Team Welsh Win Telus Battle of the Breeds
Team Welsh Pony and Cob celebrated a great win in the Battle of the Breeds at the Spruce Meadow’s Masters in early September. Competition over three days involved compulsory skills (ridden or driven), a precision driving cones course, trail, barrel racing and jeopardy jumping. The four team members: Celia Allpress from Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, Lei Broadstone from Medical Lake, Washington State, Tammie Blewett from Surrey, B.C. and Lee McLean from Highriver, Alberta, each competed in two disciplines against twelve other breeds including Appaloosa, Arab, Quarter Horse, Paints, Morgan, Warmblood, Shetland, Mule and Thoroughbred. This is the third time Team Welsh have competed for this title, having place 10th and 9th in the previous years, so this team deserves full credit for demonstrating the diversity of the Welsh breed. Tammie driving Young’s Expensive Hobby and Lee driving Stimson’s Highland Piper, both competed in compulsory skills and precision driving. Tammie secured one of the highest scores in compulsory skills demonstrating accuracy and obedience. Lee’s skillful driving marked one of the fastest times in precision driving and as a result Tammie and Lee placed third in both phases giving us a solid foundation which had Team Welsh in a three way tie with the Saddlebred and Morgan teams after the first day Barrel racing is definitely a crowd pleaser and Celia on Vista Avalon (Avey) had the third fastest time behind the Quarter Horses and Paints. Combined with Lei’s round on her bay section D gelding Gallod Syr Gwynfor (Fory), the Welsh placed fourth in barrels . In cumulative points, this put Team Welsh in the lead going into the final day of competition.

As the battle unfolded, the weather deteriorated but our spirits prevailed. On the last day of competition, rain, wind and cold temperatures, made trail and jumping extremely challenging. The Nations Cup in the International Ring was cancelled because the footing and conditions we considered too dangerous – a first in Spruce Meadows history. In trail Lei accumulated a very high score in addition to a 100 point bonus by taking the telus obstacle, and with Celia’s round our combined score was sixth in trail leaving the Welsh second overall to the Quarter Horse Team with just the jumping to go. A strong score for team Welsh in the jumping and beating the Quarter Horse Team could still win the Battle.

Celia managed a clear round in jeopardy jumping; despite being numb with cold, Avey was willing and dedicated. Lei had a superb round and Fory cleared the phone fence for an additional 100 points to place us second in the jumping to the Thoroughbreds. In the overall standings team Welsh prevailed with 32 points, with the Quarter Horse team in second place with 29 points and the Morgans in third place with 27 points.

The ponies all showed their individual talent and demonstrated the diversity of the Welsh Breed. Consistency and great camaraderie made our team successful and it was very gratifying for the Welsh and Cob Team to finally win the Battle of the Breeds.

By Celia Allpress -Chair Team Welsh and Cob

Welsh Dominate ASPR Inspection
On October 8, 2005, the American Sportpony Registry inspectors arrived at Devonwood Equestrian facility in Sherwood, Oregon, their third year of visits to conduct inspections. Devonwood is situated on a manicured hillside of five outdoor arenas, forest, vistas of Mt. Hood, over a hundred portable stalls for events, and the main barn at the top of the hill with two indoor areas. The Loading/Unloading area is beneath a drive-through portico of rubber pavers, so horses don’t slip. To say it’s gorgeous is an understatement. Kudos to Marla Eden for her gracious hostessing and thorough planning of this growing event.

Horses and ponies are presented to the judges for evaluation and scoring into the ASPR or the American Warmblood Registry, AWR. This year, guest judge Henriette van Oers of the Netherlands, and Sonja Lowenfish of the USA ASPR Registry teamed up to adjudicate. Animals are presented singly in hand, set up and shown at the walk. Once inside the arena, equines are walked and trotted on a triangle. All horses, ponies, and foals are turned loose to move at liberty at the trot and canter, and geldings, unbred mares, and stallions are freejumped. This year 15 horses and ponies came forward to be inspected, eight purebred Welsh, two half-Welsh, and one partbred.

Once inspections are complete, performance tests are conducted. Stallions return individually for critique and awards following the mares, geldings, and foals. The registry ‘grades’ animals by category: scores of 8.0 and above are Premier [only 2% of all animals presented qualify for this top classification], scores between 7.0 and 7.9 are rated as First Premium, and Second Premium animals score between 6.0 to 6.9. Remembering that the ideal sport pony is a ‘type’ not a breed, this description, from the ASPR website, partly defines the desired type: “An American Sportpony is a pony in the general range of 13.2-14.2 h that looks and moves like a small horse, capable of competing in the Olympic disciplines of Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing, as well as in Driving.” Of course not all animals presented for inspection fall into the ‘ideal’ size and performance capabilities. The feedback from the inspection helps guide breeders towards producing the ideal American Sportpony. Presenting purebred or partbred Welsh is already “OUR” ideal American pony, wouldn’t you say? Needless to say, the Welsh do very well.

