WPCSA News Archives

USEF NEWS RELEASE

June 19, 2007

Lexington, KY − The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the following combinations have been named to the team for the 2007 FEI World Combined Pony Driving Championships, July 18-22 in Knabstrup, Denmark.

 

Driver/Age/Hometown/Horse/Sex/Breed/Age/Owner

 

Rochelle Temple/49/Powhatan, VA/LR Ami B-Line/G/Morgan/9/ Rochelle Temple

 

Suzy Stafford/29/Bear, DE/Cefnoakpark Bouncer/G/Welsh Cob/11/Sybil and Wayne Humphrey

 

Miranda Cadwell/37/Southern Pines, NC/Toby/G/Welsh Section B/17/ Miranda Cadwell

Topaz/G/Welsh Section B/17/ Miranda Cadwell

Rambo/G/German Riding Pony/10/ Miranda Cadwell

 

Tracey Morgan/50/Beallsville, MD/Singletree Tabitha Twitchet/M/Dartmoor/10/Tracey Morgan

Farnley Coquette/M/Dartmoor/9/Tracey Morgan

Lizwell Gambling Queen/M/Dartmoor/11/Susan Deuterman and Driver

 

Laurie Astegiano/48/Roussac, France/Templedruid Kronos/S/Welsh Section C/15/Laurie Astegiano

Liezelhof Dare/G/Welsh Section B/14/Laurie Astegiano

Templedruid Mousson/G/Welsh Section C/14/Laurie Astegiano

Templedruid St. Jeneborg/G/Welsh Section B/10/Laurie Astegiano

Dernane/G/Welsh Section B/16/Laurie Astegiano

 

Allison Stroud/53/West Grove, PA/Benjamin/G/Connemara/14/Allison Stroud

Kilkerin Edward/G/Connemara/10/ Allison Stroud

Cong Donal/G/Connemara/11/ Allison Stroud

Mosby/G/Connemara/11/Allison Stroud

Sir Patrick/G/Connemara/8/Allison Stroud

 

Alternate Team Members: Jennifer Matheson, Vivian Creigh and Boots Wright.

 

For more information about the team going to the World Championships, please visit www.ponyteamusa.com.

 

THE WPCSA CONGRATULATES ALL THE WELSH PONIES, THEIR OWNERS AND

Voting and Election Stats

Submitted by Carol Maurer

 My first BOD meeting on 5 May, 2007 was an interesting and educational one for me, as the newest member of your WPCSA Board of Directors, just elected for my first term at the AGM last February.  Thank you to all who supported me in that election.  Although I have attended board meetings at the AGMs in the past and although my duties as a Director began immediately following the election in New Orleans, this meeting in St. Louis marked the first complete BOD meeting I have attended.  

 

A recommendation for Term Limits had been submitted for discussion in 2006.  In preparation for this meeting, I decided to study the voting patterns of the membership and the rate of turnover on the BOD.   The reason most often stated by proponents of Term Limits is that the BOD is stagnant and needs “new blood” to bring in fresh ideas.  I was interested in learning precisely the rate of turnover on the WPCSA BOD and enlisted Lisa’s assistance with collecting the data.  I presented stats of the voting patterns of the past 33 years, an analysis of the data Lisa was able to provide me.  Results of elections for 33 years are as follows: 

Over 33 years:

All 4 incumbents were re-elected 8 times (the election was uncontested one year)

One new Director was elected to the Board 16 times (approx 50%)

Two new Directors were elected to the Board 9 times

 

These were divided into two time periods:

 

Pre-Vote-By-Mail                1974-1990        (17 years)

All 4 incumbents were re-elected 3 times

One new Director was elected to the Board 9 times

Two new Directors were elected to the Board 5 times

 

Post-Vote-By-Mail        1991-2006        (16 years)

All 4 incumbents were re-elected 5 times

One new Director was elected to the Board 7 times

Two new Directors were elected to the Board 4 times

 

Note:  The number of ballots returned each year has remained fairly consistent, ranging from 509 to 580 in the years when there were five or more candidates and a low of 445 in 2006, when only the incumbent directors were running.  This represents an overall voter response of approximately a 30% during years when a seat was contested.

 

The most curious finding was that the frequency where all four incumbent directors were re-elected increased and election of new directors declined after the process of Mail Voting was initiated.  Prior to this By-Laws change, members had to attend an AGM to cast their vote.  I had expected that making the voting process easy for the entire membership would increase the frequency of turnover on the Board, but this was not the case.  Analysis of the stats proves that the BOD has had consistent turnover with its current election and voting structure, allowing the infusion of “new blood” and fresh ideas on a regular basis.

 

Analysis of the Voting Patterns for the past 33 years:

24%                All four incumbents re-elected (No “new blood”)

49%                One new Director elected

27%                Two new Directors elected

 

In summary:

Over the past 33 years, 76% of the time there has been at least one new Director elected to serve on the BOD.

LAMINITIS RESEARCH

 Laminitis is a costly and debilitating disease of horses and ponies. One US study reported that approximately $15 million is spent annually in diagnosis and management of the condition, yet nearly 20% of afflicted animals do not recover fully (USDA-NAHMS 2000). Furthermore, laminitis is the condition most in need of research according to a survey of equine practitioners (AAEP 2004). Although there are several causes of laminitis, the most common form of the disease in both the US and UK is the so-called “grass founder” that occurs in horses and ponies kept on “lush” pasture. Indeed, in a USDA survey on laminitis approximately 54% of cases were attributed to pasture. 

 However, not every member of a group of ponies or horses on a particular pasture will develop laminitis; certain apparently healthy individuals may be affected whilst others of the same age, breed, and gender and managed in the same way show no signs. The reasons for this difference in susceptibility to naturally-occurring laminitis are not known – but this question must be answered if we are to improve our ability to identify susceptible animals and apply successful management strategies that prevent development of this debilitating disease.

