The competition, started in 1997, is run under the rules and direction of the WPCS Judging and Showing Committee and holds an important place in the WPCS calendar.  Over the years the competition has proved to be a valuable training ground for future judges of the WPCS panel.

Aim:  The aim of the competition is to find annually the top Young Judge of the Welsh Breeds. It provides the opportunity for young people to develop their skills in terms of judging and also present their understanding of the judging process in an interview situation.

Eligibility: The competition is open to all young people aged between 10 and 25 years of age. Area Associations and Overseas Societies are invited to enter teams and/or individuals. Each team will comprise of 3 individuals. Entries are also invited from individuals who are not members of an area association, or whose association are not participating in the scheme. You do not have to be a current member of the WPCS to take part in the competition. All entries must be made on the appropriate entry form and returned to The WPCS Offices no later than 21^st July 2023. There is no entry fee for the competition.

Classification: The competition will be run in four age groups: 10 – 13 years, 14 – 17 years, 18 – 21 years and 22 – 25 years. The overall winner will be decided by the judges from the winners of the four groups.

Date, time and place: This year the competition will be held on the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. WR13 6NW on Saturday 5^th August with registration at 12:45pm ready for the competition to start at 1.00pm. Presentation of awards will be made later in the evening (approx 6.00pm). The National Welsh and Welsh Part- bred show will take place on the showground on the following day.

Assessors:   Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn (Larnleighs) and Lorraine Partridge (Rosedale) will assess the candidates.                                   

Scoring:        A maximum of 100 marks is awarded by the assessors as follows:

25 marks for candidate’s placing

40 marks for candidate’s accuracy and observation

25 marks for candidate’s comparative rather than descriptive description

10 marks for candidate’s interview presentation

Procedure: Competitors will judge an in-hand class of four Welsh Part Bred animals.  They will be required to assess the animals standing, in walk and in trot. They will place the animals in their preferred order on the score card provided.  The Assessors will judge the ponies at the same time as the competitors. A sheet with full details of the procedure is available and should be consulted.

Dress:  Competitors are required to dress in a way consistent with judging at a show and this includes the wearing of a hat or bowler.                                                                                             

Interview: Following the judging of the ponies each competitor will be interviewed individually by one of the judges in a drawn order; interviews will be conducted indoors.

Awards: Prizes including a certificate and rosette which will be awarded to competitors placed 1^st – 3^rd in each age group, in additional the highest placed WPCS junior member will also receive a rosette; additionally, the winner of each age group will receive a WPCS gold medal and prize. The Overall winner will receive the Young Judge of the Year Sash and Trophy. The Reserve Young Judge of the Year will also be presented with a sash. All competitors will receive a WPCS rosette. A special training bursary will be awarded to the Association gaining the highest average points score from their teams.  Special Awards for highest placed overseas candidates.

Acknowledgements   The Welsh Pony and Cob Society would like to thank the following for generously supporting to the competition:

Mr M Daley – Showing Cane Overall Champion Young Judge

South Yorkshire Rosette – Highest placed WPCS Junior Member

Welsh Pony & Cob Society – Section Winners WPCS Gold Medals

The WPCS Young Judges Committee & Helpers

Liz Henderson sculptures

Mrs Janice Parry in memory of her late husband Jeff Parry (Talponciau Stud) – Training Bursary Highest Placed Association Team

Mrs Lottie Stephens, Flydon Stud – Competitors Certificates

Llanarth Stud– Llanarth Trophy Overall Champion Young Judge

Communication   All communication in the first instance will be with Nicola Morgan, The Welsh Pony and Cob Society, Bronaeron, Felinfach, Lampeter. SA48 8AG.

Telephone Number: 01570 471754

Email: nicola.morgan@wpcs.uk.com

Young Judges Training Days

• Northern Racing College, Doncaster on 23rd April 2023 at approx. 12:30pm. With the kind permission of South Yorkshire Show. Free entry and no need to be a WPCS Member. Please register your interest with nicola.morgan@wpcs.uk.com
• Southern Counties WPCA, 9th July 2023, New Park, Brockenhurst (New Forest Showground)