while top of the Welsh section Cs was awards first-timer Emily Locke riding Winton Rascal for Sarah Whitfield.

The Welsh section D winner and overall reserve supreme for the second year in a row was the talented gelding Browbank Jacob Black ridden Caitlin Clancy.

The small part-bred section went to Kizzie Lucas and the coloured Frosthill Jackaroo, while top of the large part-breds was Menai Laurence and Gabrielle Macdonald.

The outstanding achievement award went to producer Sam Roberts.

Jo said: “Sam has been a great supporter of this competition being awarded the supreme title several times. She recently achieved magnificent results at the British Dressage Native finals with her two Welsh ponies Colby Silver Sprite and Moelview Prince Consort. Her record in the show ring is also outstanding. It is our responsibility as owners, breeders and riders to maximise the potential of this fabulous breed and Sam is a perfect ambassador to do so.”

The pony equivalent went to Cethin Ravenhill’s Welsh section B Nanthrhos Ferren.

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One of the most successful ridden Welsh D geldings of the present time, who was killed in a tragic road accident has been described by his owner and breeder as the “horse of a lifetime”.

Menai Cosmpolitian — a 13-year-old bay who stood just over 16hh — died while travelling home from Pembrokeshire County Show on 16 August, when the lorry came off the road on a narrow bridge. That day, Cosmopolitan and his rider Richard Jones had been crowned overall ridden Welsh champions at the show.

“He (Cosmopolitan) was a lovely colt foal,” said his owner and breeder Peter Jones of the renowned Menai stud. “We had already retained some stallions, so rather than sell him, we had him gelded at three months, realising his potential as a ridden pony.”

“Destined to make 15hh, or just under, he kept growing until he was seven or even eight, ending up at just over 16hh when he obtained his first Joint Measuring Board [height] certificate.

“Several prominent riders had been to see him as a youngster, but I don’t think they appreciated what had to offer as it took him a long time to mature into the magnificent specimen he became.”

When he was 16, Peter’s son Richard took Cosmopolitan on and under the guidance of his instructor Sue Thomas, the pair quickly made a name for themselves on the ridden circuit.

Peter said: “He became ‘Mr Consistent’ . He qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the first time in 2015 at the Royal Welsh — of all places — where he was overall ridden champion. He since qualified three times and it was with immense pride that both Menai Cosmopolitan and Menai Cardi Llwyd, both sons of Menai Cosmos and ridden by the two brothers Richard and Thomas, had qualified for and were ridden at the 2017 final.

“He had qualified again this year, after winning at Northleach Welsh Pony and Cob show. He was a larger than life character who thrived on attention. He had his own high security box at Menai as he was the Houdini that could get himself out of anywhere.

“He had become the gentle giant who endeared himself to so many people.”

Peter said the accident occurred as the lorry and a car were approaching the bridge at the same time. Richard pulled over as far as he could but the lorry wheels caught on the bridge wall and it toppled.

“ By the time the lorry had been recovered, Cosmo had died,” he added

Richard’s Facebook tribute to Cosmopolitan described him as a his “best friend” and a “big boy who gave it his all”.

Richard also said: “From a rather sharp eight-year-old, he became the go-to company horse for taking a sharp youngster out on hack, and that he enjoyed.”

It is safe to say the show scene has lost a true legend.

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It’s the biggest show in the calender for Welsh pony and cob breeders and enthusiasts and this year’s selection of big-moving winners at the Royal Welsh Show certainly didn’t disappoint.

Check out these nine stunning combinations who won major titles at this year’s July fixture:

1. Northwick Notorious

Ninety-nine Welsh cobs came forward for the ridden classes, with judges Sarah Chapman and Gwyn Dobbs finding a champion in Claire Evans’ 10-year-old bay stallion Northwick Notorious. Claire previously claimed this win in 2015 with Yswain Ameranthus.

2. Circus Isaak

Circus Isaak, produced and ridden by Carl Owen for owner Gwen Parry-Jones netted the ridden cob honours.

3. Carn Nicholas Tom

Gerwyn Rees’ eight-year-old piebald stallion Carn Nicholas Tom stood reserve in the overall in-hand championship and the Cuddy qualifier, shown by Gerwyn’s grandson Matthew Carr.

4. Senny Kendal

George Mitchell’s Section A Senny Kendal trotted his way to the driving championship.

