WELSH ponies and cobs will flock to Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday, June 17th next to compete in the Irish Association of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society’s All Welsh Medal Show.

This year’s committee have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of one of the largest breed specific shows in Ireland.

Grant funding provided by The Department of Rural and Community Development, under Minister Michael Ring, combined with the support of sponsors will make a huge difference to the running of this year’s show.

The committee have introduced a computerised entry system with Its Plain Sailing (cheaper for exhibitors to enter online), this system will also reduce the workload of the volunteers.

The show entries are instantly identifiable as being Welsh and there is also a section for part-breds and these can be very diverse from lead rein to horses. There is a class for ridden part-breds (riders of any age) and also a part-bred working hunter.

The IAWPCS has always recognised that a large amount of influence is made by the other part of the part-bred with the results being very diverse.

They are therefore given a completely separate overall championship and pure and part-bred are not judged against each other.

The five rings at Mullingar give a wonderful chance for ponies and leaders alike to show off their paces. It is also a showcase for the Irish breeders of these lovely ponies and an opportunity to get expert opinion from the highly qualified judges.

PACKED SCHEDULE

With more than 90 classes at this year’s show, the international judges will have a very busy day.

This year’s Overseas Medal judges have both officiated at Welsh shows in several European venues.

There will be a large variety of ponies and cobs on show including exhibits from youngstock to stallions and from lead rein to adult ridden classes – and also a new introduction this year of performance classes for Mountain and Moorland as well as part-bred Welsh ponies.

The Association also runs a Performance Award scheme whereby each pony gains points for every competition placing during the year.

Thanks to the new funding, this award scheme is now computerised with members keeping the points master up-to-date throughout the season.

Adding yet another innovation this year, committee member Daphne Scholts suggested the introduction of a new class for riders between five and nine years and ponies not exceeding 122cm – the Lead Rein Working Sports Pony, which was well received last year in the UK with the finals being held at Burghley Horse Trials.

Here in Ireland, there will also be an award for the best registered Welsh pony.

The organisers are extremely fortunate to have Jane Darragh to adjudicate and a very generous sponsor for this class.

Driving classes were introduced for the first time last year and these will be repeated.

Driving can be a very enjoyable family pursuit for the versatile Welsh pony and beneficial for keeping the smaller ponies in shape.

Last year, long-time Association supporter Frank Williams’ lovely roan Section B pony Muskerry Lucia was successful in both the Section B led class and in the Driving section.

Entries close on June 8th for this action-packed All Welsh Show.

Full details of the show can be found on the Association’s website www.iawpcs.com and also on their Facebook page.