 The Board of Trustees of the Welsh Pony and Cob Foundation are pleased to announce that they have joined together with two other donors to fund a research proposal entitled: “Genetic and phenotypic risk factors for laminitis.”  The Principal Investigator will be Professor Raymond J. Geor, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, MARE Center. Co-Investigators include: Dr. Simon Bailey, Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London; Professor Mathew Binns, Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London; Professor Jonathan Elliott, Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London; Dr. Pat Harris, Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire; Dr. Rebecca Splan, Associate Professor, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

 Dr. Geor reports that his group has made substantial progress in characterizing risk factors (particularly insulin resistance) for laminitis in a herd of Welsh and Dartmoor ponies in Northern Virginia, and collaborators in England have also identified a population of outbred ponies in which insulin resistance also appears to be important in the predisposition to laminitis.  Their previous studies have pointed to a genetic link predisposing to laminitis, likely associated with an insulin resistant phenotype (Treiber et al. 2006).

 They believe that the insulin-resistant phenotype, associated with laminitis, has a genetic basis. The proposed studies, which link researchers at Virginia Tech and the Royal Veterinary College (London), will provide important new information on the genetic and metabolic factors in ponies that makes them more susceptible to recurrent episodes of pasture laminitis. The specific aim is to determine whether there is evidence of genetic polymorphisms relating insulin resistance and predisposition to laminitis in these ponies.

 Researchers are now ready to take this project to the “next level” by beginning to explore possible genetic associations. This line of investigation offers promise for development of a diagnostic test that accurately identifies animals at risk for laminitis, allowing preemptive instigation of preventative measures. 

To assist in this exciting research program, the Welsh Pony & Cob Foundation has donated $10,000 raised through the Maureen Lapicola Equine Medical Research fund.  Updates and future results will be provided by Dr. Geor.

WPCSA ANNUAL MEETING & CONVENTION

Come join us for our Centennial Celebration in New Orleans, February 22-25, 2007. Host hotel will be Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center, 315 Julia St., New Orleans, Louisiana. For reservations call 1-800-EMBASSY and be sure to identify yourself as being with the Welsh Pony & Cob Society in order to receive our rate of $109 single, $119 double, $129 triple or $138 quad. Rooms include cooked to order breakfast and a 2 hour manager's evening reception with complimentary drinks. Cutoff date for reservations is January 22nd. Transportation from the New Orleans Airport is provided by either taxi or airport shuttle at $26 round trip. For shuttle reservations, call 504-522-3500. If you choose to rent a car, valet parking at the hotel is available for $26 (plus tax) per day. The hotel is located within walking distance from many local attractions. The Aquarium, the Riverfront, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, the French Quarter are all within a few blocks where you can enjoy shopping, music, sightseeing and entertainment for all age groups and interests.

AGM & Convention Schedule of Events

Thursday, Feb. 22

8 am - Breakfast

Morning Committee Meetings

1 pm - 4 pm WPCSA Board of Directors Meeting

Friday, Feb. 23

8 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - 11:30 am - Open Forum

11:30 am - 6:30 pm - WPCSA seminars & sightseeing on own

6:30 pm - 9 pm - WPCSA Reception & Auction

Saturday, Feb. 24

8 am - Breakfast

9 am - 11 am - Annual General Meeting

11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Junior Awards Luncheon

1:45 pm - 7 pm - WPCSA seminars & sightseeing on own

7 pm - 10 pm - Awards Banquet

Sunday, Feb. 25

Judges Clinic - TBA

*Manager's Reception w/complimentary drinks nightly

Bring the Kids.....

We will offer special events at the convention tailored to please our junior members during the meetings on Friday & Saturday as

 well as a party on Friday night. Additional volunteers are needed to help.

Other family points of interest include:

• Audubon Aquarium (1 Canal St.) 800-774-7394 or 504-582-4629, www.auduboninstitute.org The aquarium has an IMAX theater as well & offers combination tickets which includes the aquarium and a trip on the John James Audubon steamboat to the Audubon Zoo.  The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center offers walks through Louisiana environments including a walkway over a swamp where kids can get up close to baby gators.

• Louisiana Children's Museum 504-523-1357, an interactive museum with changing exhibits.

• Numerous carriage tours are also available.

Topics for Open Forum  Discussion

To request that an item be placed on the agenda for the open forum, send your written topic to the office via either email secretary@welshpony.org or mail to 720 Green St., Stephens City, VA 22655. PLEASE be specific when submitting topics so that additional information and/or research can be conducted prior to the meeting.

Ronnie Schwartz Horseman and Friend 1943-2006

By Kerrin Winter Churchill

    We had been in the breed about a year when finally, chance and opportunity led us to Thwing Road in Chardon, Ohio. We were building a web site for Gail and Arthur Thomson and even though she’d given us plenty of good pictures, I wanted something more - something special and even though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, I instinctively knew I would find it at Ron Schwartz's farm. Have you ever had an instant connection with a person?  Well, yeah, you probably have. You probably knew Ronnie Schwartz too.  No sooner did I climb out of my truck when a beautiful smile flashed my way and hit me right smack dab in the middle of my soul.  I knew this man.  He was my friend.  He was Ronnie Schwartz.  Immediately he started razzing me about being late. “Late is my trademark”, I said and with a laugh, he lit a funny, little brown cigarette and started throwing it right back at me.  Soon, his wife Sue was by his side and she got the conversation back on track and as our laughter quieted down, we made a plan for the ponies we were there to photograph.  Following him into the barn, I was full of questions for Ronnie.  How did he feed? What supplements did he use? What harness maker was best? Why?  He was so forthcoming with his advice and information that I was in awe.  Here was a man so willing to share his knowledge and even better, his knowledge was rock solid.
    As he readied one mare after the other for her pictures, I watched him intently.  I’ll never forget his hands.  They were large for such a small man. They were well-worn, bent with arthritis, scarred and a couple of his thick fingernails carried permanent damage.  Yet, as I watched him slip  halters on and off, following the action of his thick paw pads as they patted the side of a pony’s face, straightened a mane, tightened a nose band and checked the cheek pieces on the show halter he was using, I saw that those arthritic fingers were nimble and capable. They were beautiful hands. Watching them, I could feel the warm, knowing energy that he transferred to the ponies. As they responded to his touch, I realized the meaning of the expression, “He has good hands.”  Later, when we were showing with him (for I never showed against him) Ronnie would tell me, “You’ve got to get them up in your hand.”  I swear, I could never figure out how exactly to do it.  I would try,  but my ponies never looked like the ones he was moving. His talent was effortless. He had a touch. It was his hands -  his presence. To a filly he would say, “Come on Sissy”  and away they would go. On the rail length down, Ronnie would make these little “pssst” noises and Dr. Davies’ very definition of “Fire in the belly” would leap off the page and materialize right before my eyes.
     Every time Ronnie showed in hand it was a real picture to behold, they’d trot out smartly, using every inch of forearm with plenty of rear, driving deep under and behind.  In what I will now forever call the “Ronnie Schwartz Era”, I shot a lot of pony show pictures and movement was my specialty. In fact, I take a back seat to no one in capturing movement but a good flying movement shot requires more than talent with a camera or good breeding in the animal. You have got to know how to move that pony and you have got to have the intrinsic talent to do it the right way.  Ronnie’s talent for moving and presenting ponies was in his bones. He was a legend.  There will never be another like him.