5. Stoujeshoeve Escudo

Reserve supreme was Stougjeshoeve Escudo, owned by Geert Verbaas from Holland. He was also the choice for the Cuddy in-hand ticket. Escudo was youngstock and reserve male champion here in 2012 and was second in his class in 2014.

6. Tyrllawn Princess Teegan

Dawn Groom’s three-year-old chestnut filly Tyrllawn Princess Teegan was youngstock and overall Welsh section C champion.

7. Penboeth Bamboo

Penboeth Bamboo, a 12-year-old barren mare owned Phillip and Jordan Powell bagged the Welsh section A championship

8. Penstrumbly Our Latif

Out of 3,141 catalogued entries, the six-year-old chestnut Welsh part-bred Penstrumbly Our Latif (Tiff) and Tori Thomas landed the supreme ridden and overall supreme of show titles.

9. Danaway Cracklin Rose

The chestnut roan broodmare Danaway Cracklin Rose — now 16-years-0ld — took home the Prince of Wales Cup for the champion in-hand Welsh cob. In 110 years, this is the ninth time the cup has left Wales and the fourth time it has gone to the Danaway stud.

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A small but mighty Welsh section C stallion renowned on the showing circuit for his incredible movement and presence has passed away age 21.

Tawelfan Red Robin, a liver Chestnut standing at a modest 12.3hh, was best known for his results with native specialist Fiona Cork, who credits the stallion for putting her on the map.

“I remember the day I met him,” Fiona said. “I was at the cob sales with my parents when I spotted an amazing Welsh D at the top of the bank. When got closer, I noticed the cob got smaller and smaller until I realised in fact it was a Welsh C stallion. And not a very big one at that.

“My dad thought he was too small but we saw him move in hand and liked what we saw. His owner, Chris Machin, was clearly not overly keen on selling him and he had a high reserve on him. So we went to the ring but he went through unsold. And that was the end of that, or so I thought.”

Not one to let things go, Fiona went online, found Chris’s number and got in touch a few days after the sale.

Fiona continued: “Chris obviously didn’t want to sell him so I begged her to loan him to me, to which she hesitantly agreed. I didn’t want her to change her mind so agreed to collect him that afternoon.

“I will never forget bounding into the farm kitchen and announcing how amazing it was that I’d managed to secure the incredible Welsh C on loan. My mum had never allowed us to keep stallions but again, by some miracle, I managed to get her and Dad to take me to fetch ‘Robbie’, as he was then known by Chris.

“Their huge lorry went trundling down this tiny lane to a shed at the very bottom where he was in with some cows. We loaded him up and there began our journey.”

After a name change to Rodders, the little stallion and Fiona took the native ridden scene by storm.

“From the second he stepped in the ring he just seemed to win, even when perhaps he wasn’t foot-perfect. I was a nobody so it certainly wasn’t due to any of my connections,” Fiona said.

During the initial stages of their partnership, the Welsh Cs and Ds competed together at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the pair picked up their first ticket at Royal Cornwall show, making the line-up at the final.

“The following year we had our own class. He was really coming into his own. He was never easy and you would never know which Rodders you were going to get. Sometimes you’d put one foot in the ring and know you might as well come straight out, but generally he was on form and I learnt how to manage ‘the trot’.

Rodders went on to become a HOYS winner on two occasions, and Royal Welsh champion, and was the only pony to win the Royal Show Welsh C HOYS class, taking the title on three occasions (the show ran for a total of three years until it was cancelled.)

“After five years of showing him, I felt that I had done enough with him and it was time for him to have a new rider. After an overwhelming response to a Facebook advert, I ended up loaning him to Katie Goulding,” Fiona said.

Continues below…

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“I went to help them at their first show and told Katie: ‘Don’t be fooled by how he goes in the collecting ring, he’s a different animal in the ring.’

“Like me, Katie learnt the hard way. She loved him just the same way as I did, so after a couple of years I decided that for Christmas I would sign him over to her. He owed me nothing. I owed him the best home and Katie loved him. There’ll never be another with a trot quite like Rodders.”

In 2011, Katie Goulding began her journey with Rodders. She made a 10-hour round trip from her Derbyshire base to Scotland to view him at the yard of one of Fiona’s friends.

“When I got there I couldn’t believe how nice he was in the flesh,” said Katie. “Fiona’s friend sent her a video of me riding him. Driving home seemed to take a lifetime, as I knew I was waiting for Fiona’s seal of approval.

