WELSH PONIES and COBS

One Breed-Four Sections

Updated August 30, 2010

WPCSA LATEST NEWS

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TEMPORARY CHANGE IN FEES FOR OLDER PONIES/COBS/HALF-WELSH

For the time period of July 15 - November 15 POSTMARK DATE,

the cost for any Purebred or Half-Welsh registration over 24 Months of age will be $100.

Must be a current member to qualify.

Transfer of ownership fee will be $25 NO matter how many owners the animal has had.

Questions? Call the WPCSA office at 540-868-PONY (7669).

NPS America

NPS America, the first international chapter of the UK's National Pony Society (NPS) was founded to support, promote and recognize Mountain and Moorland and British Riding ponies in the United States.  Given how rare many of these breeds are in the United States, this is not always an easy task.  A task made significantly easier by the contributions of many people.

In its third year of operation, NPS America is honored to present to the Welsh Pony and Cob Association of California (WPCAC) their inaugural Award of Excellence for their efforts in helping to promote Mountain and Moorland ponies. This award is offered to an individual or organization which has made significant contributions to their mission to further the Mountain and Moorland movement across the US.

With this award, NPS America unanimously agreed to recognize the WPCAC as a leader in furthering the Mountain and Moorland pony movement on the West Coast and being instrumental in assisting the growth of this movement throughout the United States as well. Jackie and Gerald Verkyul, David Yee, Judy Hubert, and David Maurer, to mention just a few, have been indispensable. The WPCAC community as a whole has been enthusiastic and supportive.

The WPCAC’s Pacific Coast Classic show in September has become a premier event for Mountain and Moorland ponies. It has become so successful that it is now the model for other venues to emulate. In 2008, close to 40 Mountain and Moorland ponies entered in this competition, a milestone yet to be surpassed in the recent US competitions.

The WPCAC was presented with a very special trophy, an imported  Scottish “Quaigh”, graciously donated by their honorary president Linda Impey, past chairman of the NPS. The Quiagh is used as a traditional welcoming cup to honor visitors with a welcoming drink and wish them the best. As the WPCAC has always made Mountain & Moorland ponies feel welcome in so many ways, this award is very fitting.

Congratulations to the WPCAC as the first recipients of the NPS America Award of Excellence and on their recent 50^th anniversary.

WPCSA launches new merchandise program through "Zazzle.com"

Visit their website at http://www.zazzle.com/welshponycobsociety

IMAGINE

U.S. Drivers Prove Their Ability at the World Championships

for Drivers with Disabilities

Imagine dreaming of being selected by your country to compete at a World Championship.  Imagine actually being selected and traveling to Europe.  Imagine the amount of training, preparation, coordination and fundraising.  Imagine winning a medal - even the gold medal.  Now imagine that you are disabled.

Dreams became reality for Meghan Benge (left).  She won an individual gold medal driving a borrowed pony, and led her teammates, Diane Kastama and Mary Gray, to win the team Silver Medal at the FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities, held June 26 - 29 in Greven, Germany, in conjunction with a national competition.

Competing with 27 competitors from eight nations, the Team USA got off to a great start, finishing first, second and third in the dressage competition. Meghan Benge scored 41.20 from the international jury, followed by Diane Kastama with 43.00 and Mary Gray with 43.60.  It was an enormous achievement for Mary Gray and Meghan Benge to earn such impressive scores having driven their borrowed ponies only three times prior to hearing the judge's bell.  All drove a specially written test, which is similar in movements and requirements to our Intermediate level tests.

Benge, from Southern Pines, North Carolina, drove Jack, an 18-year-old Welsh Cob gelding leased from Fiona McQuat.  The pony had been trained by Boyd Excell, an internationally known four-in-hand driver and trainer with whom Benge has worked before in the U.S. with her own pony.  "I wasn't sure what to expect, but since he was trained by Boyd, he drove in a manner I was used to.  We were very lucky to find such nice ponies," said Benge.  Miranda Cadwell arranged for the lease of the two ponies, which were shipped from England to Germany for the championships.

Gray, of Newton, New Hampshire, drove Rannoch, a seven-year-old Friesian/Arabian/Welsh cross, owned by Sara Simmons.  A veteran of five World Championships, Gray (left) is used to the challenge of driving borrowed ponies and equipment. Not only is it a challenge for the driver, it can be a challenge for the pony as well if he isn't used to being driven by various whips.  "This time I had a very talented, interestingly bred pony," said Gray, who described him as a "little warmblood" rather than any of the breeds of his parentage.  Rannoch hadn't been driven by anyone other than his owner until Gray took the reins.  Another challenge, for both Gray and Rannoch, was using a borrowed marathon carriage, an older model that didn't have all the 'bells and whistles' like delayed steering that they both were used to.

The wheelchair-bound Kastama was able to raise the funds to fly her Welsh Cob gelding, Jasper, along with her specially designed carriage and equipment, from California to Germany.  Kastama and Jasper have established a real bond in the four years since she purchased him after driving him at the 2004 World Championships.