Of all the ponies that he loved, there was one mare that captured his heart so completely that he couldn’t bear to part with her. That was the multiple Supreme Welsh mare, Gayfields Call the Lawyer who Ronnie and Sue affectionately called “Lucy”.  For almost twenty years, Ronnie and Sue presented the Gayfield string and Ronnie made himself famous as he took pony after pony to the heights of the Welsh world.  But Lucy was special and Gail knew how Ronnie felt.  Ronnie, Sue, Arthur and Gail, they were all good friends and so Lucy retired to Ohio where Sue and Ronnie pampered her and kept her in the best of health, raising babies out of her for Gayfields.  And so, at the Schwartz barn Lucy first foaled a filly, followed by a strapping colt the very next year. But as the Gayfields team waxed poetic about the future, colic struck Lucy down and they lost her. I guess for all of us, the future is a great mystery and the best we can do is be kind to one another and seek joy in our every day lives.  I think that’s how Ronnie lived his life.
     Its hard to sum up Ronnie Schwartz in just one word because he was a friend to so many people and has touched each of us who knew him so deeply. Trying to describe Ronnie Schwartz is like trying to describe the stars as they twinkle in a midnight blue sky over the desert. How do you ever convey their wonder? But if I had to, one word that would surely go down in place of all the rest is the term “Horseman”. Ronnie was a Horseman through and through. His first thoughts always were for the welfare of his horses. He knew how to feed, how to train and how to condition and he practiced what he preached. His face would light up and he’d become animated when the conversation turned to ponies. He talked of ponies like a kid might talk about sports cars.  He couldn’t get enough of those ponies and his days were filled with training and conditioning and talk of them and even though we all anguish over Sue’s loss of such a wonderful partner, we know that she carries in her heart the most wonderful memories of this man and is the luckiest for having them to relive and share when the pain subsides and she is able.
     None of us can say why the good Lord took Ronnie Schwartz away from us so soon but I like to think that the first thing he heard when he walked through that long dark tunnel to the bright light of heaven was the low, soft nickering of Lucy.  Reaching towards him, she nuzzles her velvety nose into his beautiful hands. Looking up, he takes a deep breath, breathing in his first heavenly scent of horses and notices Saint Peter pointing over yonder saying,  “Welcome home, Ronnie, your farm is over here.....” Rest well dear friend.  Save a place for me at the rail.  We’ll see you up the road.

 Patricia L. Holmes (June 20, 1946 – June 28, 2006)

Accomplished horsewoman Pat Holmes was a Woodside fixture through her post in charge of the riding stables at Wunderlich Park. Over the course of her long and successful career, Pat became a force in the world of Welsh Cobs, winning countless breed awards, judging at horse shows, and even riding her farm's founding sire, Cyffylliog Pendefig, in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games Parade of Breeds shortly after importing him from Wales. Pat's individuality and willingness to take risks also led her to co-found Urban Decay Cosmetics, whose unique products quickly became fashion must-haves.

REGISTRATION RULE CHANGES

     During their October meeting, the WPCSA Board of Directors voted that registration eligibility rule #6 be nullified.  This rule is as follows, “Any Welsh pony or cob with large white areas having clearly defined edges on the body, except for belly spots, will not be registered. For purposes of this rule, the body is defined as the area behind a line drawn from the withers to the point of the shoulder and above the elbow and stifle.” 

    The Board further ruled that all purebred Welsh ponies and cobs become eligible for registration under the current rules of the Society as they stand with the exception that those animals which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would not be registered under current Rule 6 quoted above have DNA parent verification, at the expense of the applicant, as described below.  The University of California at Davis, Genetics Lab must compare the DNA sample of the foal, the sire and the dam and inform the Society that it is compatible with the foal as shown on the application. 

    There will be an opportunity for those animals refused registration under Rule 6, Registration Eligibility, in the past and those ponies not put forth for registration for the sole reason that their markings seemed likely to exclude them from registry to now be registered as purebred animals.  Each of these animals foaled prior to January 1, 2006 would be subject to all registration requirements, as though it had been born January 1, 2006. All animals foaled after January 1, 2006, will be subject to registration fees in effect at the time of application.  Any animal with two purebred registered parents previously registered as half-Welsh due to current Rule 6 would have the option of applying for purebred papers on the surrender of the half-Welsh papers and compliance with all purebred registration rules including the DNA process and full payment of applicable fees.  Half-Welsh show points earned while registered as half-Welsh will be forfeited on application to be registered in the purebred stud book.   

    The report of the White Markings Committee further suggested that “The new rule, if passed, should be implemented immediately and placed on the WPCSA website. It should be featured in the Review for the next four issues and the Directors and members would be encouraged to circulate copies of the exact working of the new rule on chat lists or anywhere else breeders of Welsh ponies and Cobs who may not be WPCSA members might be reached.” 

A farm tour of Jadehanna Ranch, Kissimeee, Florida was generously hosted by owners and Welsh breeders, Caroline Lacey-Freeman, husband Dean, and their extended family and friends.  The visit was reminiscent of the British “Open Day” tradition whereby a host farm invites local farms or “studs” to bring choice mares and stallions for display. Judge Suzan Stevens of Cuesta Ponies, Mississippi held a clinic regarding the training and presentation of in hand ponies and cobs.  Jessica San Diego rode her black cob stallion Prince Albert to the delight of many and Caroline presented her stallions at liberty. 

The weekend ended with a judge’s clinic on equitation as well as Leading Rein and Child’s First Pony.  Clinicians were Gail Thomson and Margaret and John Almond.

