THE Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland host their annual show at Kilbride Equestrian Centre on May 26th.

Classes in Ring One are for members and ponies will compete for a coveted Welsh Overseas Medal in each section. Ponies in the Ridden Welsh classes compete for Irish gold and silver medals.

The classes in Rings Two, Three and Four are affiliated to the Irish Pony Society and are open to all.

The society is looking forward to a great day and welcome everyone to the show. Further information, full schedule and entries available at www.irishwpcs.com

Welsh ponies have been bred in Ireland for many years. The Irish Association of the Welsh pony and Cob Society was formed in the 1980s and was initially a group of enthusiasts, who got together to arrange a few Welsh Classes at shows throughout the country, North and South, and a grand finale that was held at the IPS Championship Show that was in those days held in the RDS. This has evolved and progressed to the situation now, where there is a Northern Ireland Association of the WPCS and a WPCS of Ireland.

Since Brexit prevented Welsh Pure and part bred Ponies being registered in the UK if born in the EU, The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland have worked with Leisure Horse Ireland to formulate a DAFM approved Studbook to issue passports for Welsh breeds. This is a Daughter Society and is approved and recognised by the WPCS.

They run an Annual Points Awards in the Autumn for members, which covers every Equestrian discipline and keep records of ponies’ performances.