I saw at least 112 Section D stallions in 2009, and have picked out the best of each for your enjoyment below. I love full action shots the best, particularly when the hock and knee create a symmetry as the animal powers forwards. But would you believe it some people don't think cobs should move like this! Bowing to the considerable knowledge and success in the ring that an esteemed breeder, exhibitor and judge
** suggested the other day, I have, where possible, shown the cobs in a stood up pose, and will probably get better at catching this as time goes on. I can see how it is useful to see the conformation more clearly, but what a waste of my best photos of the year! So, if like me, you like a bit of buzz about your cob pics, if you click on the one above, it will take you to a page of more extravagent cob action.
Big names for 2009 included
Fronarth Welsh Lion f.2001 (Ebbw Victor x Fronarth Welsh Model) who took the double at Lampeter and Glanusk, but was absent from the Royal Welsh. Royal Welsh Honours went to
Gwenllan Brynmor f. 1997 (Gwenllan Sam x Gwenllan Blodwen), pipped to the Prince of Wales, by his son Pennal Brynmor. Reserve stallion at the Royal Welsh was
Pentrepiod Welsh Flyer with the junior class winner being
Danaway Harry who also won the novice class at Glanusk earlier in the year.
Ciffig Cymro Du returned to the top in the Driving Class with
Menai Martino winning the Welsh Stallion under saddle class.
Obviously I loved the Royal Welsh despite the rain and mud, but one of my favourite days out last year was the Bronze Medal show at Ebbw Vale where I was really impressed with
Tregare Cymro (pictured above) f.2002 (Brynmelys Enchanter x Tregare Catrin). I also enjoyed seeing
Blaencanaid Ambassador at his breeder and owner's stud near Merthyr Tydfil. Foaled in 1993 by Nebo Brenin and out of a Hafrena Brenin mare, with the granddam being by Rhystyd Prince, I am quite amazed that this old boy isn't busier than he is and at a mere 16 last year he is a mere whippersnapper compared to
Pennal Calon Lan who was 21 last year, as was
Duc d'Huttegem Welsh Flyer who has now returned overseas with the oldest stallion below being
Horeb Euros, who was 24 in 2009. As usual there was a fantastic display at Aberaeron with some exceptional animals coming out to show off to an admiring public. Sadly 2009 would be the last time we got to enjoy
Blaengwen Brenin who has since passed away. It felt like a real privilege to say hello to him in his stable when I was last over that way back in the autumn.
As I picked through the photos over the last couple of weeks, I leapt straight from "Lampeter" to "Royal Welsh Driving" and the difference in condition and fitness was striking. I would urge anyone new to the world of cobs and showing to be aware that whilst not a single animal below is underweight,
some of the animals below are carrying too much weight and it would be dangerous to try and replicate the same level of "covering" on your own pride and joys. Every year many animals usefulness and even lives are cut short by inappropriate feeding to say nothing of the pain that many will endure either now or later as a result of this excess food / weight. Please be careful.
** A's and B's seeing as you ask!
Copyright all photos: Mili Peel