Plans are well under way for the WPCSA Centennial Show to be held over the Labor Day Weekend, September 1-3, 2006 at Gordyville arena, near Gilford, Illinois.  This show will share the Central National title for 2006.  A full and exciting show program is expected to entice a wide variety of breed and performance Welsh. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in a commemorative procession of 100 ponies and cobs to be paraded during the shows kickoff events.  A DVD of this memorable occasion will be available for sale. It is hopeful that some of our beloved retired heroes will honor the show with their presence.

All The World’s a Stage

 By Cindy Miller

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts.*

                            ~ William Shakespeare

The stage for Welsh players, in their third appearance at the March 2006 Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, occurred in Albany, Oregon at the Linn County Fairgrounds. Despite not even a dress rehearsal, the exits and entrances, the castle décor, the players of construction and public relations, and the supporting cast all flowed beautifully to present a strong and impressive Welsh Showcase. The kernel for the castle theme of this year’s Welsh Showcase was conceived before last year’s showcase had even concluded! I was determined we would make a SPLASH this year—that our décor would reflect the heritage and pride of our breed. A budget and supplies list was composed, donations from Northwest Welsh clubs were solicited, riders and drivers were invited to participate, and Ginger Mack and I began thinking CASTLE theme. The Oregon Welsh Pony Society sponsored stalls for members who would ride or drive, following the suggestion of Officers Ray and Elise Hearn and Barbara Wynn. The All Welsh Enthusiasts club pitched in generously with funds for Welsh flags, castle rock stall wrap, draperies, and shiny Welsh Flag stickers to give away. Several individuals made personal donations of money and decorations. The goal was for each section and discipline to be represented visually with photographs, and in person—and we rocked!Who would have guessed the response that our showcase received? Even as we all worked to wrap the stalls in faux castle rock plastic, wire cardboard-wrapped “castle tops” above each stall, attach the swords, stall décor and nameplates, and hang 11 x 14-inch photos of each section and Half Welsh, there was a buzz that ‘our display was one of the best the judge had seen in eight years!!!’ Well, if that didn’t warm our cold fingers and quicken our step, the spirits consumed at dinner that night did! Decorating was finished by 9:30 and we were “dawg” tired but excited. All the ponies and cobs were put to bed, and we were ready for the grand opening on Friday, March 17th.

The breed showcase was performed once a day over the three days of the Expo and followed a 10-minute script in which our breed was described and each pony and cob introduced. Set to classical Celtic tunes, the Welsh riders, driver, and in-hand participant walked, trotted and cantered into the appreciative hearts of the onlookers. The two children rides were over-the-top cute. Eleven-year old Richard Fettig rode “Puff; his gray Section B pony was impeccably turned out in English attire, and received a healthy applause as he showed his riding abilities and waved to the crowd. Puff is registered as Silver Star Cocoa Puff, and owned by Silver Star Welsh Pony Ranch. Eight-year old Sierra Haglund rode Half-Welsh NPF Sweet Charity, all decked out in Western gear. The youngest of the Welsh contingent, Sierra held her own and showed what an impressive rider she has become. Representing the Section A was Liz McCosh’s accomplished stallion, Tom El Cats Jubilee, who is always adorable and a crowd favorite. Every buckskin lover was drooling when they saw Section B Shaw’s High Voltage, proudly ridden Western by owner Dena Stockdale. Dena created her own sparks when a wardrobe malfunction shocked onlookers, and Dena herself! [Way to keep their attention, Dena!] Amy Hale captured everyone’s attention

 when she ran out Section C  Talywern’s Legally Blonde, owned by Cindy DiBrino. That palomino mare caused spontaneous clapping from the audience as she parked out and Amy sprinted to keep up with her! Also riding Western was Cindy “Glam Girl” DiBrino, on her beautiful cob mare, North Forks Lady Violet. Thez crowd all reached for sunglasses as Cindy and Violet passed—rhinestones and gemstones glittering! Jessica Wisdom was turned out in full dressage show gear riding cob stallion, North Forks Brenin Cardi. These two pros made it look soooo easy and smooth.  The impeccable manners of the stallions, the well-turned out ponies and handlers and the movement of riding, kept the large crowds involved.

In addition to the castle-themed breed showcase, Stallion Row displayed a varied group of big boys. Nestled among the Paints, the towering Friesians, the Walkers, the Miniature Horse [who was part of the Evening Extravaganza and was driven into the arena in a LIMO!!!] and other breeds, were two beautiful half brothers—Section Ds North Forks Black Earl and North Forks Brenin Cardi. Next to Cardi’s stall, the AWE and OWPS clubs displayed photos, had a continuous-running video, and offered pamphlets of breed info and member directories. Each stallion had a 3-minute Stallion Showcase slot in front of hundreds of people, orchestrated with music and a script. Both boys were appreciated as they individually made their debuts under saddle and then were turned loose to move at liberty. The crowds whooped and hollered as the stallions galloped and parked out showing off the cob turbo trot. There was no problem catching these boys, as they picked up on the cue that playtime was over. They walked straight to their owners, unlike some other breeds we saw.

The most satisfying aspects of this year’s Expo to me, was how everyone pulled together to decorate, and the huge effort and commitment of people to bring Welsh and stay for the full three days. We can all be proud of how professional everyone dressed and rode to demonstrate our breed. The energy generated among the crowds who watched and those who came through the barns to talk was the best it has been in three years.

Many many thanks must go out to everyone who participated: parents Dick & Deann Fettig, and Audry Garvin, decorators Amy Hale, Cindy DiBrino, Jessica Wisdom, Ginger Mack, Audra Garvin and mother Barbara Wynn, the Hearns and Liz McCosh. Each participant brought something to eat or drink, made decorations, provided Welsh music for our showcase area, traveled at their own expense, paid their own lodging, cleaned each other’s stalls, and supported each other. A special thanks to photographer Richard Beard for the use of his photos for this article. A great time was had by all and so it was, that each man and woman in his and her own time, played many parts.

 *From Shakespeare’s As You Like It

Orlando, Florida  

Submitted by Martha L. Stover

Members of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America (WPCSA) gathered recently for the 100^th Anniversary of the Society’s Annual General Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Attendance by members and guests at the meeting and the awards banquets broke all previous records.  The warm weather was a welcome respite for many Northerners looking for a mid winter getaway.  The board of directors transacted business throughout the weekend and members participated in committee meetings to discuss changes and concerns regarding breed standards, show sanctioning, publicity, and future goals of the Society.  Photographer Arthur Thomson gave an excellent clinic on tips to help us capture better photographs of our ponies and cobs. 