Miranda (Randy) Cadwell, herself a gold medalist at last year's pony World Championships, served as the team's chef d'equipe, assisted by Boots Wright of Ocala, Florida.  Keady Cadwell, a noted pair horse driver, served as the coach for the team.  The Cadwell sisters, who reside in Southern Pines, North Carolina, have participated in every World Championship for Drivers with Disabilties since 1998 except one.  The two girls started working with disabled drivers because of Sybil Dukehart, the founder (now deceased) of United States Driving for the Disabled which she ran from her Shoulderbone Farm in Jarrettsville, Maryland.  "It's something we can do to give back to the sport," said Randy.  "Besides, I get to work with my best friend [Benge]."

Drivers are classified by the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee as either Grade 1 or Grade 2.  Most Grade 1 drivers are in wheelchairs, while those categorized as Grade 2 are less impaired, yet somewhat disabled as compared to able-bodied drivers.  Kastama represented the U.S. in the Grade 1 category, with Benge and Gray participating as Grade 2 drivers.

In past years, each grade was treated as an individual class, but this time they were combined so Grade 1 and 2 were mixed in the driving order.  At a world championship, the chef d' equipe 'draws' for the order in which her team will drive.  Randy Cadwell drew the numbers 5, 15, and 25.  Then the three U.S. drivers names were put into a hat, and Cadwell drew again:  Kastama would drive fifth, (it is usually considered a disadvantage to go early in the day - judges are reluctant to give up their best scores in anticipation of what's yet to come), then Benge, 15th, and Gray almost the last of the day, in 25th.

The team was thrilled with their scores - all in the 40s.  "It's amazing to throw away a 40s score," said Kastama, meaning that in team competition, only the two best individual scores are counted toward the team score.  If a competitor is eliminated in any of the competitions, none of his scores will count, so the U.S. team really had a safety net in case of bad luck.  Gray agreed, "It was a dynamite day for dressage - we were all on a pretty big high."  She also noted that the German drivers don't like to be beaten - especially by people with borrowed ponies!

The order on the marathon was also mixed:  horses and ponies were mingled in the order, but amazingly didn't seem to cause a problem.  The track of Section E was tricky with a lot of cross traffic, and according to Benge, the course markings are a little different than in the U.S. so that was another thing to learn.

The last World Championship Benge attended was in Greven several years ago, but the obstacles were all different.  "These were so inviting and really fun to drive," said Benge.  Randy Cadwell rode on her carriage as a navigator, "It's always good to have someone like Randy on the back."  Benge was fifth in her grade on the marathon, eighth overall.

Benge was standing first going into cones with a six-point lead.  "It was a tricky course, lots of turns," said Benge, "but once I got going, it was fine."  She accumulated six penalties by hitting two cones, but the second place driver also had penalties so she was able to hold her position and the gold medal.

Kastama (right with navigator Josh Rector) had time penalties on the marathon, which were mostly due to the bumpy track. "I have a hard time on a bumpy course.  It was too rough to 'walk' in the scooter," so Kastama didn't have the opportunity to see some of the course prior to driving it.  The places where she normally would have made up time were the bumpy spots, so she had to slow down instead of speed up.  Going over the uneven course is physically painful, and upsets her balance. She relies on her navigator to help keep her steady in her seat.

Josh Rector, who has been Kastama's navigator for several years (and is also an up and coming four-in-hand driver) knows what he has to do to not only balance the carriage, but help support his driver.  "We both have a lot of bruises," laughed Diane. Rector, the only male on the all female team, was greatly appreciated for his strength by all the women.

"The seven obstacles were tight and technical, except for the first two which were wide open, but for the last gate in obstacle 1, from 'F' gate to the exit," said Kastama.  The turn caused more than one carriage to travel on two wheels, "so we slowed down for that turn."  The last obstacle was a big hill with a risky inside route.  Kastama opted for the long route around the bottom, "Jasper tends to stall if I'm not fast," she said, so the longer way suited them the best.

Gray felt she had a great marathon, finishing in eighth place.  "Our biggest problem was with the older carriage with no delayed steering.  We [Rannoch and Gray] were both used to that.

A protest and appeal followed the marathon and delayed the presentation of the marathon prizes.  The situation wasn't resolved until noon on the day of the final cones phase, just two hours before the start.  As a result, the driving order couldn't be established nor the drivers notified of their driving times until the last minute.  The dispute was whether German Grade 1 driver Heiner Lehrter circled after leaving the final obstacle in order to avoid another driver in his path, or whether the circle was intentional, incurring a ten point penalty.  The ground jury found in Lehrter's favor and removed the penalties, but the Dutch team appealed the decision and after much deliberation by the Appeals Jury, the penalties were reinstated.

Kastama said that her penalties in cones were her "gift" to the German driver who has become her friend, allowing him to move ahead of her in the final standings.

Since the inception of the international competition for disabled drivers, there has been a noticeable improvement in the quality of drivers and their horses and ponies.  "Everyone has gotten better," said Kastama, since 2002 when everyone was just driving any animal.  "Now they are driving horses and ponies that will do well anywhere."

In her five years representing the U.S. at these championships, Mary Gray says she still comes home "so inspired."  With the quality of the driving so improved, it makes one "rededicate yourself to training harder."