“We actually came last in our first show, as his quirkiness completely took me by surprise. Half an hour with Fiona, and we went on to win our next class.

“My best memories include qualifying for HOYS at Cheshire County show and riding at him Olympia — we got the biggest cheer of the day after our show.

“Rodders was a grump in the stable, and would always stand with his ears back — but he never bit anyone. He loved the show ring and couldn’t contain his excitement on an outing. If he heard the lorry start he would stand in his stable rearing.

“After two years together he was signed over to me and I decided to retire him in 2016. He went to stud for two years before coming back to me on the 22 June. I lost him on the 23 July.

“He owed me nothing and brought me so many happy memories. My friends would often ask me if they could have a sit on a HOYS winner just for the photo.”

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Emotions were running high for the connections of one Welsh stallion, when he went through the card on the third day of Royal Windsor to land the Horse & Hound Mountain and Morland (M&M) in-hand supreme title.

Moorcroft The Master, a 13-year-old bay stallion, clinched the overall section C honours before showing off his extravagant and correct paces under supreme judge Jennifer Williams to land the title championship over 11 other native victors — a championship he actually stood reserve in last season.

Owned by Rob and Marilyn Howard of the Moorcroft Stud, the Synod George son was led out to perfection, as always, by their son in law Tommy Fuller.

“I can’t believe it,” said Tommy. “I really didn’t expect that — it’s actually a really fitting win, because his grand-sire passed away age 26 only three days before the show.”

Master is based in Kent with Tommy and his wife Kerry at their Shankly stud where he covers both home and visiting mares.

The typey 13.1 was shown as a youngster before being used at stud. A winner of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society sire ratings four years in a row, he is the youngest sire to hold such a record and last year, he was pipped to the prize by his son.

“We don’t over use him as he’s very precious to us,” added Tommy’s sister in-law Karly, who was equally emotional after the stallion’s win.

Reserve was Janine Sehne’s Connemara mare Tyan Ma’Lady, who is better known for her successes under saddle when partnered with Sue Deakin. The elegant eight-year-old grey was on tremendous form to be awarded the reserve sash, and will be back in the ring tomorrow to contend the Olympia qualifier.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for full reports and coverage from the Royal Windsor Horse Show

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Yvonne and Howell Davies, who started the Cadlanvalley Stud in 1976, have seen home-bred ponies take top accolades at the most prestigious shows in the country.

Now ably assisted by daughter and granddaughter Hayley and Libby Grota, last year the prefix was awarded the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Kellythorpes’ Stud leading breeder of the year for Welsh Section Bs and leading sire of the breed for their prolific stallion Russetwood Elation.

Cadlanvalley graduates include the recent Olympia BSPS Heritage champion Cadlanvalley Sandpiper, HOYS junior M&M reserve champion Cadlanvalley Mikado, HOYS lead-rein of hunter type winner Cadlanvalley Super Ted and not forgetting the 2016 HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year Cadlanvalley Buzby.

Based on the wild Welsh coast on the edge of a cliff, the seasoned breeders show H&H around their successful stud and introduce us to some of their new faces…

Don’t miss the full interview with the Cadlanvalley team and much more in Horse & Hound’s showing special issue (15 March 2018), on sale now

A family affair — Yvonne and Howell Davies pictured with daughter Hayley Grota and granddaughter Libby. "Both mum and dad are still very much on top of the breeding side of things and mum likes to do all the foals’ registrations and passports," says Hayley. "But I’m in charge of all the entries for the shows. Mum did one HOYS qualifier for me and entered the wrong class, so I now do them all!”

'The end of the earth' — pictured is Cadlanvalley Golden Jubilation, a yearling filly by Russetwood Elation who will be heading to Colin Tibby's production yard this season to be campaigned in-hand. The current home of the stud is a 200-acre farm on the North Pembrokeshire coast. Yvonne and Howell originally started in a small valley named Cwm Cadlan where the prefix got it's name and moved to St Dogmaels, near Cardigan, in 1988

Hayley and the 2016 HOYS M&M champion Cadlanvalley Buzby make use of the glorious coastal landscape. With no arena to work the ponies on at home, they make use of the big, open fields and the beach. This year, the pair will be making their debut in ridden classes, after Buzby was successfully campaigned by producer Katy Marriot Payne a couple of seasons ago