Guests were treated to a delightful Youth awards banquet, emceed by youth members and enhanced by a dynamic photo presentation highlighting children and their ponies throughout the year produced by Elizabeth Lemke.  Tears were plentiful as some of our youth exited the “Junior” world and entered the “Adult” arena.  Louise Gill planned several fun youth activities during the long weekend, including games and a pizza party. 

 Dr. Ruth Wilburn surrounded by WPCSA Youth Award Banquet attendees. Photo by Arthur Thomson Dr. Ruth Wilburn, president of the WPCSA, narrated a trip down memory lane and a history of the breed using photos of ponies and cobs which grace the pages of early studbooks.  It was interesting to note that some of the founding families of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, such as Farnley and Severn farms, are still active in the breed.  

The annual fund raising auction, always fun and successful due to generous donations and spirited bidding, broke previous records.  The highest selling item was a quilt made by Brenda Heberling and Barbara Lender that was made of ribbons collected from all of the shows from the past year.  The ribbons were pieced and quilted in a design that surrounded a beautifully cross stitched WPCSA Centennial logo. 

The society is privileged to have several prominent artists in its midst and during this Centennial year, artist Pat Cochran was commissioned to produce a portrait of a Welsh Mountain Pony to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary.  Mrs. Cochran officially handed the original oil painting over to the Society to display in its office in Winchester, Virginia.   One hundred limited edition prints have been reproduced of the original oil painting and a few are still available from the artist.  A portion of the proceeds from each purchase is donated back to the WPCSA.  Artist Pamela Johnson donated artwork for commercial products such as sweatshirts, denim shirts, blankets, and pillows.  Supplies sold quickly during the AGM, some of which are still available through the WPCSA website.   

The Saturday evening awards banquet celebrated the ponies and cobs that earned Lifetime awards as well as High Score awards for 2005.  Lifetime awards are based on cumulative points and are awarded to individual animals or to sires or dams based on the winnings of their progeny.   Beautiful High Point awards of embroidered dress sheets, bridle bags and colorful ribbons were then presented to Champion and Reserve winners.  Gail Thomson produced a photo presentation of the winners that was featured as each owner received their award.

Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Tiz Benedict of Severn Oaks Farm, MD, the WPCSA sponsored a fundraising raffle for Section A yearling filly, Severn Khamsin, donated by Severn Oaks in honor of the Centennial celebration.  Raffle tickets were sold throughout 2004 and early 2005 and the winner was drawn during the AGM.  The lucky winner, as luck would have it, resides in Maryland where the pony currently lives.  Proceeds from the raffle were shared 75/25 with the Maryland Pony Breeders Association.

Severn Khamsin, Section A yearling filly, donated by Mrs. Tiz Benedict, Severn Oaks Farm, MD.

For Pat's friends in the UK and any Americans who would like to join us, Karen & I would like to have an informal celebration of Pat's life on the same day as the one in California, on Sunday July 23rd, 6pm. It will be held at our house in Clyro. Please RSVP if you would like to come. We can be reached at 415-971-3091 or levy@cisco.com Starting July 20th, we will be in the UK and the phones there are 01497851212 and the mobile is 07817 551 597 Click for map with approximate location of the house, do not hesitate to ask for more specific directions.  Benjy and Karen

WPCSA Cob Breeders/Owners Committee

Dr. Ruth Wilburn, WPCSA President, has recently appointed a new committee to address the concerns of Cob owners and breeders.  Teresa Lemon will be the chairman of this committee. She has been asked to bring to the attention of the Board of Directors issues and suggestions that are important to the cob owners and breeders.  Her telephone number is (515) 758-2208 (evening) and her e-mail address is lemntree@covad.net. Visit  2005committees.htm  for a complete list of committees.  

WPCSA APPROVES ARTWORK FOR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

        In anticipation of the year-long Centennial celebration, the directors of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America approved Pat Cochran to create the official artwork to commemorate the first 100 years of the Society. Cochran received notice from the Board in early July and immediately began work on the piece. The original painting, which is 24” x 30”, will be donated by Cochran to the Society. It will hang in the national office and be presented at the 2006 AGM.

      One hundred prints, one for each year the Society has been in existence, will be produced from Cochran’s original painting onto heavy art-quality paper. The artist will hand sign and number each print. Purchasers may request a specific number, from 1 to 100, as well, as a personalized inscription. The prints sell for $150 plus shipping and handling costs, with the Society receiving a percentage of all sales. Each fine art reproduction, done in a process called giclee, will be approximately 13” x 15” and will be ready by late fall. Cochran says there has been much enthusiasm for this project and brisk early sales. She anticipates the limited edition will quickly become collector’s items because of their historical significance to Welsh in America. Prints will carry a legend below the image, with the Society’s name, logo and notation of the centennial years.

      Conversations are continuing with the WPCSA directors and the Art Committee, of which Cochran is a member, to develop a means of soliciting additional artwork over the next few years that features all four sections of Welsh.

            For the past two years, Cochran has donated original pieces of art to the WPCSA’s auction held at the AGM.   Her pieces have been the top and reserve high selling items each year, netting over $1200 for the Society. Additionally, she created the artwork for the 2004 American National show promotional poster sponsored by the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of California.  Her art is in many private collections of Welsh owners and equine enthusiasts.  People interested in reserving a specific number or purchasing a print can reach Pat at lochinvarwelsh@msn.com or by calling 503-324-0105.  

Get Your Cameras And Old Photos Out Now! The AGM in 2006 will be the Centennial Celebration of the creation of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America. In addition to celebrating the history of the WPCSA, we would like to create a new tradition at this AGM that recognizes the importance of the future in the life of our Society, but we need your help. We are hoping to create a PowerPoint presentation to air during the Youth Banquet that features children with their Welsh ponies. To begin this tradition, we are going to limit the 2006 presentation to photos of children with Welsh ponies at shows, divided loosely into (1) preparing to show, (2) in the show ring, and (3) enjoying our ponies, friends and family at the show. Please take your camera along to any shows you attend and take pictures to include in our presentation. In addition, to kick-off this tradition while we celebrate our past, please dig through your old photos of past shows and send them along (scanned, please, as we do not want to be responsible for treasured and irreplaceable photos) as we hope to begin the presentation with a look back at kids (now adults) at past shows. All photos will need to be either e-mailed or on a CD, and sent to Elizabeth Lemke, 2088 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, Tennessee 37064 or ehlemke@aol.com  ehlemke@aol.com. With your help, we could begin a tradition that will be celebrated at our  Bicentennial Celebration!