Hardy Zantke from the U.S. was one of five judges that comprised the jury: "Each time I work with the drivers with disabilities it is a truly humbling and very rewarding experience as it gives me the proper perspective of the really important things in life.  These drivers are true heroes and we can and should all leam from them–and how they are able to overcome their disabilities to participate, and usually with a smile on their face.  Perhaps it's just a word's game, but to me it is an important distinction: Many still call their sport "driving for the disabled" and I think nothing could be further from the truth.  They have disabilities, yes, but they truly are not disabled.  Quite the contrary, they show us every day how very ABLE they truly are."

Team gold was won by The Netherlands, team bronze by Germany. Sweden followed in fourth place.  Eliminations kept Great Britain from placing. Austria, Ireland and Norway sent one driver each, not enough to compete for a team medal. Grade 2 individual silver and bronze medals were awarded to Germany's Hubert Markett and Josef Sauerwald respectively.  In Grade 1, Jacques Poppen of The Netherlands took home individual gold; Heiner Lehrter of Germany won the silver.

Story by Ann L. Pringle

Photos by Patricia Kastama

This article was reprinted with permission from Driving Digest, September/October 2008, p. 7.

USEF PONY HUNTER FINALS

Each year at the USEF Pony Hunter Finals the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America President, Dr. Ruth Wilburn, with the help of computer guru, Robin Nowak, hosts a grand competition for registered Welsh and Half-Welsh ponies. Again, we would like to salute the winners from the competition at Kentucky Horse Park on August 13-17. The top pony riders are amply rewarded for their talents receiving $250 cash stipend from Dr. Ruth, a halter from Just For Ponies, and a silver plate from USEF - plus they are photographed with the perpetual tray. All winners through fourth receive a handsome neck sash for their pony. 

If you have a registered Welsh or Half-Welsh at the Finals, even if it has a different show name, your pony is eligible for the generous prizes if you can verify who it is. You can check any time by emailing or calling the WPCSA office.

The winners in the High Score Purebred Welsh Pony division are:

1st:  Cardiff Mardi Gras (Gayfields Big Easy x Cardiff Lillith). Breeder: Kerri Mustain, TX. Owner: Monarch International, Rider: Madeline Keck. (pictured at left)

2nd:  GF Primrose (RosMel's Tapestry x Burgundy Roseanna). Breeder and owner: William "Buddy" Ball, TX, Rider: Meehan Shirey.

3rd:  RosMel's Millenium (Brookside Pink Magnum x Bristol Sun Sylph). Breeder: Robert and Barbara Gillett, TX. Owner: Grand Central Inc, Rider: Alexandra Crown.

4th:  Lands End Eros (Carolina's Red Fox x Carolinas Phoenix). Breeder: Nancy Jane Reed, MD. Owner and Rider: Allison Toffolon. 

The winners in the High Score Half-Welsh Pony division are:

1st:  Hillcrest's Country Lady (Gayfields Vida Blue x Aprils Shali Mariah). Breeder: Marilyn Checki, WI.  Owner: Charlie Jacobs, Rider: Hannah Baumann.  (pictured at left)

2nd:  Helicon Garden Party a.k.a Silver Steps (GlanNant Epic x Pine Lane Holiday). Breeder Molly Rinedollar and Thalia Gentzel, IL. Owner and Rider: Madeline Thatcher.

3rd:  Infinite Jest (Glencoe Jester x Campfire Marshmallow). Breeders & Owners: Sue Tressler and Laura Sweeny, PA, Rider: Kelsey Kocher.

4th:  Loafer's Lodge Sweet Success a.k.a Sweet Success (Talomo Cricket x Frisky Gal). Breeder: John and Margaret Almond, MD. Owner: K. Elizabeth Meadows, Rider: Meredith Sitze.

The winners in the High Score Green Pony (all Half-Welsh) division are:

1st:  Bracewood's Camelot (Halcyon Sir Lancelot x Pocket Change). Breeder: Susan Bunnell, PA. Owner: Gavin Jensen, Rider: Lillie Keenan.

2nd:  Shiloh Ridge Ultra Cool a.k.a. Happy Meal (Gayfields Way Too Cool x Buttons). Breeder: John Phillips, OH. Owner: Sleepy P Ranch, Rider: Lillie Keenan.

3rd:  Shiloh Ridge Cuz I'm Cool a.k.a. Happy Feet (Gayfields Way Too Cool x Black Velvet). Breeder: John Phillips, OH. Owner: Sleepy P Ranch, Rider: Emma Roberts.

4th:  Clovermeade Simply Bunny (Cloe Olympian x Holly). Breeder: Cheryl Patton, TN. Owner: Rabbit Hill Farm, Rider: Cailah Carroll.

Story and photos submitted by Thalia Gentzel

2008 Maryland Pony Breeders Yearling FUTURITY

(photo credit: Janice Thompson)

The 18th Annual Maryland Pony Breeders Yearling Futurity was held on Sunday July 20, 2008 at the Equestrian Center of Harford County in Bel Air, Maryland.  The Futurity was a huge success with a great turn out of breeders, owners and ponies.  Ably judged by Oliver Brown of Reva, Virginia - Grand Champion honors went to Charmsley Jete, a beautiful grey Section B Welsh filly bred and owned by Shirley & Thomas Hoffecker of Monkton, Maryland - shown by their granddaughter Victoria Gordon.  Charmsley Jete is by John & Margaret Almond's stallion Fox Cry Whinny The Pooh out of Loafer's Lodge Ardara who is also the dam of LOM Charmsley Little Sister.  Reserve Champion honors went to Kathy Bridgwater's All Doll'd Up, a lovely grey Welsh/Tb filly by Section A Welsh Stallion, LOM Severn Gambol owned by Peggy Marshall of La Plata, Maryland out of Justlovemeforever.  