There are about 35 ponies on-site and the stud produces up to 20 foals per year. “We made the decision a few years ago to no longer have any visiting mares so everything here is our own," says Yvonne

After losing their stallion Russetwood Elation last year, the team are excited about two of his grandsons, Cadlanvalley V.I.P, who is out of Buzby’s sister Georgette, and Cadlanvalley Georgie Boy, who will both have their first crops of foals on the ground this year. Yvonne says: “It will be interesting to see how they turn out. But you have to remember that the mare is just as important when it comes to breeding"

As well as her open mounts, Libby will pilot the four-year-old Chesnut gelding Cadlanvalley Valegro on the novice circuit. By Russetwood Elation and out of Stockham Domino, he is a full brother to Buzby

Pictured is the yearling colt Cadlanvalley Buzz Lightyear. Cadlanvalley has an annual list of foal buyers from all over the world. Last year the stud retained four foals. “We’re selling to about 15 countries, which is great, but we have to keep on improving,” says Yvonne. “The difficulties we face as a stud is finding good stallions for the future. They’ve got to have good temperaments and they must be the stamp we actually like”

The most recent Cadlanvalley pony to hit the headlines is Cadlanvalley Sandpiper, who took the overall supreme accolade at the Olympia International Horse Show, under Katy Marriott Payne

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When she dropped her reins during her individual show, Danielle Hughes thought she’d blown her chances of a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) placing on her Welsh section C gelding Glynwyn The Living Daylights (Christian) who had qualified in his respective breed class. The eight-year-old, however, proved his star quality by continuing to breeze through his show and be called forward as the winner, a title he also won in 2015.

Special bond

“We’ve owned Christian since he was three,” says childcare worker and home produced rider Danielle who shares pony duties with her mum, Lyndsey Jackson and nan, Val Jackson.

“We’ve taken him from an unhandled companion to a HOYS winner. He was very nervous at the start but now I feel like we have a really special bond.

“One weekend, Mum was bored and scrolling through an online site when she saw his advert. He was only a 40 minute drive away so she went to view him and bought him on the spot. He hadn’t seen much of the world and was scared of his own shadow but giving him a job to do was the making of him. He could get worried about things so it was a case of two steps forward one step back, but once he understood none of this was going to hurt him he started to enjoy himself and got better and better. Now, the bigger the atmosphere the better he goes.”

In 2015, when Christian was five, the pair won the Welsh C final at HOYS for the first time and after standing fourth in 2016, they were back last year for another crack of the whip.

“Last year, the show involved two canter transitions on the straight, which didn’t worry me, as this is something I would usually include in my shows anyway,” explains Danielle. “The only thing I could do was hope he went well and that the judges liked him.

“When I was called out into first, shocked was an understatement. I never expected to return to win a second time. At that moment, all the hard work had paid off.

“When I dropped my reins on the canter change across the diagonal, I was mortified, but Christian just carried on. When I was presented with my rosette the ride judge commented that she had seen what happened and noted how beautifully schooled he was to just carry on as normal.”

Dedication

When asked if she has found competing against producers frustrating, Danielle says she has been lucky as Christian can hold his own in the strongest of fields. She added: “The people who do this as a living spend hours behind the scenes working and prepping, turning up to shows with a wagon full of ponies and run from ring to ring all day which takes some serious dedication — they deserve their success. I’d like to think I could maybe do the same one day.”

Continued below…

20 signs you’re an incurable showing addict

9 show basket essentials that might surprise the general public

If a non-horsey person was having a nose through your show ring kit, what would make them look twice?

Danielle’s top tips for success:

• Self-belief — believe in yourself and your pony but also remember to be critical and always look for ways you can improve.
• Work with what you have — you don’t need a fancy set up or sponsors. We don’t even have an arena at home so most of our work is done in open fields and out hacking.
• Don’t over show — we usually pick a handful of shows at the beginning of the season, usually within a three-hour travelling time. Christian only contested six shows last year including HOYS and I believe that is why he never looses his sparkle.

Check out interviews with other HOYS victors and much more in Horse & Hound magazine’s showing special issue (15 March 2018), on sale now

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The hugely successful Welsh section C stallion D’Abernon Replica has passed away, aged 23.

‘Reppie’ as he was known at home had been owned by Kim Curtis and John Williams of the Penbee stud since 2003, when they bought him from his breeders, the Hussey family of Surrey.

