|
|
|
WELSH PONIES and COBS
One Breed-Four Sections |
|
|
|
|
Updated August 30, 2010 WPCSA LATEST NEWSThis page is best viewed using Explorer 6.0. Other versions or browsers may distort the text layout. REGISTRATION AMNESTY
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 50th 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
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
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 KastamaThis article was reprinted with permission from Driving Digest, September/October 2008, p. 7.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sire Order of the Dragon Severn Sirocco LOM/AOE/OD *Sleight of Hand LOM/AOE/OD
Dam Award of Excellence Chaparral’s Crystal AOE
Individual Award of Excellence Farmore Royal Heiress LOM/AOE Glynhafan Echo LOM/AOE Goldhills Hanky Panky LOM/AOE *Lidgett Meredith LOM/AOE Rollingwoods Classic Rock LOM/AOE Rollingwoods Unequaled LOM/AOE
Sire Legion of Merit Gayfields Glory Hallelujah LOM Glynhafan Red Hawk LOM Tri-Ef Cognac LOM
Dam Legion of Merit Farmore Enchanting LOM Gayfields Elixir LOM Severn Pansi LOM Timbercreek Blackberry LOM
|
Individual Legion of Merit B’s the Terminator LOM Caris Royal Guardsman LOM Gaslight Sweet Surrender LOM Goldhills Brandysnap LOM Goldhils Butter Rum LOM Goldhills Most Wanted LOM Goldhills Silver Screen LOM Heaven’s Gate Odyessey LOM Inaway Sunday Pleasure LOM *Llanarth Morien LOM *Menai Lord Thomas LOM Ranlan the Chancellor LOM Rollingwoods Stick To It LOM Rollingwoods Unequalled LOM Rosehaven Legacy LOM Severn Bauble’s N Beads LOM Tom El Cats Juba Lee LOM Wyvere Flying Duchess LOM
Half Welsh Award of Honour Land’s End Cha Cha AOH Nimbus’ Little Bit of Thunder AOH Well Done AOH Whimbrel Solar Eclipse AOH
|
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
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
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.