The Welsh Pony and Cob Society
Cymdeithas y Merlod a'r Cobiau Cymreig

Hill Ponies of Wales
Open Day 2009

6th September, 2009
Venues - Wernished (Littlewern Stud),
Llandefalle & Cui Stud, Talybont on Usk

The purpose of the day was to promote the semi-feral native hill pony breed of Wales.

A dedicated crowd of lowland and upland breeders, turned up at the Wernished Farm to see a wonderful example of the hill breed.

Littlewern Mares and Foals

Littlewern Youngstock

Many thanks from everyone to Gareth and family for such a warm welcome and also for the lovely arrangement of refreshments afterwards.

Next stop - Cui Stud

Most of the people left Wernished Farm together and were warmly greeted by Sarah, Anthony and family at the Cui Stud. The early evening weather was beautiful and the setting in Talybont-on-Usk was a sight to see, it is of no surprise why visitors from all over the world come to see this picturesque part of Wales.

Cui Mares and Foals

Sarah and family had made arrangements at the Cui Stud, so that the attendees could view the ponies with ease. The Cui ponies were gathered off the harsh terrain of the Brecon Beacons only a few days before. They were a lovely example of the hill breed and were a credit to the Cui Stud.

I am sure that the late Richard of Criban and Criban (R)'s family and mother Betty of Cui would have been proud of Sarah for continuing with this traditional way of breeding on behalf of this well known family. The Cui ponies have been very influential in the formation of the Welsh Mountain Pony both in the UK and overseas.

Hill pony breeding by this family ranged from Abercriban Farm, Pontsticill, and Merthyr Tydfil to Talybont-on Usk, Breconshire.

There were Criban ponies registered in Volume 1 of the Welsh Stud Book, but the records kept of the ponies extend to almost 200 years.

The home of the Cui Ponies

Spectators with Sarah Osborne (right)

Thanks again from everyone to Sarah, Anthony and family, for the kind hospitality given at the Cui Stud and later at the nearby Village Hall.

Report and photographs by Colin Thomas & Dr Wynne Davies

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