By Hengwys Tywysog, Reppie began his illustrious career by taking the overall yearling championship at Glanusk, which was followed by a win in the three-year-old colt class at the infamous Royal Welsh two years later.

He was then sent to Welsh pony producer Nicole Musson, who backed him and competed him through the ridden ranks.

“He was a massive character around the shows”, said Nicole. “He was the easiest, kindest stallion to have at home.

“He wouldn’t keep a headcollar or bridle on even when plaited in — he had a knack or knowing just how to flick his ear and the whole thing would fall off!”

After two seasons with Nicole, he spent some time in Wales as a breeding stallion before he was sold to Kim and John, who continued to show him in-hand.

He won a host of Welsh Pony and Society medals, and in 2005, returned to Nicole where their partnership resumed for another three years. In this time he qualified for Horse of the Year show twice, was reserve ridden champion at the Royal Welsh, won the Ponies (UK) Keston Royal Occasion in-hand championship and also the Glyn Greenwood in-hand final three times. He also secured several society medals under saddle.

His ridden career came to end in the stable at HOYS in 2008 when he got cast and injured himself, meaning he was never able to return to the ridden ring. He did make a few appearances in-hand with his owners and won several championships as a veteran.

Continues below…

White socks and high knees: 9 wonderful Welsh ponies we saw last season

Meet the stunning Welsh ponies you would love to have in your stable

‘He loves a mud bath’: Welsh stallion makes history in Olympia’s BSPS Heritage championship

A Welsh section A took the Blue Chip BSPS Heritage champion title at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, this

Farewell to lengendary Welsh sire

Welsh enthusiasts are mourning the passing of the top Welsh section A stallion Pendock Legend

Nicole added: “He was regularly seen at shows being ridden bareback, or with his haynets, buckets and rugs draped over him so that we didn’t have to make too many trips to the lorry when we stabled away.”

As well as his own successes, Reppies reputation as a sire has ensured his progeny have gone onto maintain his legacy in the show ring.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Versatile, cheeky and full presence, the Welsh pony is a delightful sight both in-hand and under saddle.

We celebrate 9 Welsh wonders who shone brightly in the show ring last year.

1. Springlane Prophet

You can’t help but stop and stare at the phenomenal chestnut Welsh section A stallion Springlane Prophet, who is owned by Mark and Liz Kilbey. By Lacy Buzbee, he was Welsh supreme at Hertfordshire County Show. 

2. Tireinon Defender

Lauren Baker piloted her own typey Welsh section D gelding Tireinon Defender to head the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) junior ridden championship at NCPA Derbyshire.

3. Lynuck The Showman

Welshies were the order of the day at the 2018 Olympia Heritage final. Overall reserve champion was the top Welsh section C, the Caerneuadd Hywel son Lynuck The Showman, who was ridden on this occasion by Rebecca Penny for owner Lynn Scott.

4. Horeb Undeg

The Welsh section D broodmare Horeb Undeg, owned by G.J. Schofield of Osset was the lady to beat last season, notching up several breed championships and also taking the reserve supreme Cuddy rosette at the Great Yorkshire show.

5. Waxwing Penny Gold

David Blair and Tom Best of the Waxwing stud, Fife, collected the Welsh section B trophy followed by the female championship at the Royal Welsh with the palomino mare Waxwing Penny Gold. Penny Gold was a winner of the yearling class at the Royal Welsh in 2009 and also took reserve at the Royal Highland last term.

6. Gipsyville Flashman

With stand alone HOYS qualifiers available to all of the 12 native breeds, the Welsh section B Gipsyville Flashman beat off some stiff competition in the championship to claim the overall M&M title at the National Pony Society summer championships, under Talia Aristidou. The pair also won their respective open final at the RIHS in July.

7. Malby Mahyong

Welsh section A gelding Malby Mahyong ridden by Jessica Summers and led by sister Morgan came to our attention at the start of the season when they picked up the mini championship at NCPA Staffordshire. They also went on to claim a host of titles at Equifest.

8. Menai Cardi Llywd

The Jones family of the renowned Menai stud produced the home-bred dun Welsh D stallion Menai Cardi Llywd to take the overall Welsh in-hand tricolours at Pembrokeshire county show. Three weeks prior to this he picked up his HOYS ridden ticket at the Royal Welsh.