2006 WPCSA Annual Meeting & Convention Update

   The 2006 AGM will be held February 16-19, 2006 in Kissimmee, FL. The host hotel will be the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Inn Gateway, 7470 Highway 192 West, Kissimmee, FL  34747. For reservations call (407) 396-4400, www.ramadagateway.com  Don't forget to identify yourself as being the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America in order to receive our rate of $99 per night for plaza rooms (2 queen or one king). Cut off date for reservations is January 16, 2006.

     Complimentary transportation is provided to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM and Disney Animal Kingdom which are all within a mile of the hotel. Other attractions include Sea World which is 6 miles away and the Arabian Nights Dinner theater. Voted #1 dinner show in Kissimmee, Arabian Nights is a magical tale of love and triumph that features 60 horses from around the world and is a short distance away on highway 192.  http://www.arabian-nights.com/ 

     Transportation to the hotel is provided by Mears (800) 223-3868. Shuttles depart every 20-30 minutes as long as aircraft are still landing at the airport. The cost is approximately $29 per person round trip or $16 one way.

Schedule of Events:

Sybil Dukehart, a life member of the WPCSA, died on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. For many years she raised Welsh ponies, Angus cattle, and Suffolk sheep at their Shoulderbone Farm in Maryland. About 30 years ago Mrs. Dukehart started driving teams of her ponies in equestrian events. Attired in feathered hats, tailored suits and driving apron, she drove a four -in-hand at Fair Hill and Winterthur. In 1985 she drove her team along Washington's Pennsylvania Avenue in Ronald Reagan's second inaugural parade. She was invited to judge events at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in England and there she observed classes for disabled people who competed in carriages designed to accommodate wheelchairs. At her own expense, she imported a carriage and founded the US Driving for the Disabled, a nonprofit organization that continues to promote the sport. The organization is now located in Georgetown, KY. She and the volunteers who helped her so enjoyed the pleasure the handicapped people got from being able to do cones and obstacle courses and just being with the ponies. The ponies she used were her homebred Welsh ponies. A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 12th.  She is survived by 4 daughters, two stepchildren, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grand children. Donations may be sent to Driving for Disabled in her memory. Submitted by Anne Hackney

USDF Announces All-Breeds Award Rule Change

 The USDF All-Breeds Award Program, one of USDF's most popular award programs, which recognizes the accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage, announces changes to its program rules. The All-Breeds Award program now requires owners to declare for the participating breed registry that they wish their horse to be recognized for USDF All-Breeds Award purposes. This program requirement has been put in place to administer the one horse/one breed/one award rule that was approved at the 2003 USDF Annual Convention.

Declarations must be on record with USDF by September 30, 2005. In order to declare for the All-Breeds Award program, owners need to submit a copy of their horse's breed papers. If there is no USDF All-Breeds Award-sponsoring organization for the breed in which the horse has papers, the owner my elect one recognizing registry for awards. This can be done by submitting written declaration sent with a copy of the horse's breed registry papers. A complete listing of USDF All-Breeds award sponsors is available on the USDF website at www.usdf.org. USDF recommends that owners contact the registry that they wish to declare for further requirements.

USEF Pony Hunter Finals Sponsorships

Welsh and Half Welsh ponies dominate the ranks of the great hunter ponies and each year the best are recognized at the prestigious USEF Pony Hunter Finals. We offer awards at this competition recognizing the accomplishments both purebred and Half Welsh entries and also provide an incentive for owners and trainers to retain their pony's identity. Donations for these awards may be sent to our National Office, WPCSA, P.O. Box 2977, Winchester, VA 22604. Make checks payable to Ruth Wilburn, WPCSA President. Contact either Ruth or our office for more details.

The WPCSA Board of Directors have approved changes to registration fees. These changes are due to member concerns over being able to determine markings at 2 months of age.

Effective January 1, 2005 the fees for registration will be:

Foaling to 4 months                                 $ 25

Over 4 months to 8 months                    $ 45

Over 8 months to 12 months                  $ 60

Over 12 to 24                                             $ 85

Over 24 to 36                                            $160

Over 36                                                      $225 

Congratulations 2004 Year End Winners!

The WPCSA congratulates all members, breeders & especially the ponies, cobs & half-Welsh competing during 2004 in not only WPCSA sanctioned shows but also open performance & breeding divisions. Time & again, our breed has proven its versatility & ability to compete. Good Luck to all during the 2005 show year!. The Spring Welsh Review will include the WPCSA National & Regional 2004 winners as well as the USEF 2004 HOTY winners. 2005 Points to Date for WPCSA sanctioned shows are updated continuously & can be viewed year round at our website. Points to date for USEF shows (Zone & National - open & Welsh divisions) can be viewed at www.usef.org.  

WPCSA Studbook Vol. 39-41, covering the years 1991 to1993 are now available for $25 plus $1.50 shipping/handling. To order your copy contact WPCSA, P.O. Box 2977, Winchester, VA 22604 or call our office at (540) 667-6195. Studbooks are a must for any serious breeder or are simply a "good read" for anyone interested in the breed. Included in each volume are all ponies and cobs registered with the WPCSA along with color and marking description as well as sire, dam and breeder information. Studbook entries are listed by year of registration, sex (stallions, mares) and section. In addition, there are plenty of photos and other pertinent registry data. Photographs are being considered for the 1994-1996 stud book. Those accepted will be billed $25 each.

The WPCSA is pleased to announce that all affiliated clubs will be listed on our website. This service will be complimentary with paid annual membership. Additionally, we would like to include a link to each association’s web site. If your club has its own individual web site please email the address to publications@welshpony.org. Please keep the Welsh Review in mind and send us your articles & photos so that we can promote Welsh ponies, cobs & half-Welsh in your area. 

 WPCSA Sire Of The Year Awards - 2003 Sire of the Year Award *Sleight of Hand.

