Welsh Pony and Cob Society breeders from Wales have returned triumphant from the 15th International Welsh Show in Belgium. In an unprecedented success, owners from Wales scooped all the top prizes in the four major sections of the worldwide competition, as well as the International Overall Supreme Championship.

The bi-annual event is held to celebrate the Welsh pony breed throughout the world. The Society has 8000 members in the UK with at least as many again in overseas societies.

This year’s show was attended by breeders and enthusiasts from 12 different European countries. Over 300 ponies and cobs were transported to the show held in the Gaverbeek Hippodrome in the Belgian rural town of Waregem near Brussels. The Welsh Pony and Cob Society is Britain’s largest native Breed Society and was founded in 1901. The Welsh Belgium, a WPCS ‘daughter’ society, was established in 1996.

Undoubtedly the star of the show was Aberystwyth owned Friars Posy who swept the board with prizes. The award winning Section A Welsh Mountain Pony was bred by Mr Robert Owens of Anglesey and is now shown and owned by his daughter Sian Morris of Friars Stud, Neuaddparc, Cwmrheidol. A previous Royal Welsh winner and Royal England Champion, Friars Posy took top prize in four Section A categories (Brood Mare; Adult Champion and International Adult Champion) plus taking the top accolade of International Overall Supreme Championship.

Other results included

Cwrtcadno Perlen (Miss M Lewis, Carmarthenshire) International Junior Champion; Junior Champion Section B; top prize Section B 2 year old fillies or geldings.

Pentrepiod Welsh Flyer ((R. J. Davies and M. Cross, Hywi Stud, Gwent) Champion Welsh Cob Section D Stallions 4 years and over; Adult championship section D; International Overall Supreme Championship.

Hywi Bossyboots (R. J. Davies, Hywi Stud, Gwent) First prize, Section C Mares 4 years and over without foals and geldings; Adult Champion Section C

Gweunydd Sionyn (Mr S. Langorgen, Nebo Stud, Ceredigion) First prize Section C Stallions 4 years and over and overall Adult Champion Section C.

Sgwyd-yr-Eira Crackerjack (Ms. Rhian Irving, Hywi Stud, Gwent) Reserve champion Adult Champion Section C.

Picture shows Judges Richard Miller (left), Heniarth Stud, Carmarthenshire and Henry Leeuwenhaag (right), Shamrock Stud, Holland presenting Sian Morris owner of Champion Section A Cob - Friars Posy with the Dukeshill Championship Trophy

Web Site: http://www.wpcs.uk.com