9. Popsters Joe Black

The then six-year-old home-produced Welsh section C gelding Popsters Joe Black scored an early HOYS junior ticket at the TSR spring show for Kimberly Bates, where the duo also claimed the junior championship and reserve supreme of show honours.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The president of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch for a leg of its journey next week.

Eric Davies will leave Aberaeron with the flame at 5pm on 27 May, riding a home-bred Welsh cob mare – Maesmynach Angerdd.

“We don’t have to carry the torch very far, but it is more about the honour of being asked,” Mr Davies told H&H.

“You can never be sure how the mare will react to the torch and the crowds,” he added. “But I don’t think she’ll be bothered, which is why we chose her.”

Other equestrian names who will be carrying the torch include former Olympic eventer Jane Holderness-Roddam and founder of Erm Valley RDA group Peggy Douglas.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Eight trustees of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) have stood down after the society found they had been nominated without being formally seconded.

An emergency general meeting was called on 28 January, but a bid to reapprove the trustees failed to gain the required 75% of the votes.

An election will be held for all eight positions at the WPCS annual meeting on 31 March.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (16 February 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A dispute that split the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) has been settled after more than six years.

Five former council members have been “completely exonerated” after being disciplined in 2004, accused of acting in a way that was “prejudicial to the interests of the society” (news, 12 February 2004).

Now, after threatening legal action against the society, the five were absolved of wrongdoing on 31 March.

The WPCS did not wish to comment but a statement read: “After much discussion council recommended that a complete exoneration should be offered to the disciplined members to conclude this matter, and this has been accepted by all parties.

“One must understand what serious mental and physical stress has been borne by those who were part of the discipline.”

The members, including former chairman Ifor Lloyd, were disciplined for their opposition to the sacking of Evelyn Jones, the society’s former secretary who won damages for unfair dismissal in November 2004.

Mr Lloyd told H&H: “Mrs Jones was illegally sacked and when we tried to get information about her case we were accused of acting against the society.

“My father and his brother were involved in setting up the society in 1901 and it is very dear to my heart.

“I would like to draw a line under this now. The society needs to get away from legal wrangles and concentrate on the promotion of horses.”

The other wronged members were Wyn Jones, owner of the Nerwyn Stud, Abergele; Gwyn Berry, who runs the Betws Stud, Capel Curig; Elizabeth French of the Forlan Stud in Wiltshire and Tom Roberts of the Pistyll Stud, Pontypool.

Wyn Jones added: “I feel the society is now back on track and can look to the future, rather than the past.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (13 May, ’10)

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Welsh Pony and Cob Society judge Monica Hope Hewitt has been jailed after what the judge described as “the worst case of animal cruelty” he had seen in court.

Mrs Hope Hewitt, 84, of Roston near Ashbourne, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to 31 ponies and four dogs.

The RSPCA showed the court a video from 14 March 2008, showing ponies with severely neglected feet, standing in excrement. One pony’s rug was so tight it had dug deeply into the skin.

Seven horses were put to sleep after being seized by the RSPCA.

Jack Russell terriers were found in cat carriers, with infected gums and other health problems — two were so poorly they were put to sleep.

Mrs Hewitt was jailed for four months and banned from keeping horses for life by a judge at Derby Magistrates Court on Friday, 27 February.

Her daughter, Monica May Hewitt, of Rocester, admitted five counts of cruelty. She was given a four month suspended sentence.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Welsh Pony and Cob Society judge Monica Hope Hewitt and her daughter, Monica May Hewitt, face animal welfare charges at Derby Magistrates Court on 13 November.

Mrs Hewitt, 84, of Squashly Bank, Roston, Derbyshire, is accused of failing to meet the needs of 31 horses and four dogs.

Her daughter, 56, of Hollington Road, Rocester, Staffordshire, is accused of the same charge relating to 15 of the horses.

A court appearance scheduled for 16 October (news, 16 October) was adjourned.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (6 November, ’08)

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Members of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) overwhelmingly voted for change to the organisation that has been dogged by years of infighting and dispute.

At an emergency general meeting (EGM) on 14 October, more than 200 members united to back recommendations made in an independent report, conducted on the advice of the Charities Commission, that referred to the society as “dysfunctional”.

Former WCPS chairman Ifor Lloyd said he believes there is light at the end of the tunnel for a society that had become a “laughing stock”.

