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.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“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.”
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.
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
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