This year's Futurity featured 57 entries in eight divisions and awarded $10,678.20 in prize monies.  MPB Futurity Chairman, Kathryn Southard presented the Futurity Grand Champion with a monogrammed cooler generously donated by The Grey Pony Saddlery.   All Futurity participants received a Maryland Pony Breeders logo messenger bag.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to tell you that I am the Welsh Breed Correspondent for Driving Digest Magazine and it is my job to report on the news in the Carriage Driving ring on the Welsh Breed Circuit.  Please send me your show results and show commentary so that I can put a well rounded country wide article together.  My deadline is very soon and I would love to have points of interest to include in my article.  In addition, photos of the top prize winners would be greatly appreciated along with photo credits.

Respectfully,

Martha L. Stover

269-668-3588 home
269-330-1794 cell
269-668-8096 fax
stoverpaw2@aol.com

WELSH - A DRIVING FORCE AT EAST & WEST EVENTS!

Click this link to identify photos from the events.

Sterling Graburn of Florida had already secured the top FEI Single Horse spot on the U.S. team for the World Singles Driving Championships in Poland on August 28-31 with a victory at Sunshine State CDE in February. Naturally he hoped for another win at the  bprestigious CAI Live Oak on March 27-30, one of only two internationally ranked competitions in the United States. After a ninth in dressage, that outcome was doubtful. A win in the marathon boosted Sterling's standing, but even so he was trailing his girlfriend, Wendy Ying. It wasn't until a fast accurate cones win on the last day that the victory was assured - and then by only 1.72 points. Sterling scored 132.82 with CS Dante of Earl while Wendy had 134.54 with the black hand lookalike brother, CS Duke of Earl. These two are "Born in the USA" by North Forks Black Earl, a Welsh cob stallion in Oregon, from sisters of Arabian and Paint background.

Kate Shields topped the Intermediate Single Horse with her Hastening Winslow, this victory all the more sweet as she herself had raised this Section D Welsh cob (by *Bayford True Patriot X  Hastening Mayflower by *Llanarth Trustful) at her farm in Middleburg, VA. Kate was first in dressage and second in both the marathon and cones for a total of 113.92. This Live Oak victory was preceded by a win at Sunshine State with a score of 105.15.   

Sharing a glass of champagne after their Intermediate Single Pony win of 130.39 were the intrepid pair, Sybil Humphreys of Virginia and her *Cefnoakpark Bouncer, a Welsh cob she had imported back in 2000.  He is by Tireve Tywysog Du X Cefn Maryanne. Bouncer added yet another top honor to his resume when he was selected for the Hanzi Award presented by Live Oak host, Chester Weber, in honor of his old favorite. "All I wanted was a Live Oak chair," Sybil explained. "We'd been second at Sunshine State CDE and Black Prong HDT. I was totally flabbergasted to receive this most prestigious award for the best horse or pony as selected by the judges and committee. We got a huge neck ribbon and rosette and I got to fly around the cones course after the presentation! It showed people I can still drive!"  Sybil is 64 years young.

Taking time out from her studies at Savannah College of Arts and Design, Meghan Benge of NC and *Rupert, a Welsh cob cross, won cones and were second in FEI Single Pony at Black Prong (155.03), then placed sixth at Live Oak (169.92)   

Well-known PA auctioneer, Paul Martin with his Welsh Section C cobs, *Westonian Comet and Samson, was second at Live Oak in Intermediate Pair Pony with 146.09 after a second in dressage and a win in cones.     

In the FEI Pony Teams at Live Oak, Boots Wright of FL won the dressage and was second in the marathon and cones for a 154.22, good for second place. Boots and her four in hand of Welsh (*Blunder and *Oaks Prys) and German Riding ponies, had previously won Advanced Multiples at Nature Coast (147.67), Sunshine State (154.34), and Black Prong (140.58). 

Elizabeth Keathley of TN and her four of domestic and imported Welsh was second at Sunshine State (154.34) and third at Live Oak (171.16) after a first in cones. Glynhafan Hercules is a son of GlanNant Cadence and Silkie, Beawolf is by Cloe Olympian out of Silverleaf's Fayre Bluebonnet, *Alvis is by Sherlock Holmes out of Fee, *Oden is by Mahrdorf Trabant out of Nicole, and *Frits is a Welsh/Arabian crossbred.

Hats off to Katie Whaley of NC with her striking team of black Section B Welsh, Spats, Cufflinks, Tux, and Cruise, plus a white Dartmoor, who were third at Sunshine State with a 188.68 and fourth at Live Oak with a 175.03. Katie's mom, Kate Sr, was the Ladies Division Champion at the Austin Park Carriage Show with another Welsh pony, Cummerbund.

