There’s no denying that the Welsh breed of ponies is one of the world’s most beautiful and the South Australian All Welsh Show at Strathalbyn had some of the best on display.
Victorian judge Paul Morath was pleased with what he saw from both event and competition perspectives.
“It was pleasure to judge at this show,” he said.
“The grounds were lovely and the competitors enthusiastic, coupled with a well organised show.”
Paul judged the junior handlers, Welsh hunters, show hunters and led and ridden show ponies.
“Junior handlers class numbers were fairly small however, all competitors showed their ponies to the best of their abilities,” he said.
“The best junior handler was Willow Hewat, who showed great potential for the future.”
The senior and junior led Welsh hunter classes were well supported with the Welsh D gelding Seawynd Redford selected as supreme champion.
“He is a true hunter type,” Paul said.
“My criticism of these classes is that even though they are all Welsh breeding some are not necessarily of hunter type and I did see a lot that were very light of bone.
“It was great to see that this show caters for most competitors. They have a part-bred show class and this give members who have show ponies that are not show hunters a section specifically for them.”
The supreme ridden part Welsh show pony or horse was awarded to Manorvale After Five, beautifully turned out and shown by the Fricker family.
In the ridden show hunters, the supreme was Sierra Farm Serendipity.
Ridden Welsh Hunter classes were well supported and Seawynd Redford showed he is just as handy under saddle, eventually taking out the supreme champion ridden Welsh hunter.
The overall supreme in hand on day one was the snow white Welsh section A mare Vanoca Park Snowlight shown by Ash and Scarlett Porter.
Reserve supreme to her was the recently imported Welsh Pony of Cob Type stallion, Bodynys Kaino (UK). The chestnut has settled in well at his new home, Taylah Lee’s Kiuna Stud.
“I first saw him in England in 2019 when he won at the All Welsh there,” Taylah said.
“I was finally able to bring him to Australia this year, and he is now out running with his mares, it will be great to see his foals.”
Kiara Schultz’ galloway Whistlejackets Candyland was judged as the Best Part Welsh in hand and Richdale Pantomime, owned by Judy Ritchie and shown by Taylah Lee, continued an already notable career for a youngster winning best Welsh youngstock.
Wendy Trimble’s Tooravale Concerto was supreme champion gelding.
To its credit, the Welsh Society runs young judge competitions and the winner at this show was Lucinda Hoppe.
See all the photos at The Regional.
View and purchase HORIZONS PHOTOGRAPHY images from this event
South Australian All Welsh Show 2023 results
This article appeared on The Regional on 22 November 2023.
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