Most Welsh Societies, including the WPCS in Britain, have a sire ratings system. The WPCSA Board of Directors has added such a ratings to our awards programs to honor the stallions siring the ponies who win the most points in a given year.

Purebred stallions will only be eligible to win an award in the section on his registration papers but points from all his offspring will be counted toward the awards. Yearly totals will be decided by the subtraction of stallions' sire points at the end of one year from his points at the end of the next.

The top stallions (ten per section, if possible) will be included in the sire ratings. The highest scoring stallion will be designated WPCSA Sire of the Year and will be presented with an award donated by Gayfields Welsh Ponies.

February 19-22, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WPCSA Annual Meeting & Convention is a great place to meet members from all parts of the USA & Canada and share your ideas while having fun.

The Host Hotel will be the Hampton Inn Tropicana, 4975 S. Industrial Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118. We've arranged for special rates ($69 Wednesday & Thursday and $109 for Friday and Saturday). Deadline For Hotel Reservations Is February 3rd. For reservations contact the hotel at 1-877-584-6835 and be sure to indicate you are with the WPCSA group. Located 1/4 mile from the famous Las Vegas Strip and 2 miles from McCarran Int’l Airport by free shuttle service. The hotel is family oriented, children aged 18 and under stay FREE and the hotel has an arcade game room & children’s playground. There is a free breakfast bar, Oasis pool deck with whirlpool spa & fitness center, 24-hour free shuttle service to and from casinos, shows and the airport.

So aside from the real reason for coming to the AGM to mingle with old friends, meet new friends and discuss the all important business of Welsh Ponies, we hope you will be able to take advantage of the other activities that are available ahead of time. We have some fun activities planned and of course we will honor and recognize all of those ponies and exhibitors who have excelled in the show ring for the 2003 show year. The agenda and convention registration form is included in the Fall & Winter Welsh Reviews. WPCSA Hospitality Room Open Daily where attendees can pick up their registration packets. Display tables available for club or farm brochures, TV/VCR available, WPCSA items available, preview of auction items displayed.

Aline Blanche Tacker Hicks passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 at the age of 90. Services  were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Verdigris United Methodist Church. Burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, under the direction of Rice Funeral Service.

The daughter of longtime Rogers County dairy farmers, Wilson and Blanche Tacker, Aline was born Feb. 8, 1913 in Meeker. She lived there until she married Ralph Hicks in December 1931. They made their home in Tulsa until 1945, when they made a move to Catoosa, where they bought a farm.

Aline and Ralph enjoyed family activities as well as traveling the United States in their own airplane. They also visited Europe, Africa, Mexico, the Bahamas, and many other exciting places. In 1960, she bought some Welsh ponies and began raising and showing them. This was a passion which was easy to share with her grandchildren.

A member of Eastside Christian Church for 30 years, Aline joined the congregation of Verdigris United Methodist Church in 1983, and was a faithful member.

Aline was co-founder of the Oklahoma-Kansas Welsh Pony Society and was instrumental in getting the Welsh Breed Show in the Tulsa State Fair, which has become one of the largest shows in the nation for Welsh ponies. Aline served on the National Welsh Pony Society Board and was made a lifetime Honorary member in 2000 for her contributions in promoting and breeding in the United States. Aline also was active through the years in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow Garden Clubs, and Catoosa PTA in the 1940s. She was active in YMCA exercise classes up into her 80s.

Aline was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ralph. She is survived by her sons, Howard and his wife, Faye of Durango, Colo., Jim of Owasso, and Gary and wife, Sharon, of Verdigris; 10 grandchildren, Mike Hicks, Debie Hicks, Cathy Jirka, Marilyn Clary, Toni Berry, Jimmy Hicks, Sara Valenzuela, Ranae Smith, Cindy Massey, and Brian Hicks; 15 great-grandchildren, Brian, Peter, and Catey Jirka, Elizabeth and Chad Clary, Addison Berry, James and Alex Hicks, Audrey and Gabriel Valenzuela, Ethan, Paige and Caleb Smith, and Jeremy and Josh Massey; great-great-granddaughter, Madilyn Jirka; her brothers and sisters, Quinten Tacker, Robert Tacker, Bill Tacker, Mildred Mullinax, Lois Collins, Ann Wallis and Mary Sue McKnight; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She will be missed very much. 

Valerie Lynn Lapicola passed away on Wednesday Sept. 17, 2003. She had fought a valiant battle to survive a major operation in 2002 and spent months in the Mayo Clinic. Her bravery against all odds was an unforgettable example of courage. She was born in Kenner Hospital on Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago, IL to parents Charles and Mae Lapicola (Lundquist). She moved with her family to an East Troy farm, 35 years ago. Valerie received her Masters degree in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin Madison, with honors. She was also a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the director of the Matheson Memorial library in Elkhorn for 36 years.

In her private life, she was a noted breeder of champion Welsh ponies, under the Asgard prefix, a director of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America and a popular Welsh Judge throughout North America. She had also judged Welsh in Wales. She enjoyed gardening, travel, books and knowledge. Her beautiful smile will be remembered by all who met her.

Survivors include her mother Mae, one sister, Deborah Lapicola both of East Troy and a brother, Charles (Sharon) of Rapid River, MI, cousins in Chicago, IL and Phelps, WI. She is preceded in death by her father Charles and sister Maureen.

Visitation will be Sunday Sept.21, 2003 from 4-8 pm at Legacy Funeral Services (2974 Main St., East Troy, WI). Funeral services will be Monday Sept. 22, 2003 at 10 am, with visitation from 9am until the time of service. All at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Submitted by Deborah Lapicola.

Youth

Mrs. Peterson reported at the October Board of Directors meeting that Miriam Williams and Lisa Landis have been working on updating the youth portion of the website. The possibility of offering a youth showmanship award was discussed. Mrs. Petersen read the wording of the award as follows: “The All Around High Scoring Youth Award – a national trophy to be given at the year end awards banquet of the Annual General Meeting of the WPCSA. This trophy will be purchased and donated by Misty Morn Farm. This award will be given to the junior exhibitor who accumulates the most points exhibiting during the course of the show year at any WPCSA sanctioned show. The exhibitor may show different ponies, cobs or half-Welsh. Of the pony or ponies entered and shown in performance, that pony or one of those ponies shown must be also shown in a breed class/showmanship class. A class placing sheet is available for you to track your winnings. They are required to be postmarked within 14 days after the last day of  the show.” Mrs. Lemon will track the points for the children and submit the top scoring children to the office for verification. Mrs. Petersen’s motion that this award be accepted was unanimously adopted.