Also competing a four at Austin Park was Claire Reid of NC who was named Reserve Coaching Champion with her Sec. A Welsh, Westwood Debonair, Legionaire, Southern Belle, and *Menai Silver Miss Meg. They also won the Preliminary Pairs division at Black Prong HDT with a 201.83.

Winning Gold Champion Single Pony at Austin Park and also named Champion Single Pony and Florida State Driving Champion for their performance at FL State Fair were Bob Giles with Jean White's fancy Section C cob, Lascaux Ginko aka Wilson, bred in Washington State, sired by *Popsters Mr Moffat out of Glendower Honey. 

Anne Bliss was Reserve Champion is Pairs Ponies at Austin Park with her Section B Ponies, Midi and Kanga of Lightning Ridge Farm. With another B, *Wharley Page Boy of Lightning Ridge Farm, she was first in Single Turnout.

Claudia Novak of MA, the proud breeder and driver of Tangwyllt Dawna Lisa, a Welsh Section D cob by *Nesscliffe Sunrise X *Minyffordd Mona Lisa, won both her competitions in Training Level Single Pony.  At the Nature Coast HDT they scored 51.33 and at Black Prong HDT 53.88.

In a different discipline, that of combined training, a 16.3 hand Canadian Welsh cob/Thoroughbred cross Uni Griffion (aka Bryn Arregwen Owain by Brynarian Brenin ap Maldwyn) was third in Advance Level for Lisa Fergusson.

Keeping spectator and exhibitor spirits up on marathon Saturday at Live Oak were Chris and Leah McFarlin of Winding Oaks Welsh with their award winning tailgate party. This year they received the trophy for Most Original Theme with their Martini Bar. Cheers!

WELSH REVIEW UPDATE

Starting with the Spring issue, the Welsh Review will be produced in the WPCSA office with help from volunteers.  To get us back on track we will consolidate the Spring and Summer issues. We will be working diligently to get the Review out on time in the future and to make sure we stay in contact with our advertisers. We will offer both color and black and white ads in a glossy, full bleed magazine format. Information concerning rates and deadlines can be found on the Welsh Review page.  We will be strict on the deadlines so that the Review will meet its printing schedule.  Advertisers will be emailed a copy of their ad to proof before publication.  They will have 48 hours to review their ad, make changes, and resubmit the ad. 

Welsh Ponies and Cobs Excel at Ram Tap CDE

The weekend of April 25 –27, 2008, marked the holding of the 11^th annual Ram Tap CDE.  One of the oldest, and THE largest CDE in the Western North America.  This year’s version featured 73 net entries, ranging in size from a draft cross, to Miniature Horses, known as VSE’s (Very Small Equines) in the Combined Driving World.

Out of the 73 entries, 14 were Welsh or Welsh cross.  In terms of animals, counting three multiples the breakdown was as follows:       

Section A – 7, Section B - 4, Section C – 2, Section D – 4, and ½ Welsh 3, for a total of 20 animals.  In terms of results, the Welsh dominated the awards, winning all but two of the divisions in which they competed!

Tasha Wilke and her ½ Welsh Princeton won Intermediate Single Pony (photo left).

Jay Hubert and his A/C Tandem of Coffing Oaks Felicity and Oakdale Ebony Elite won Preliminary Multiples (photo right)  followed by Merrie Morgan and her four in hand of Section A Geldings, High Sierra Armed and Dangerous (Ruger), High Sierra Ripcord, High Sierra Riven, and High Sierra Rimfire.

Donna Yanick, of Oregon, won Preliminary Pair Pony with her Section B pair, Snow Valley Eternally Yours and Snow Valley Millennium Gold (photo left).

Jill Warren Pond won Preliminary Single Horse, and the whole Preliminary Division with her Section D North Fork’s Sir Bailey.

In Preliminary Single Pony the first four places were Welsh:

1^st Place was Kathy Freeman and Coffing Oaks Knight Music (photos below courtesy of Christie Bs Photography.com)

2^nd Place was John Levy driving Karen’s pony Greenvale Fred Astaire (photos below)

3^rd Place was Cathy Ripple driving a Half-Welsh Cob

4^th Place was Beverly White driving a Section B, Beaverwoods Balsa

In Training Single Horse Debra Hilberg had a good trip with her Section D gelding Larken Aldrydd.

Training Single Pony featured a great go by Claire Berkley with her Section C mare Balsuma Lola. 

This division would have been won by Denise Hinder driving Smoke Tree Golden Sun,

but Denise drove this class Hors Concours as she also drove a pair of Warmbloods for a client.

As you can see, our Welsh Ponies did VERY well at the event, and I believe FUN was had by all!

Diane Kastama (photo left) driving Rupert, her Scottish bred Welsh Cob in the marathon.  Diane is the defending Gold Medal winner of the World Championships for Disabled Drivers driving Rupert's full brother, Jasper. The tow boys are often driven as a pair or in tandem.  Jasper is on the long list to qualify for this year's Disabled Games.

Filly and Jazz (photo right) on the marathon.  You can almost see Devon Collins on the back step behind Jay.  The A/C combination is really effective on the marathon, with Jazz doing most of the work, and Filly is VERY handy out in front!