Votes were taken on three motions relating to the size of the council and duration of service for council members, and each was passed with a majority of between 80-90%. Council members stood up to declare their support, and only one, Geraint Jones resigned.

The society has endured a troubled few years. A legal dispute over the suspension of member Dania Leyson dragged on for nearly two years, while two disillusioned council members resigned last summer, including Mr Lloyd, the grandson of one of the society’s founders.

But Mr Lloyd admitted he was feeling “reasonably confident” following the EGM at Builth Wells.

He said: “The society has spent tens of thousands on legal fees in the past few years, expending money because of personal vendettas rather than concentrating on the job at hand. There has been so much unrest among the membership, but now I feel we’re ready to turn the corner.”

Mr Lloyd added that reducing the number of council members, from 33 to 15, should improve accountability.

Former council member Mike Daley said the vote proved the society was united and ready to progress.

“We need to bring the society into the 21st century. We have plenty of knowledge about the breed, but we don’t have the business acumen and we need to work on that,” he said.

Mr Daley also stressed the importance of attracting young people to a council that, at present, has an average age of more than 50. The “aggravation” of the past few years, he said, put new people off.

Mrs Leyson, whose membership has been reinstated, described the atmosphere at the meeting as “a breath of fresh air”. She said people were no longer afraid to speak out.

Members’ support for the council was very encouraging, said chief officer Gian Fazey-Cohen.

“The members have ownership of the reform process,” she said. “Having such a clear majority means we can start with a clean slate.”

• This report was first published in Horse & Hound (26 October, ’06)

A review of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) following a string of complaints to the Charity Commission calls for radical change to “a dysfunctional organisation”.

The 50-page independent report, commissioned by the WPCS and released last week (see a full copy at www.wpcs.uk.com), found the registered charity and limited company had “no written procedural infrastructure for governance or operations, including financial management”.

“It hasn’t been easy to read,” said chief officer Gian Fazey-Coven. “It’s daunting when you look at the recommendations. The important thing is we’ve accepted the need for change and that’s a big step forward.”

The report stressed that there was “substantial goodwill” demonstrated by the society to move forward.

Recommendations in a two-year programme include a significant reduction in the size of the council, currently comprising 35 trustees; open council meetings; an advisory body of member representatives; changes to disciplinary/complaint procedures; and revision and rationalisation of sub-committee structures.

The review was conducted on the advice of the Charity Commission — the regulator for charities in England and Wales — as an alternative to formal measures in the wake of an “unsettled and damaging period for the society”.

Since 1999, the commission has logged 28 cases of concern/complaint from WPCS members. The society also had to deal with a legal dispute that dragged on for almost two years over the suspension of a member, Dania Leyson, ultimately reinstated at the doors of the High Court.

The report also pointed to an earlier case for alleged unfair dismissal of a senior employee — settled out of court.

Concerns were raised about conflict of interest, given trustees can also be Welsh breeds show judges. Complaint/disciplinary procedures were felt to be inaccessible and unfair, with “no independent panels to hear internal actions against trustees and yet council has absolute powers to act against members without explanation”.

• This news report was first published in Horse & Hound (20 July, ’06)

Months of turbulence within the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) look to be coming to a head as the organisation gears itself up for its AGM on 6 March.

The society’s council recently held a series of disciplinary meetings into the behaviour of five council members following the suspension and subsequent dismissal of the WPCS secretary Evelyn Jones last summer. She was dismissed on charges of gross misconduct, and is taking the society to an employment tribunal.

Very little detail was released on the matter, which has highlighted disquiet within the society that, according to WPCS chairman of council Rosemary Philipson-Stow, had been building for 2 ½ years.

“In a society of nearly 8,000 there will always be opposing views,” she says.

All five council members admitted visiting solicitors acting for Evelyn Jones in contravention to a decision taken previously by the council in their presence, and were found to have “acted prejudicial to the interests of the society”.

In a statement, the council said it “deeply regrets” having to hold disciplinary meetings, but that Mr J G Berry, Mrs E French, Mr G W Jones, Mr I J R Lloyd and Mr T J Roberts had been warned about future behaviour, and reprimanded.

Some members have become disillusioned with the way the WPCS is being run, and have accused leading figures of secretive behaviour and over-spending. Frustrations are being vented on unofficial Internet forums dedicated to the Welsh breeds.

Read the full story in the current issue of Horse & Hound (12 Fberuary).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now