Lisa Conian writes...*MENAI MY DESIRE LOM/AOE (Bengad Whitebeam x Menai Marina) was foaled in Wales in 1994 and imported to Emporia, Kansas, later that same year by J. D. and Mary Orear of the Dandardel Welsh Pony Farm. J.D., having a keen eye and even greater vision for the Welsh breed in America, saw a bright future in this tiny chestnut filly with her dainty sweeping stride! In 1996 J. D. sent Desire to Texas to be trained and promoted by Dave and Lisa Conian of the Deryni Hills Pony Farm. That very first year Desire proved her worth, and validated J.D.’s vision by attaining Supreme champion at both Georgia and Houston shows, as well as Reserve Supreme at Tulsa. The Conians continued to promote Desire as she brought home many Championships in both halter and pleasure driving. In 1998, the Conians took Desire’s full sister, Menai Madonna to train and show for the Orears. With David Conian’s prowess as whip, pulling the draft hitch built for J.D., through his very own Royal Oak Carriage Company, Dave wowed the spectators with this matching pair of chestnut beauties, Desire on lead and Madonna as wheeler! Not only did Desire win Supreme Champion at Tulsa, and the coveted Princess Diana Cup, but she also was named AHSA Pleasure driving Champion for the next two years. Madonna proved to be an outstanding driving pony, and of course Lisa was helplessly in love with Desire, and was soon to be her owner too. In 2000 Desire obtained her Individual Legion of Merit award. She was the first imported mare to win a Legion of Merit either as an individual or as a dam. Desire also was the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Champion in Pleasure Driving, American National Champion Section A mare, and Reserve Grand Champion Section A Pony. In the past six years Desire has continued to excel in both halter and pleasure driving. Desire continues to meet her sister Madonna in Tulsa each year to drive in either the hitch or tandem and each year they remember each other as they happily greet and work together. Desire also has continued to rate in the Nationals, both WPCSA and the USEF either as national or zone champion. Desire, although unbroken to ride, has been a flawless lead line mount for the Conian’s daughter, Brianna. Brianna is now riding Desire in the shows in the walk–trot and has learned Desire’s only requirement is a verbal command. What a pony and a sterling example of what Welsh character is all about! Desire’s most notable job to date is as a dam. She is an incredible producer and excellent mother. She has a beautiful 2 year old bay filly by Clarwoods Joy Ride who is ripe for training. She is currently expecting a spring 2007 foal from Graceland’s Good News, owned by Shae Butts, a flashy chestnut stallion hand picked by Mary Orear. This foal is to go to Mary’s Dandardel Farm in thanks for the many years that Desire has given so much pleasure to the Conian family.