The Extreme Cowboy Race

Flying Diamond the BaileF, owned by Janice Early of the Lazy J Welsh Pony Ranch and Wendy Stephens, competed in the 2008 Extreme Cowboy Race. RFD TV was not allowed to film this event so they are hosting another finals by invitation only. The way you get to be popular is for people to download and/or watch you on the internet.

In an effort to promote Flying Diamond the Bailef, a pony with a BIG HEART, we need to have as many people as possible to watch or download his performances. In order to watch, you must go to www.horsecity.com.  Scroll down to Hot Horse Links on the left side at the bottom of the page. Click on Watch Extreme Cowboy.  Then scroll through the Extreme Cowboy Race folder until you find Season 5 Show 3 and Season 5 Show 12 featuring Wendy and the Bailiff!  The website, www.lazyjwelshponyranch.com, also has the videos that you can link to and lots of information on Flying Diamond the Bailef.

WPCSA AGM 2008

Stockton, California

Feb 14-17, 2008

Submitted by Martha L. Stover

Many thanks to the excellent organizing team of David and Sue Yee, Judy Hubert and Diane Sommers, the 2007 AGM ran like a well oiled machine.  In fact, the entire Welsh Pony and Cob Association of California (WPCAC) were very generous hosts, providing entertainment, excellent speakers and a wine and cheese reception each night.  You can’t visit California with out doing a little wine tasting!  Hotel accommodations in Stockton, CA were excellent and all of the employees of the brand new Starwood Sheraton were sharp, accommodating, and determined to help make this event a success. 

Early attendees on Thursday met for committee meetings followed by the Board of Directors Meetings.  A full board was not convened, primarily due to some weather related travel plans but the Board was able to conference call Dr. Roberts for his opinion on several subjects.  Full committee meeting and BOD minutes will be available on the WPCSA website.  Thanks go to Wendy Peterson for putting together another beautiful program for the AGM.  The exciting news generated from the meeting was the interview and proposal prepared by Jason Provost of the USEF’s IT department.  USEF is eager to work with the WPCSA to support both hardware and software issues involved in bringing the WPCSA’s computer system into the 21^st century.  Sally Steinmetz has worked tirelessly with the WPCSA office staff to examine our database structure and understand the many work processes in an attempt to plan a new IT direction for WPCSA.  The USEF partnering opportunity provides a windfall both economically and technically.  Both organizations will be able to share data and the WPCSA will benefit with the USEF’s well established expertise in show rankings, placings and overall standings.    A springtime visit to WPCSA offices in Stephens City, VA by USEF staff will establish a baseline from which to operate.  The purchase of hardware will be the next financial responsibility of WPCSA and it is hopeful that the Saturday night auction proceeds will exceed these expectations!

Thursday evening’s wine and cheese reception was well attended and an excellent Power Point Virtual Ranch Tour presentation of WPCAC member’s Welsh ponies and farms highlighted the evening created by Kim Qualls of Mobile Digital Pics, with Tammy Burgin’s help.

The Friday break out session started out with a lively presentation by David Jones, Telynau Stud, North Wales.  David reminisced about his predefined destiny with Welsh ponies and his numerous adventures judging Welsh around the world. A lunchtime presentation by Dr. Jeannine Burger, DVM currently of UC Davis and formerly of Zurich, Switzerland, enlightened the group on mare and foal bonding. Leah Brault, U.C. Davis followed with a discussion on Color Coat Genetics or the Equine Genome Project.  The popular Open Forum, mediated by Hetty Abeles, included news and ideas regarding the new computer system and improving the feedback from exhibitors about judges and shows.

Friday evening’s welcome reception and dinner rolled smoothly into the fun of the Silent, Live and Internet Stallion Service auctions.  All proceeds from this year’s auction were to be directed to the WPCSA’s acquisition of a new computer system.  A lively auctioneer entertained the crowd and squeezed every dollar he could from potential buyers.  In the end, the auctions raised over $13,000, $5000.00 of which was raised through the internet sales coordinated by Alison Rhue, CA and Gretchen Aiken, OR.  The night was a tremendous success! The kids were treated to a fun filled weekend, which included a session painting Breyer Horse models with Dustin Peasha, supervising.  Ashley Peterson and Stacy West organized a scavenger hunt around the hotel and Sally Ross, Joanna Wilburn and Stacy took the kids ice skating. Ashley and Dustin stayed with the kids during the pizza and movie party on Friday evening.  Thanks to all of these great helpers and to the WPCAC for sponsoring all of these events! 

Saturday, the official Annual General Meeting of the WPCSA was called to order and committee reports were reviewed.  The impending liaison with the USEF and their IT staff was discussed and it was announced that the previous evening’s auction total would more than satisfy the purchase of a new file server! Three new judges were formally approved by the Licensed Official Committee and the board congratulated Patricia Cochran, Lochinvar Farm, Banks, OR; Gerald Verkuyl, Goldhills Welsh, Herald, CA and special category Breed judge, Shari Beecher, Heavenly Welsh Farm LLC, Okarche, OK.  The results of this year’s ballot returned Tiz Benedict, Martha Stover, Sally Steinmetz and Theresa Lemon to the board for another term.