2003 Convention in Seattle, WA. A record number of attendees showed up for a weekend of food, fun, judge’s clinic and awards banquets. The traditional Friday morning Open Forum was marked by lively debates over topics “near & dear” to many. The auction, held on Friday evening, raised a record amount thanks to all our generous donors, volunteer auction staff & bidders.

Saturday began with the Annual Meeting & then the luncheon Awards Banquet honoring our junior members. Following the luncheon was the WPCSA judge’s clinic focusing on cobs. Saturday evening wrapped up the convention with a buffet banquet & presentation of WPCSA Year End Awards for breeding & adult divisions.

Local Northwest members provided everyone with lovely mugs to take home and arranged for a Sunday presentation of local ponies & cobs.

Welsh Pony & Cob Foundation Memorial Fund

On May 4, 2002 the Foundation Trustees unanimously approve the establishment of the Maureen Lapicola Memorial Equine Research Fund. All donations will be used to fund equine research projects such as Cushings Disease, laminitis, etc. News of Maureen’s death prompted both members and the WPCSA board’s desire to do something to honor her devotion to the breed in a special way. If you would like to contribute to this memorial fund, please be sure to specify this when you send your donation to the national office. For information and further details contact our office at (540) 667-6195.  P.O. Box 2977, Winchester, VA 22604.

Licensed Officials Committee

At the October Board of Directors meeting the following items were decided by consensus: a) special category judges may breed 20 rather than 25 ponies and if they do not have any judging experience, they will need to learner judge at least one gold or silver show; b) guest cards may be issued to judges experienced with other organizations for silver or bronze shows; c) International judges from countries other than the UK or Canada should have a Welsh card in their own country.

WPCSA Board Of  Directors Meeting

Memphis, TN May 4, 2002. Although the board meeting date and location had been selected in late February 2002, the unanticipated loss of Maureen Lapicola as a member of the board was added to the original meeting agenda. In attendance at this meeting were all directors with the exception of Mrs. Abeles and Mr. L. Roberts. By a majority vote, Teresa Lemon, was selected to fill the remainder of Maureen Lapicola’s term as WPCSA director. Additionally, the WPC Foundation trustees unanimously approved the establishment of the Maureen Lapicola Equine Research Fund.

The WPCSA offers citations for outstanding achievement of Welsh or Half-Welsh ponies or cobs who have participated in some equine related activity but who have not been recognized for that accomplishment.

In 2001 Gold Citations were awarded to the following ponies:

GlanNant Secret B-25557 Owned by Stephanie Abronson

Mairlod Ffavor D-32653      Owned by Stephanie Abronson

Mairlod Croes Ffair H2959 Owned by Stephanie Abronson

Tylwyth Forest Song A-27614 Owned by Katharine Blackert

GlanNant Secret retired from active show ring work several years ago. She still is a hard working Welsh Pony. In her 26^th year, this is what she has accomplished attending events:

10/28/00 ADS Halloween Hustle Driving Show.

9/8/01 Pony Club Jumping clinic with Gabriela Castillo, Moorpark, CA.

7/7/01 Model for Los Angeles County Dept. of Animal Care & Control Equine Response Team Training for Equine First Aid.

4/28-29/01 Juan Bautista de Anza Pageant, rider Gabriela Castillo, Calabasas, CA.

4/14/01 Pony Club Egg Hunt, rider Gabriela Castillo, Monte Nido, CA.

From January thru November 2001 – Pony Club Lesson Mount for Gabriela Castillo.

Mairlod Ffavor & Mairlod Croes Ffair were honored with a Gold Citation for the year 2000. This hard working pair of Cobs have once again done an outstanding job of representing the Welsh breed throughout the year 2001.

10/20/01 Recreation & Equestrian Coalition Publicity Ride through Malibu Creek State Park to publicize the fate of the Santa Monica Mountains to the County Supervisors of Calabasas, CA.

10/18/01 Harry Whitney Training Clinic, Monte, Nido, CA.

9/22/01 “Acorn Festival” at Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, CA.

10/4-7/01 The California Classic Combined Driving Event at Shady Oaks, Lodi, CA.

7/28/01 Lee Smith Training Clinic, Rolling Hills Estates, CA.

7/4/01 Monte Nido July 4^th Parade, Monte Nido, CA.

6/29-7/1/01 Pegasus Event Center Combined Driving Event, Utah.

6/15-17/01 Trinity Driving Center Combined Driving Event, Hayfork, CA

5/27-28/01 Dressage Driving Clinic with Hardy Zantke, Moorpark, CA.

5/26/01 Driven Musical Kur with Cob Pair (believed to be a “first” for driven dressage, Moorpark, CA.

5/25-27/01 9^th Annual Driven Dressage Festival – in Preliminary/Intermediate classes.

5/5/01 Hardy Zantke Driving Clinic, Moorpark, CA.

4/28-29/01 Juan Bautista de Anza Pageant, Calabasas, CA.

4/20-22/01 Ram Tap Combined Driving Event, Fresno, CA.

The two Cob girls also won third in the Western States Pony Triple Challenge Championship sponsored by Zilco Advance Equine Products & Driving West Magazine…

And were the Cover Girls for Driving West Magazine issue Aug/Sept. 2001.

In the past year, Katharine Blackert and Tylwyth Forest Song have done a magnificent job of representing the Welsh breed through their involvement in the following events:

Participated in the East Bernard Christmas Parade as a “decorated vehicle unit” – Welsh Pony.

Earned a D-2 Rating for Katharine with the San Jacinto Pony Club. Katharine also earned a special award at the Dressage Rally, where their team took first place, attended Pony Camp together and participated in several mounted meetings.

Participated in the Bernard prairie 4-H and attended the Wharton County Youth Fair with Forest as the 4-H project.

Joined the Boots and Bridles 4-H mounted drill team.

Participated in the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association Christmas trail ride.

Gave a mounted demonstration to the East Bernard Elementary School, introducing many to Welsh and presenting basic horsemanship skills in both English and Western.

Gave pony rides at the East Bernard Elementary PTA Fall Festival.