A Missionary in Belgium

I had a lovely unexpected surprise on Wednesday when Kris Annaerts and Sabrina Proost from Belgium turned up on my doorstep.  It transpired that about ten years ago Kris had bought Cwrtycadno Cenhadwr, a young colt that I had sold to Holland and subsequently lost track of.  Quite a timely re-discovery as he is a full brother to my 2013 Royal Welsh Champion Cwrtycadno Perlen (see previous post) and the first foal by Cwrtycadno Cymro.  He was called Cenhadwr (the Welsh for missionary) as we had just moved into our present home Ffrwdfal House which had previously been set up as a religious retreat for returning missionaries, and the colt was one of the first ponies I exported to the continent.
 At the time he was born he was a great disappointment as I was eagerly hoping for a filly foal, but had to wait another two years!  However he has landed on his feet, or should I say hooves, leading a fulfilling life as a marathon driving pony.  Kris and Sabrina gave me lots of photos and video clips of him in action.  Here he is in his role as lead pony in a tandem.....

 

.............and in action at Hatrival ...........

 





February Fun in the Snow

(This post was published late!) Snow has been falling all around and Dyfi our sheep dog has been bounding everywhere in seventh heaven. However it has meant more work for me trundling wheelbarrows of hay out to the field in front of the house for welsh pony stallion Cwrtycadno Cymro and his two mares. Thankfully I don't need to worry about the ponies down by the river as they have two big bales to keep them happy.
















I am only left with the little Welsh filly foal now, as friend Sarah Ollis has bought and collected Cwrtycadno Pahang - a lovely big bay colt by Welsh cob Maesmynach Flyer out of my endurance arab Silver Sea Gem. He is destined to follow in the hoofprints of Cwrtycadno Zeus, another part-bred Sarah bought from me a few years ago. Zeus has had a very successful endurance career, and last year was winner of the Cairo award for the best part-bred arab in EnduranceGB's annual awards. after his half brother Cwrtycadno Keltic Star the year before. So Pahang has a big act to follow!

Arrangements for the ride have been progressing well thanks to Irish lawyer David McNeill who has helped to negotiate an agreement with the Chinese Equestrian Association. And the British Equestrian Federation have agreed to help out with contacts in the countries we pass through as well as publicising the ride on their website.

However we are still desperately looking for some financial sponsorship to help cover the costs of running the China section. Any suggestions gratefully received!