The WPCSA Jr. Awards Banquet was held during lunch and Jessica San Diego-Brister, assisted by David Jones, highlighted all of the wonderful achievements by “our” kids and their Welsh in 2007.  Following the luncheon, Richard Gearhart entertained and educated attendees with an interactive discussion on Equine Reproduction and Embryology.

Saturday’s awards banquet is always the highlight of the weekend.  Members excitedly collect awards and ribbons that represent all of the hope, energy, skill and hard work of the previous show year.  Sally Ross Davis and Joanna Wilburn skillfully organized the vast array of ribbons, trophies and personalized gifts for a smooth presentation. The evening’s awards program was masterfully emceed by Jackie Verkuyl and Richard Gearhart while Dr. Ruth Wilburn personally presented each trophy, award or ribbon to happy recipients.  Gail Thomson and Sally Steinmetz worked tirelessly on a Power Point presentation featuring all of the ponies and cobs that received Champion and Reserve ribbons.  Gail mentioned that she had 100% participation in the presentation – no Thelwell ponies this year! The ever popular WPCSA achievement awards for Order of the Dragon, Award of Excellence, Legion of Merit and Award of Honor inductees continues to grow, this years recipients are as follows: 

The evening wrapped up with adults and kids swirling around the dance floor to the tunes of a lively band provided by the WPCAC. 

Sunday was the departure date for many attendees; however, many made arrangements to stay for the Judge’s clinic organized by Carrie MacWhorter, focusing on, “Evaluating and Judging Young Stock.”  A panel of “experts,” was represented by Section A breeder, Tiz Benedict, Severn Oaks Farm; Section B breeder, Gail Thomson, Gayfields; Section C breeder, Martha Stover, Here-Be Dragons and Section D breeder Gerald Verkuyl, Goldhills Welsh.  A Power Point presentation, with input provided by panel members and organized by Carrie, helped to emphasize the type, character and movement of each Welsh section and how important it is to stick to the breed standard.  The clinic wrapped up with a virtual class of young stock from each Welsh section, judged and commented on by panel members.

Exhausted visitors and committee members reveled in the success of the 2008 AGM as decorations and vendor booths were dismantled.  Many thanks again to the WPCAC for all of their hospitality, personal touches and generous donations. The WPCAC was able to provide a Wine and Cheese Reception for guests all three evenings of the AGM.  Additionally, wine was available during the dinners both Friday and Saturday evenings.  This was made possible only due to the gracious donations of wine by both WPCAC Members and Wineries from both the Paso Robles area and the Lodi Area.  This event would not have been possible without your generous donations.  Thank you!

Marnell Voss – VIP Farm, Wilton, CA

Sarah and Steve Dickmeyer – EOS, San Miguel, CA

Ed and Janis Malaznik, Windridge Farm, Nipomo, CA

Debbie Hoffman, San Luis Obispo, CA

Lane Tanner Winery, Santa Maria, CA

Labyrinth Winery-Ariki Hill, Santa Maria, CA

Byron Vineyard & Winery, Santa Maria, CA

Hitching Post Winery, Buellton, CA

McKeon-Phillips Winery, Santa Maria, CA

Santa Barbara Coastal Wine Cellars, Lompoc, CA

Zaca Mesa Winery, Los Olivos, CA

Crystal Valley Cellars, Lockeford, CA

Hunt Cellars, Paso Robles, CA

Macchia, Acampo, CA

Pasos Vineyards, Lockeford, CA

Woodbridge Winery, Lodi, CA

We look forward to seeing everyone in Ft. Worth, Texas in 2009!

2008 AGM PHOTOS

Photo credit: Arthur Thomson

Dr. Ruth Wilburn surrounded by all of the WPCSA Youth Award recipients.

The audience awaits the beginning of the awards presentation.

Carol and David Maurer receive the

Dam Award of Excellence for Chapparral's Crystal

from Dr. Ruth.

Dr. Ruth presents Sally Steinmetz and Taylor Cox with

the Individual Legion of Merit for Rosehaven Legacy.

The future of the WPCSA!

Jackie and Gerald Verkuyl with daughter Samantha

and Megan Burtness with son Gavin.

Official Press Release from Breyer^® Animal Creations^®

BREYER^® ANIMAL CREATIONS^® INTRODUCES NEW MODEL

OF WORLD CHAMPION DRIVING PONY CEFNOAKPARK BOUNCER

(Pequannock, NJ – December 20, 2006) – History was made in the sport of combined driving in 2005 when Cefnoakpark Bouncer, a Welsh Pony imported from Wales, and his driver, American Suzy Stafford, became the first U.S. entry to win an individual gold medal in any international (FEI) driving competition when they won the Single Pony Division. Their success at the FEI World Combined Pony Driving Championships held in Derbyshire, England gained recognition throughout the equestrian world. After hearing of the team’s accomplishment, Breyer Animal Creations, makers of the world’s finest model horses, made the decision to create a portrait model of the ten-year-old Welsh Pony, which will be released January 1, 2007.

For more than 50 years, Breyer has designed authentic, realistic models of some of the world’s most famous and beloved horses. From Olympic champions like Milton to dressage stars like Salinero, Breyer has created lasting sculptures of the greatest equine athletes. Now, model horse collectors and avid fans of the sport of combined driving can take home a piece of history by purchasing this hand-painted, exquisitely detailed model of Cefnoakpark Bouncer.

