The passing of Billy Collins of the Penual stud sees the loss of yet another Society stalwart. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man held in high regard by the world of the Welsh Mountain Pony.

A breeder and a WPCS panel judge, Billy joined the Society in 1964 and was a fan of the Revel ponies, perhaps his greatest successes’ stemming from the Royal Welsh Champion mare Revel Jewel. Through her daughter Revel Jessika, he bred the much-admired Penual Jewel who was overall Champion at the Three Counties show in the late nineties.

However, it is through the Revel Jewel son, Revel Jeeves that he owned between 1973 and 1984 that he would influence the breed. A young chestnut colt that he and his wife Marj bred, Penual Mark, would go on to have a huge influence at studs such as Springbourne, Blanche, Rookery, Cledwyn, Friars, Rosmarche, Criccieth, Tiffwyl and Plasderw. Jeeves also sired Pendock Legend another of great influence across many studs.

The Society and the breed have lost a true enthusiast, passionate for the ponies and the pedigrees. It is only fitting that Billy has passed his prefix on to Rhys Freeman whose Penual Savanna carries on Billy’s lines and was Champion at the RWAS Autumn Equine event – quite a feat for a yearling filly.

The Society extends its sympathy to Marj; his daughters Julie and Janice, family and friends.

Photograph – a young Penual Mark with Billy Collins