Sun shines on Llanelwedd for show

A fantastic, fun-filled couple of days has been enjoyed by thousands at the Royal Welsh Smallholding and Countryside Festival in Llanelwedd last weekend - and here are the top equestrian results:

The two-day event was a celebration of rural life, showcasing the real diversity of the Welsh countryside, and proved to be a great day out for young families, smallholders, and anyone with a love for the great outdoors.

This year several new equine classes were added, the main being the Rising Star qualifiers for the 2023 London International Horse Show. The Society also launched brand new Home-Produced classes with the help of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS). These classes proved to be a family favourite with only family members able to participate.
 
For many, the Festival is an introduction to the showing world, and a first step up the ladder to exhibiting at larger events. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the more traditional, rare, and native breeds and for the public to appreciate all the various breeds from across the UK.
 
Geraint James, the Honorary Festival Director said: “We have had a fantastic few days at the Smallholding and Countryside Festival, everyone was excited to be back in Llanelwedd to kick-start the show season. The Festival was the first event after the post-Covid uncertainty of last year, so it was great to see it back in full swing, with visitors feeling confident to attend events once again.
 
”We were blessed with excellent weather throughout the weekend, which contributed to the positive, feel-good atmosphere around the Showground.”
  
Looking ahead to the future, RWAS Chief Executive, Aled Rhys Jones said: “What an incredible couple of days we’ve had here at the Smallholding and Countryside Festival. The weather has been glorious, the atmosphere has been fantastic. A huge amount of people, families from across Wales and beyond have come here to enjoy the animals, the food, and the entertainment. It’s been a cracking weekend here at the showground. But now it’s time to look forward, the countdown begins…just nine weeks until The Royal Welsh Show!”

The top equestrian results from the weekend:
  
Veteran Horse Society Area Qualifier 2023
S. 1012       In-hand Championship
Champion -     Holly Harford (5080)  
 
S. 1017            Ridden Championship
Champion -     Wendy Harries (5095)
 
CHAPS Welsh Regional Show
S.1023 In-Hand Championship
Champion – Michelle Picford (5126)
 
S.1033 Ridden Championship
Champion -     Sophia Chambers (5144)
 
S.1034 Armature/ Home-produced Ridden/In-Hand Supreme In-Hand Championship
Champion -     Michelle Picford (5126)
 
Ridden and Novice Section – Ponies
 
S. 1045           Championship
Champion -     Emma Edwards with Stoak Teleri
Reserve -        Chloe Parker with Whalley Red Kite
 
Heavy Horses/Shires & Foreign/World/Rare Breeds
 
S. 1050 Championship
Champion – Siedi Shires with Milnerfield Jack
Reserve – Alexandra Mason with Jacktons Fanta
 
Traditional Gypsy Cobs
 
S.1054 Championship – Quest for a Star (Traditional)
Champion -     Allana Green (5246)
 
S.1058 Championship – Go for Glory (Part Bred)
Champion -     Allana Green (5251)
 
British Miniature Horse Society
 
S. 1065            Championship
Champion -     Joanna Davies with Ribbons Grafftit Smoking Legacy
Reserve -        Charlotte Leonard with Scotts Easter Boy
 
Welsh A,B,C,D and Welsh Part Breds
 
S. 1074            Section A Championship
Champion -     Peter Jones (5270)
 
S. 1083            Section B Championship
Champion -     Susan Harries (5309)
 
S. 1092            Section C Championship
Champion -     R. J Davies (5335)
             
S. 1107            Section Welsh Part Breds Championship
Champion -     Eirian Wyn Williams (5379)
 
Welsh Specials
S. 1108            Overall Welsh In-Hand Championship
Champion -     Peter Jones (5270)
 
Shetlands
 
S. 1118            Championship
Champion -     Anna Stevens with Toby of Catchpool
Reserve -        Dawn Hawker with Hawkerbays Empress
 
Working Hunters
 
S. 1129            Junior Championship
Champion -     Laura Rutter with Crossfoot Pippin
Reserve -        Hayley Smith with Apache Blue Eye
 
S. 1130            Senior Championship
Champion -     Grace Hampton with Rock Heart
Reserve -        Jessica Noonan with Fronarth Gustav
  
Irish Draughts
 
S. 1154            In-Hand Championship
Champion -     Allana Green with Greenview Sheer Imagination
Reserve -        Happy Hounds & horses with Nos Da Cariad
 
S. 1157            Ridden Championship
Champion -     Lynsday John with Ainninn Gealach
Reserve -        Ceri Simpson with Happenchance Grey Diamond
 
Mountain & Moorland
 
S. 1162            Championship (Excluding Welsh Breeds and Shetlands)
Champion -     Lucinda Dargavel with Strathmore Majestic
Reserve -        Dafydd Thomas with Simones Firecracker
 
Open Intermediate Championship
 
S. 1165 Championship
Champion -     Megan Williams (5647)
 
Retrained Racehorse Championship
 
S. 1168 Retrained Racehorse Championship
Champion -     Jayne Brace with Royal Craftsman
Reserve -        Alice Rees with Sawago
 
Arabs
 
S. 1171 Ridden Championship
Champion (and Reserve) -     Lauren Cooper with BA Aniswa
S.1176 In-Hand Championship
Champion – Rhordi Jones with Eliana
Reserve – Rhodri Jones with Song of Nyla
 
Side Saddle
 
S. 1182 Side Saddle Championship
Champion -    Charlotte Rees with Tooreeny Lad
Reserve -        Rachael Forkings with Otto Watto
 
Donkey Breed Society
 
S. 1195 Donkey Championship
Champion -     Hazel James with Freystrop Lily May
Reserve -        Hazel James with Freystrop Crystablelle
S. 1196 Best Local Donkey
Champion -     Sarah Hodges with Jack
 
Equine Supreme Championship
 
S. 2000 Championship
Champion -    Ribert Scrine with Cumano Cassini
Reserve -        Allana Green with Greenview Sheer Imagination