THE Irish Association of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society held a Showing Clinic at Coilog Equestrian Centre. This was a new initiative with the aim of helping members, new and old, to realise the potential of their Welsh ponies and cobs.

The participants were very lucky indeed to have tuition from well known horse and pony producer, Wyn Morris, who has produced all types of ponies and horses for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal Welsh Show. He also trains point-to-pointers and still finds time to be a Master of Hounds in the off season!

The day started with two groups of diminutive lead rein combinations. Wyn Morris was very impressed by the standard of the ponies before him and complimented the riders too. Wyn gave the children and their leaders many tips on ring craft and showmanship which will definitely help once the showing season starts.

The art of keeping sufficient space between exhibits as well as ensuring not to annoy the judge by circling very close to him were discussed.

A first ridden group followed the lead reins. It was an ideal situation without the pressure of competition for the children to practice their showing skills under Wyn’s watchful eye. There was great interaction between participants and trainer and this was much appreciated by the parents.

During the course of the day, much laughter could be heard and there was plenty of that for the Hobby Horse Pas de deux – thanks to committee members Dawn Thomas and Mary Carter. The intrepid pair were well kitted out in amazing outfits including large curtain rings for earrings, leopard skin jodhpur boots, and flowing hair. The children were invited to join the hobby horse riders for a Safety at Shows session.

All shows affiliated to the Irish Shows Association are making a point of promoting safety sessions to ensure that their shows reduce risk of accidents. This session included paying attention to horse walkways and pedestrian areas, lining up safely with their ponies, wearing safe riding gear, and being considerate to fellow competitors.

Thalia Smithwick O’Brien, chairperson of IAWPCS, led the children giving them pointers of what was safe and dangerous but all with a wonderful sense of fun.

A new member brought her Irish-bred two-year-old Section A for an outing and to gain tips on how to achieve the best possible performance in the show ring. She was delighted with the help given by Wyn Morris and was looking forward to entering Welsh pony classes in the coming season.

After lunch in the Café at Coilog, Judy Maxwell from Bailey’s Horse Feeds gave a very informative talk on feeding ponies and had samples of products and very informative booklets. Members got the opportunity to talk to Judy afterwards about feeding requirements for their native ponies.

There was a quick session, What to Wear in the Ridden Welsh classes, with Paddy and Abi Byrne as very professional models.

The day concluded with a question and answer session where the audience were able to find out how to make the very best of the appearance of their pony for Welsh classes.

The committee were delighted to have been able to help members new and old with the training of their ponies and look forward to welcoming them to Raheen Na Gun Stud, Co Kilkenny, for their Annual Championship Show at the end of August.