A Cardigan teenager’s dream came true this week when she competed at Olympia – the prestigious London Horse Show. Writes Anwen Francis.
Riding the renowned Shetland Pony stallion Brynleyview Cammanche, Georgia James a Tivyside Pony Club member, was one of 40 competitors who took part in the Blue Chip Native British Pony Society Supreme Championships and returned to Wales with the Best of Breed title.
“It was a really great experience. I felt under pressure and I was a bit nervous about getting my show right, but I did it and I enjoyed it,” said 13 year old Georgia who had only sat on the pony for the third time before entering the ring.
The pony, known as Chee, owned by mother and daughter team of Anna Stevens and Lara Joslin from the Gower, is by the coloured stallion Womble of Crafton owned and bred by Judith Jackson of the Crafton Stud in Tanygroes.
“I was so excited to have been offered the ride on Chee. He’s really cheeky but a real good boy and I’m looking forward to competing him on behalf of his owners next season at some Royal International qualifiers,” added Georgia, who was only one point away from being in the top ten placings.
week at Olympia
Olympia also saw several ponies from the area competing. The winner of the strong class was awarded to a Section A – Uphill James Fox out of Trefaes Silver Saphire, bred by the Davies family of Trefaes Farm, Beulah.
A Section C stallion – Menai Thomas also qualified for the event and was bred by Peter and Ann Jones of the Menai Stud near Llandysul, two Section B ponies bred by the Davies Family of St Dogmaels saw Cadlanvalley Mr Bojangles and Cadlanvalley Sandpiper in the final with Sandpiper being awarded Best of Breed.
A Section D under saddle – Trehewyd Cardi was by Gwenllan Brynmor from the Gwenllan Stud near Newcastle Emlyn and Popsters Joe Black was sired by Joyton May Be Black bred by Sharon Charlton also of Newcastle Emlyn. Another Section C, Renvarg Robin Hood was by Synod Reason, bred by the Jones Family of Synod Inn.
