THE Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland gathered in fine form for their Annual Awards Night, held on Saturday, October 26th, at the elegant Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, Co Kildare. A wonderful evening of camaraderie and celebration, the event honoured the achievements of breeders, riders and owners, whose dedication to the Welsh breeds shone brightly throughout the 2025 season.
Some 55 ponies and cobs were recognised across the various sections, each receiving beautifully crafted rosettes, courtesy of Lorraine Thompson, Killusty Crafts.
For the second consecutive year, the coveted title of Overall Pony of the Year was awarded to Whiteleaze Secret Temptation, the elegant part-bred owned and produced by Orla Whelton.
The ever-popular Section A title went to the delightful Pantycoad Mercutio, owned by Orla Whelton and ridden by her children Stephanie, Rebecca and Joe. Mercutio also triumphed in the Mini Ridden division, rounding off a remarkable season for the family.
Maeve Griffin at the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland Annual Awards at the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy \ John O'Carroll
The Mini Working Hunter award was deservedly claimed by Ballinacarrig Tyrion, ridden to success by Zara Butler. In the Youngstock Division, the charming Waitwith Summer Bea, owned by Josephine O’Driscoll, took the top honour, while Chanelle Stanford’s Ballinacarrig Amelia’s Dream was victorious in the In-Hand section. Other notable winners included Waitwith Fancyman (Combined Training, ridden by Maeve Griffin), Ffynnonbach Floyd (stallion, owned by Laurie Kearon), Barryroe Lighting Jack (Dressage, ridden by Charles and Holly Flood), and Clanmill Lady Louna (Show Jumping, ridden by Rohan Moloney).
In the Section B division, the handsome Mungret Boy, owned by Gillian Halpin and ridden by her daughter Harper, secured the Overall Section B title, along with victories in both Show Jumping and Mini Ridden.
Harper Halpin at the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland Annual Awards at the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy \ John O'Carroll
Goldengrove Maydream, partnered by Zoe Thompson, enjoyed a tremendous season, taking top spot in both Dressage and Ridden divisions. Tabita Mini Minx, ridden by Rohan Moloney, impressed once again to win the Mini Working Hunter, while Hilin Mahogany, owned by Clare Lynch, captured the In-Hand award. The Youngstock division went to Lambay Miss Dior, owned by Ann Grimes.
Carole Farnell’s Merryhill Lorenzo retained his Section C Championship, also securing the Youngstock accolade. The versatile Popsters Last Laugh topped both the Ridden and In-Hand divisions. Synod Artist, beautifully ridden by Amber Marnane, claimed the Working Hunter title.
Rohan Moloney at the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland Annual Awards at the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy \ John O'Carroll
Orla Whelton’s Rookery Fizz, dominated across multiple disciplines, collecting awards in Show Jumping, Side Saddle, Dressage, Combined Training, Mini Ridden and Mini Working Hunter.
In Section D, the majestic Menai Isac, owned by Susan Drum, was crowned Overall Section Champion, adding the In-Hand award to his accomplishments, while Southway Flying Comet, owned by Laura Pope, took the Show Jumping award.
The Overall Part-Bred Champion was once again the exceptional Whiteleaze Secret Temptation, also winner of the Mini Ridden division. Parcglas Maid of Honour, ridden with elegance by Alice Beth Shelley, took the Side Saddle crown, while her dam, Parcglas Maid in Splendour, claimed the Show Jumping award.
The talented Ahane Valiant, ridden by Charlotte Ferris, excelled in the Ridden section, while Rockbury Amelia, owned by Emily Purcell, topped the In-Hand division. The delightful Lambay I’m Amazing, owned by Ann Grimes, was awarded the Youngstock title.
See the full list of award winners in the results pages (99-101).