Five major criteria determine the score: Type, Frame, Conformation, Movement, and Overall Impression. The written report, which is mailed later, is extremely detailed. The results of the inspection yielded nine Welsh or part-Welsh animals being rated First Premium. The Site Champion was German Sportpony, Navigator, owned by Marla Eden. “Nick” as he is called, earned high praises and a 7.8 rating. Marla’s filly, No Doubt, by Navigation and out of Pajon’s Royal Tartan was First Premium approved. Winterlake Portia, one of three foals by North Forks Cardi, was the Site Reserve Champion, with a 7.7 rating. The other two foals were Canterbrook Brenin Jude, owned by Kerry Blomgren, and out of Welsh Cob mare Dominick Comets Flaming Beauty. The third Cardi foal to be First Premium rated was Armani, out of a TB mare, and owned by Jessica Wisdom. It’s important to note that once ‘Approved and Licensed’ a stallion has three years to complete a performance test and to present at least 10 progeny for inspection that would earn at least First Premium ratings. Heidi Juza brought her two Section B mares, Roda Gold Rose and Evan’s Infinite Sadness, both of which were rated First Premium. Filly CF Dancing in Lace, a part-Welsh owned by Jaqueline Delgado brought her filly, CF Dancing in Lace, who was also First Premium. Lastly but certainly not least, the horse that caused cameras to go off from all directions, and was also First Premium approved, North Forks Black Earl. Earl looked spectacular and was ably shown by Jessica Wisdom, as the proud Mahoney family looked on. It was a fun and grand venue for all who attended.

- Submitted by By Cindy Miller

NW Cobs Make Us All Proud! October 1-3, 2004,
By Owner, Cindy Miller
North Forks Brenin Cardi surprised everyone except his rider/trainer, when he swept two of the three days of Training Level dressage competition at the Region 6 Championship show held October 1-3, 2004, at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington. Dubbed 'The Pony Who Could' by Welsh enthusiast/breeder Ginger Mack, Cardi showed the open field of qualified horses that size doesn't matter, when it comes to performing an exemplary dressage test. Ridden by trainer, and now part-owner, Jessica Wisdom of Equi-Librium Equestrian, Jessica had faith from the beginning of the season, that Cardi would do well. However, being the smallest competitor in large classes of even larger horses, it was somewhat of a surprise for Cardi to prevail on two of the three days of competition, to trot, halt, canter, and walk his way to two wins. His classes ranged from 9 to 14 competitors, and the breeds included Swedish WB, Dutch WB, TB, Oldenburg, Friesian, Hanoverian, Irish Draught, Quarter Horse, Lippizzan, and Arabian. His best score was a 9 [out of a perfect 10] for his extended walk. The Friday Dressage competition was Open [Cardi won with a 72.5% average]; Saturday's performances determined the NW Champion [he was 4th place with a 70%], and Sunday's tests, resulted in the USDF Region 6 Champion [he WAS the CHAMPION with a 67.7%]. Each test was double judged and scores were averaged.

The show season began in February, when Jessica first met unbroken Cardi; within 10 days, she was on his back. Within 30 days, she was walking, trotting, and cantering on a loose rein. Home to Oregon to attend the NW Expo and breed mares in March, Cardi did not return to Jessica in Spanaway, until early April. From then until early September, they trained together and competed in three USDF-approved shows. Qualifying for the Regional Championship show requires a 65% or better score, for Open or Professional riders.

In addition to showing in dressage, the NW Sporthorse Breeder's Association also offers classes at many of the dressage shows. In addition to ending his season so successfully under saddle, Cardi was also named the Hunter Champion by the NW Sporthorse Breeder's Assoc. and was in the top five for Open classes, all breeds, 3-year old Geldings/Stallions. These are in-hand classes.

It is also noteworthy that Cardi's half-brother, North Forks Lord Persie, ridden by Amateur Adult Rachel Kim Herrick, also made their mark this year. By competing and qualifying in three USDF-approved shows with a minimum of 62% at Training Level, Rachel and Persie qualified for the Oregon Dressage Championship Show . Their best scores of the season came at the Championship show at Devonwood. Overall, they were fifth in the state going against all breeds of Adult Amateur riders.

The Welsh can compete-and win-in open shows. Try it; you'll really like it!!

