William Keith Hughes of the Brynodyn Stud

It is with deep sadness we have to report to his many friends in the Welsh Pony world the passing of William Keith Hughes of the Brynodyn Stud, just a day after his 90th birthday.

Keith was proud of his roots in Dowlais and could recall several Criban bred ponies that his father used to show at the local shows. However, it wasn’t until he qualified as a pharmacist and relocated to Three Crosses on the edge of Gower, with his late wife Ann, that the pony interest was rekindled, initially with two Llanerch ponies purchased from Mrs. Hambleton. However, it was his good friend John Jones of the Plasderw Stud who pointed out an advert in Horse & Hound, persuading Keith to drive to Newmarket to purchase Dryfe Sheer Heaven (Millie) in 1989 that proved to be the, “goose that laid the golden egg.” She arrived in foal carrying Brynodyn Maestro by Pendock Legend who won the novice stallion class at Glanusk and went on to sire some promising offspring before his untimely death when out on lease. Millie was to visit Legend a further three times with her 1993 filly Brynodyn Scarlet, named after Keith’s passion for the Llanelli Rugby Team, “the Scarlets”, that was to become one of the most highly regarded mares of her time. Twice winner of the Overall Breeders Supreme at the Royal of England, twice qualifier for the Horse of the Year Show in-hand championship, becoming Reserve Pony of the Year in 1996 and Overall Mountain Pony Champion at the WPCS Centenary Show as well as a top lead rein pony when produced from Courtway.

Only ever bred from lightly, she produced the Horse of the Year Show winners B. Sirius and B. Savannah who was also Reserve Champion Female at the 2013 Royal Welsh Show and produced the filly B. Symphony Ann who was Reserve Champion at the RWAS Winter Fair in 2021. However, her legacy has been mostly carried forward through her son Brynodyn Safari by Penual Mark, most recently via his son Hoekhorst Empire.

Whilst only thirty ponies were registered under the Brynodyn prefix they, without doubt, have had a highly respected impact on the Mountain Pony scene. Keith was immensely proud of each of their successes and would be the first to recognise and thank those that had contributed to his enjoyment of his stock.

We can take consolation in the fact that Keith was active and independent right to the end and left us with such good memories over the last thirty years. He was the epitome of a true gentleman, it was an honour to call him a friend.

RLM/DMD