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

Sioe'r Cardis Stud Open Day 2010

19th June 2010

There was an excellent attendance of over 500 spectators including groups from overseas and glorious weather for the Open Day of the Pennal, Trefaes, Menai and Friarly Studs on Saturday 19th June held under the presidency of Mr Teifi Jones of the Merwydd Stud, Horeb, Llandysul. Dai and Sian Harris of Pennal; Huw, Carys, Nerys and James, Gwawr, Sara and Elen at Trefaes and Peter, Ann, Richard and Thomas at Menai/Friarly had spent many months organising this magnificent spectacle under the guidance of Dr Glyn Jones of the Gwarchod Stud from whom programmes of the event (£5) and videos (£15) can be obtained by telephoning 07977038027 or emailing dgmerjones@gwarchodstud.co.uk. Proceeds from the event go to the Royal Welsh Ceredigion 2010 appeal and the RWAS President Mr Dai Jones, Llanilar Stud and the WPCS President Mr Terry Court were also present at all three Studs. There were amazing bands of helpers, handlers, car parking attendants and caterers everywhere and there was a brisk trade on the two Royal Welsh books launched earlier that week, “On With The Show” (Charles Arch and Lyn Ebenezer) and “Welsh Ponies And Cobs, Ceredigion Champions” (Wynne Davies).

Mr Teifi Jones with Dai and Sian Harris of Pennal Stud

The 23 cobs at Pennal all looked as if they were about to enter the Royal Welsh showring and the great band of handlers showed them all off to best advantage. Of course the star turn had to be Pennal Brynmor, the 2009 RW Prince of Wales winner and his action and presence had the spectators spellbound. It was also good to see his 16-year-old dam Pennal Lively Maid, daughter of Rhystyd Fashion who, at 600 gns on the 1976 Llanarth Sale from the brothers Harris of Rhystyd, launched the Pennal Stud for the late William Harris at Esgairsaeson. There were also some very impressive out-cross mares such as Gwenllan Mared, Thorneyside Lady Luck, Abergavenny Welsh Charm, Chemlev Miss Dynamite and the section C Leyeswick Febie which are obviously producing the goods at Pennal.

Pennal Brynmor

Pennal Lively Maid

Pennal True Model

The 37 Trefaes ponies and cobs were presented in their working clothes but were of such exceptional quality that one could understand why they have been so enormously successful, both for the Stud and for purchasers. The section A breeding programme began with the purchase of two mares from Merthyr Tydfil, Bryniau Playmate and Bryniau Greylight, two daughters of Bryniau Grey Lady (f.1949) and the resulting Trefaes Grey Lady won many championships and also the RWAS Gwyn Price Progeny trophy in 1994. The cob stud started in 1949 based on the two “Hercws” mares Hercws Victory Pride and Polly of Hercws and the majority of the current cobs are descended from Trefaes Brackenleaf (f.1975), daughter of Trefaes Nans (f.1949) daughter of Hercws Victory Pride. Looking wonderful, despite her 24 years was Brackenleaf’s daughter Trefaes Black Pearl, dam of the champions Trefaes Golden Pearl and Trefaes Black Flyer. The hock action of her son, the six-year-old Trefaes Black Marvel had to be seen to be believed.

Trefaes Cinnamon

Trefaes Exterminator

Trefaes Black Pearl

The Menai/Friarly visit started with a superb ridden to music display of the two cob full-brothers Menai Martino (f.2004, ridden by Sue Thomas) and Menai Cardi Llwyd (f.2005 ridden by Gemma Paxford) (by Menai Cosmos out of Elonwy Shooting Star) and the section A Menai Mary Jane ridden by Thomas Jones (12). The star turns had to be the cob stallion Menai Sparkling Imperial, ridden M+M champion at the 2007 HOYS and supreme at Lampeter 2010 and the section A yearling filly Friarly Height of Fashion, filly foal winner at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair from 101 entries, supreme filly at Lampeter 2010 and best section A filly at Glanusk. The 28-year-old Menai Sparkling Lady, RW winner as a yearling, two-year-old and three-year-old, produced a palomino filly last year and her 26-year-old sister Menai Sparkling Duchess had a foal at foot. Finally groups of section A, section C and section D mares and foals were brought in with Peter and Ann explaining what was what. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Menai Martino, Menai Mary Jane & Menai Cardi Llwyd

Menai/Friarly Section A's

Menai Section C's

Menai Section D's

140 photographs (52 Pennal, 56 Trefaes and 32 Menai/Friarly) can be viewed on www.welshwelshcobs.com and 350 photographs on www.rainhillwelshcobs.com.

Report by Dr Wynne Davies
Photographs by Mili Peel

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