At  the Royal Cheshire County Show a Welsh Section B mare on her debut as a brood mare took the Price Family In Hand Championship qualifier to become the first of the Welsh Breeds to qualify.

The homebred six-year-old roan Llanarth Harmony IRM498 was returning to the show having won there as a yearling and taking the reserve Champion spot. This year she went one better to win the Society Silver Medal under judge Tracy Landon of the Linksbury stud.

By the Dutch bred Breeton Dai a son of Eyarth Rio himself a previous Cuddy qualifier, she is out of Stockham Melody from Horsegate bloodlines.

Interestingly there is a strong family connection as Catryn’s late father Len produced three of this mare’s forefathers Cottrell Artiste, Twyford Signal and Carolinas Purple Emperor, the latter two both HOYS in hand qualifiers in their own right when produced from Llanarth.

Going on to take the Price Family qualifier under Mrs Janice Parry, against all breeds, crowned a special day.

Catryn said “she actually is mine, a last birthday gift from Dad & Mum. It was a truly family affair in getting her ready, Mum helping me handle the foal, nieces Evie & Millie helping groom and muck her out, with brother Si helping me show her. A fortnight ago I wasn’t sure she was ready, but she blossomed just in time! We are delighted to be representing the Welsh Breeds at the final and hope to do them proud. It was an amazing day and Harmony was just on song (!) from start to finish despite the ferocious heat”.

Taking the reserve spot was the Welsh Cob Barren mare – Haighmoor Gemma WM168033 by Menai Sparkling Imperial out of past Cuddy qualifier Haighmoor Glain; bred and owned by Julie Evans. She took the tricolour in her section under judge Mrs Phillipa Owens from the Cascob stud, and was shown for Julie by Ceri Ann Bennett.

The Society would like to congratulate Llanarth Harmony and Haighmoor Gemma and all their connections on this achievement.

Photo credit: Equinepix