Thousands turned out to line Cardigan’s sun-soaked streets to cheer the parade of horses through the town at the 2026 running of Barley Saturday on 25 April.
The parade was led by Welsh section D stallion Ionos Brenin Elwyn, who had stood supreme champion at the event’s show, held on the grounds of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi that morning.
Ionos Brenin Elwyn and Daniel Hughes lead the parade of stallions at the 2026 Barley Saturday.
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Owned by Sarah Hughes, “Elwyn” was shown by her son, Daniel. Sarah explained that the win was particularly sweet.
“I was brought up in Cardigan and have fond memories of Barley Saturday, and I first met my late husband Tom on Barley Saturday,” she said. “It is a unique day and nothing compares to it anywhere else in the world.”
This is not the first time that the family has enjoyed success here. Elwyn – out of three-time Royal Welsh-winning mare Ionos Ffion – is sired by Ionos Llion, who led the supreme here in 2017.
He is named after the Ionos stud’s founder, Sarah’s father-in-law Daniel Elwyn Hughes, and was unshown until he was 10 years old. He’s more than made his mark in the last three years however, standing a close reserve supreme here in 2024 and finishing seventh in a field of 30 senior stallions at the Royal Welsh last term.
“Having grown up locally, it was a dream come true in 2017 to lead the parade with Llion but to have Elwyn follow in his footsteps is just amazing and among the best days of our lives,” Sarah said.
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Barley Saturday regular John Fletcher, photographed here in 2025, lands the heavy horse turnout title.
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It almost didn’t happen.
“He was meant to be turned out at the end of the showing season last year but the grandchildren love Barley Saturday and begged us to bring him once more before letting him get back to work,” said Sarah.
“That’s the magic that Elwyn has given over the last three years, getting the kids involved and enjoying the showing. He’s such a kind loving horse, and has given us as a family so much fun and enjoyment.”
Decland Davies took the reserve supreme spot with his home-bred traditional coloured stallion Steppers Big Batman.
Jack Davies and Crumpwell Larky claimed the private exercise vehicle category and Cardigan native John Fletcher the heavy horse turnout championship with his George and Frankie.
After the parade of horses, almost 100 vintage vehicles paraded through the town.
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Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
