THE Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Ireland held its 2024 Annual Awards Night at The Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, Co Kildare on October 27th. Orla Whelton’s beautiful part-bred Whiteleaze Secret Temptation claimed the Overall Pony of the Year title.

Tara Rocca’s Proclains Prince Charming was the overall Section A pony. Ridden by Enzo Rocca Houlihan he competed successfully in both ridden and working hunter classes throughout the season. Carole Farnell’s Toytown Tantrums N Tears took the youngstock division, with Zoe Shannon’s Forlan Honey Balboa winning the in-hand section.

The overall Section B title went to Zoe Shannon’s mare Tabita Mini Minx, partnered by five-year-old Rohan Moloney. Together they were victorious in many working hunter classes, claiming the Overall Mini Working Hunter title for the second consecutive year and also won the Overall Combined Training Section. Other Section Bs to come out on top in the overall titles were Carole Farnell’s Butleigh Letsby Avenue in the overall youngstock section, Claire Howard’s Tabita Leonardo overall show jumping award, Hilin Peter Pan owned by Clare Lynch won the overall in-hand title and Liz Frayling’s Barrera Penny Cascade was overall broodmare.

Carole Farnell’s Meeryhill Lorenzo claimed the overall Section C award.

The Section Ds went to Laura Pope’s versatile cob Southway Flying Comet, who competed in ridden, working hunter and in-hand classes this season. The Section D mare Newydd Lady Marmalade, owned by Louise Lyons and ridden by her daughter Nancy Lyons Teehan, won both the Overall Working Hunter and eventing titles.

The Part-Bred Section was led by Orla Whelton’s Whiteleaze Secret Temptation, who also claimed the overall mini ridden title, as well as being crowned Overall Pony of the Year. This beautiful little mare is ridden in both show pony classes and dressage competitions by Orla’s daughters Stephanie and Rebecca Fleming. Fiona Goor’s Barkway State Affair also had an incredible year, winning the overall ridden and overall dressage titles, partnered by Amber Lane.

A very enjoyable evening was had by all, with fantastic food, entertainment from magician Conor Breen and fabulous rosettes from Killusty Crafts.