The real Bouncer, owned by Sybil and Wayne Humphreys of Rapidan, Virginia, has accomplished much in his career as a driving pony. In addition to earning Top Score out of 81 entries from 16 countries with Suzy Stafford at the World Championships, he was also named the Grand Champion and First Place Single Pony at two other distinguished FEI competitions in the U.S. in 2005. Bouncer was also the USEF National Reserve Champion Single Pony at the 2004 CAI-B Gladstone Driving Event.  In 2006 Bouncer, with his owner Sybil Humphreys at the reins was forth in the National Championship at the Laurels at Landhope CAI-B International Driving Event.

Cefnoakpark Bouncer Will Be A Breyer Portrait Model

The portrait model of Bouncer, a brand new sculpture created by renowned equine artist Kathleen Moody, will be available at retailers nationwide starting the first of the year. Each model is packaged in a customized, four-color Breyer box featuring pictures of Bouncer and the story of his accomplishments.  

Cefnoakpark Bouncer

A delightful mount for children and small adults who enjoy dressage or pleasure riding, the Welsh Pony is also known for its excellence in driving competitions.

In 2005, Cefnoakpark Bouncer, a Welsh Pony imported from Wales in 2000, took the driving world by storm when he and driver Suzy Stafford won the Individual Gold medal at the FEI Pony Driving World Championships held in Devonshire, England. The first entry from the United States to accomplish this, Bouncer and Stafford earned the best score out of 81 entries from 16 countries after only a few weeks of preparation. The duo continued to excel that year, receiving two more driving Grand Championships in the United States. Bouncer was also a Farnam-Platform/USEF Horse of the Year Finalist, nominated by the American Driving Society and the Welsh Pony Society.

A 13.3-hand black gelding, Bouncer is a Welsh Pony of Cob Type and falls into section C of the Welsh and Pony Cob Society. Founded in 1901, the society recognizes four types of Welsh ponies characterized into sections A, B, C and D depending on breeding. Each type differs slightly, but still maintains the same hardiness and agility of their ancestors that survived many harsh winters in the sparse hills and valleys of the Welsh countryside.

Though the Welsh Pony has been in the United States since the 1880s, it wasn’t until 1907 that the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was established. Now, Welsh Ponies can be found in all 50 states as well as in Canada.

www.BreyerHorses.com
© 2004 Reeves International, Inc.

Welsh Pony & Cob Foundation

The Welsh Pony and Cob Foundation recently made two very exciting announcements. First, we are joining the WPCSA to provide a permanent home for the registry. Second, we are co-sponsoring an important laminitis research program.

We are very pleased to announce that the WPCSA and Welsh Pony & Cob Foundation have joined together to provide a permanent home for the registry in our joint headquarters offices in Stephens City, VA. Through our "home ownership," overhead costs will be significantly reduced. Once this has been accomplished, the savings will benefit members, breeders and owners through new education materials, programs, and enhanced services. Not only will the new facility strengthen our ability to serve Welsh owners and the breed, but it will also save funds that can then be used to directly benefit members!

Everyone will now have the opportunity and the privilege of participating in this important venture. Below are some ways you can help:

• Making a tax-deductible donation to the Welsh Pony & Cob Foundation building campaign

• Telling others about the campaign

• Providing ideas for fundraising events and activities that benefit the campaign

• Working within your local club to implement creative ways of participation

We are pleased to offer the following naming and donor recognition opportunities:

• Main Entrance plaque and building naming will go to the highest pledge over $20,000 received by the Annual Meeting. 

• Platinum Founder $5,000 or higher – Additional naming opportunities:  Executive Secretary’s Office, Senior Administrative Assistant’s Office, Registration Department, Publication Office, Show Administrative Office

• Gold Founder $2,500 to $4,999 – Personal Name Plate in Reception Area

• Silver Founder $1,000 to $2,499 – Personal Name Plate in Education Area

• Bronze Founder $500 to $999 – Name on Contributor’s Plaque

All donations (including those at levels other than mentioned above) will be acknowledged in the Welsh Review and on the web site.  If desired, pledges can be paid over a three-year period.  Payment reminders and annual tax receipts will be provided. 

Thank you to our first $10,000 Dragon Founder Donor

Seven Hills Welsh, LLC

Al, Debbie & Kristin Martiniello

Photographs & Articles Needed

As we strive to gain more publicity for Welsh ponies & cobs, we find we are in greater need of high quality, magazine usable photographs. The National Office is often contacted for stock photographs to go along with articles in both regional and high-profile publications.

WPCSA Transfers List

Ever wonder just where are the ponies being sold to or did that person ever send in the transfer of ownership?  The WPCSA offers a monthly list of all transfers of ownership processed.  This service is $20 per year for members and includes the following information: animal's registration number, registered name, date of transfer, seller(s) name & purchaser(s) name & address.

Support The Wpcsa

A fund raising account has been established with Country Supply, an equine supply catalog company. They carry a wide variety of equine items and are very competitively priced. When you shop at Country Supply, they will donate up to 5% of your purchases to the WPCSA. All you have to do is enter our code in the care code box. Our code is WelshPoniesandCob.  Country Supply can be found online at www.countrysupply.com.