The following article was written by Steve for the 2010 WPCS Journal:

Since his tragic loss two years ago at the age of 22, and now prompted by the recent major success of one of his sons, I have only now been able to put pen to paper to record his obituary to my friend, show ring partner and horse of a lifetime, Tireve Tywysog Du.

He was conceived on the first occasion that I ever saw Nebo Prince, who had just arrived on our yard to be broken to harness as a three year old.  Our courageous driving mare, Pitchford Gaytime, then 21 years old, who had taken Hazel and I to our wedding, was in season and Tywysog was born the following spring.  Black, four white socks, star and snip, the “black prince” quickly developed into quite a character.

Seen early on by Mr Campbell Laurence from Canada, he asked for a fourteen day option to purchase him at a then very high figure.  Fortunately for us he came back to us on the 15^th day wanting him, but we has been very relieved that the option given had expired the previous day and he was never for sale again.

Always mischievous (no stable latch could not be opened by him and any wheel barrow not watched constantly would be overturned) he was always the courageous lion in the show ring and the perfect gentleman at home, safe with the smallest child.  He had great success in the show ring in hand and in harness, gaining nine South Wales premiums in Lampeter Stallion Show and earning immortality on “You’ve Been Framed” when shown bucking around the Royal Welsh main ring when a split crupper was pinching his tail at every move.

In all the years he never once let me down always giving a display of great fire with all round high stepping action, although he was very difficult to show, as the length of his stride in trot was impossible for any man to match for long, the most successful being our son, Robert, in his early twenties and Tywysog in his late teens.  His last show ring appearance was in Lampeter Show at 20 years of age when was once again proclaimed champion.

The worth of his genes are probably best described by mentioninga few of his descendents: his son, Ring Roger bred by Walter Van Kerchevan, Belgian National In Hand Champion at four years old; daughter Ddeusant Diamond, bred by Mr & Mrs Neville Thomas, Royal Welsh Ridden Champion 1999, John and Jane Attrel’s grand-daughter Llerta Chanel, Royal Welsh Driving Champion 1998 and his latest success, Tireve Midnight Express, HOYS Blue Chip Newcomers National Jumping Champion 2009.  His influence remains in the stud through his son, Dyrfal Tywysog Du, and his daughter, Tireve New Dawn and their daughter, this year’s “star” foal, Tireve Lili Ddu.

Tireve Tywysog Du

Photos below by A.Booth of Rainhill Welsh Cobs

Photos show Tireve Tywysog Du' s showing successes from yearling colt back in 1986 to 7 year old  stallion in 1992


The last six photos on this page, by kind permission of Anthony Booth of Rainhill Welsh Cobs.  Please visit his website to view more of his excellent work:  www.rainhillwelshcobs.com   (and please ask his permission before capturing any images)