I had really, really wanted to go to California for the Welsh Show at the Mother Lode in Plymouth but alas, work commitments didn’t allow for a 13 hour (one way!) trip and a five day weekend. Bummer. When I got word of an Arena Driving Trial an hour away from home on the same weekend, I eagerly jumped at the chance to drive one more time before calling it a season. Knowing that several other Welsh pony and cob drivers were also attending only made the anticipation more exciting. September 13th dawned clear and mild, following a week of rain that softened the ground and buoyed the spirits of ponies and people after a series of days of 90+ degrees heat. The Arena Driving Trial, was hosted by Brandy Creek and judged by the stellar driver and instructor, Muffie Seaton. The 19 drivers fell into three categories: Advanced Drivers, Novice Horse and Novice Pony. The Welsh were well represented in Advanced by JoJo Petro, owner of Brandy Creek Farm, and sponsor of the trials. JoJo drives Winterlake Barclay (Sec. D Brenarian Black Magic x Sec. A Kelvin’s HooDoo) , a handsome Sec. C cob gelding with magnificent movement. “Bart” was bred by AWE member, Cindy Miller and started by Lei Broadstone. JoJo has campaigned Barclay at many of the top driving venues up and down the West Coast to much success. It was a great treat to watch her drive. The teamwork was evident between driver and cob and their extended trot the full length of the dressage arena literally gave me goose bumps! What a sight! It came as no surprise when they claimed the 1st prize in Advanced. Second place was also a Welsh Cob -- Gerry Pearson’s Sec. C Flying Comet Surenuf. Gerry is a smooth, even driver and made up a lot of ground in the cones and hazards to grab 2nd place. Gerry and “Comet” have competed very successfully this past summer at OWPS, the NWWC and the OWPS Fall Show where they were the Pleasure Driving Champions.
The Novice Pony Division was heavy with Welsh talent. Cindy Miller drove her pretty Sec. C cob mare, *Gellihaf Sapphire to her new gig. Miller has done all the training on this talented mare who made her driving debut at EEWPS in July. What progress they have made! Sapphire showed a ready, enthusiastic demeanor throughout the entire day’s activities and Cindy demonstrated her steady hand and keen memory for courses that had them firmly in 2nd place after the Dressage Test.
Mary Harting made her debut in the world of combined driving with her lovely bay Sec. D cob mare Rivendell No Rush (Nori). Mary had her grandson and daughter as her helpers, navigators, cheering section. What a happy, enthusiastic group. Mary got the best laugh of the day as she was waiting for her dressage test: “Nora isn’t a very brave pony and I’m not a very brave driver. Sometimes I think ONE of us needs to be more courageous.” Watching them drive one would never suspect such insecurities. They showed much daring as they mastered their first series of courses and successfully avoided the Big E (elimination!).
I was driving my trusty Sec. A, Lochinvar Patience who at 11.3 ½ hh was the smallest of the ponies in the Novice Division. We…well actually The Driver (me)…had a huge brain fade during the Dressage test and veered strangely towards the middle of the ring (I was thinking we had a short diagonal) only to have the correct course flash across my mind in time to veer wildly back to the rail. I grinned at the judge as I went by and found her laughing and shaking her head. The score of 4 of 10 on that maneuver didn’t help us much but we still found ourselves a distant 3rd after Dressage behind a nice Hackney who was a well deserved first.
The cones course was open but the grass was slick and the time allowance very tight. We drove it fast and clean. Cindy had one knockdown and one point in time. The Hackney also had a ball down. After cones we were only a half point behind Cindy and Sapphire and 7 points behind Team Hackney.
Hazards were a series of box jumps at one end and tall PVC pipes set into concrete in buckets at the other. Each series had to be negotiated twice. Hackney and driver did well but went wide through one set of gates, Patience and I (with husband Del as navigator) kept our concentration and were concise and clean, Cindy followed me. Sapphire’s big ground covering trot was definitely to her advantage and the mare listens to Cindy’s every word. A tiny miscalculation and knockdown on one corner cost them some time penalties. Team Patience won the Hazards by 3 seconds, Team Hackney was 2nd and Team Sapphire 3rd.
Final results came in: First prize (and a bag of BLUE jelly beans) was to the Hackney. Second was Lochinvar Patience (and the bag of Cherry RED jelly beans). Cindy and Sapphire were third (Lemon yellow) and Mary Hartung with Nori was 4th. It was great fun with lots of camaraderie, a relaxed atmosphere, and a wonderful venue for showcasing the talents of our talented Welsh.

Lochinvar Patience & Pat Cochran