2025 Western Canadian Pony Classic

For the first time since before Covid, our Welsh showing options opened up, and after six years of no breed shows, we suddenly had not one but two multi-judged Welsh shows.

Starting with the Western Canadian Pony Classic, this was the first show for all five of our ponies, and we were so proud of how well they handled every new experience. Photos are by Mara Tanney Photography.

Cadlanvalley Pirate grandkids topped the show with Supreme & Res. Supreme Welsh in excellent company, alternating with Samantha Eidsness' lovely Arnaby Ted E stallion.

Alvesta Fairy Lore, 2-year-old Welsh Section B filly: Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre by Cadlanvalley Pirate.

Alvesta Emrys, yearling Welsh Section B colt: Nerwyn Gwyn (A) x Alvesta Electra (B) by Cadlanvalley Pirate.

Fairy Lore was also Welsh Futurity Champion under Brian McClelland, who kindly remarked he hadn’t seen better.

We love this sweet girl—she’s a big filly who's growing (show vet measured 13hh) and on the lean side for the show ring, but so beautiful and well put together, and we're so happy with her bone.

Yearling Section B buckskin colt, Alvesta Emrys, competed in the Welsh, Sport Pony, and Dressage breed classes, under judges Shawn Bigley, Brian McClelland, and Astrid Hryciuk:

Welsh Res. Supreme Champion

Welsh Futurity Champion

Welsh Futurity Res. Champion

RAWF Champion of Champions Qualifier

Dressage Pony Cup - Youngstock Res. Gr. Ch.

Res. Grand Champion Sport Pony

He’s an exceptionally athletic pony, like every one from this cross: Audelia, Eira, and Dante.

Our handsome lad was such a champ throughout. This first show was very exciting for our yearling colt, but he took it in stride and behaved amazingly well—and, our favourite thing, he kept delivering his big trot in each class. Our boy loves to show off, like mom and dad.

Meanwhile, Emrys' older full brother, Alvesta Dante, won overall Grand Champion Dressage Suitability Champion! He was also first in his Sport Pony class under both judges. 2-year-old Section B gelding.

Dante was amazing at every step—clipping, washing, showing: he’s such a smart, responsive pony who will try anything for you if you ask him kindly. And what a mover! The judge remarked he won on his great movement. Show vet measured at just over 12.2hh.

Our yearling Welsh Mountain Pony filly, Alvesta Gwynfydol (Nerwyn Gwyn x Islyn Gwerthfawr by Islyn Andreas), was another little star. "Dolly" has always been such an easy pony, and she was a natural—did she ever trot out! This sweet little girl can put on a show, like her dad.

Both judges awarded her Grand Champion Section A, though unfortunately the A entries were low this year. Her maternal sister, Isadora, came in behind her for reserve. Dolly was also Res. Junior Champion Sport Pony under both judges.

Below, Nerwyn Gwyn offspring, Emrys (B) and Gwynfydol (A), compete in the championship class. Big thanks to Kristen Gordeyko, who stepped in when we needed an extra hand in the championship class!

And then came Mrs. Dirty Socks herself, Alvesta Isadora, 3-year-old Welsh Mountain Pony mare--and this is after two rounds of whitening shampoo, then chalked too! Nonetheless, she was double Res. Grand Champion Section A to her little sister, Gwynfydol, as well as Res. Champion Senior Sport Pony! The judge made it clear how hard it was to choose between the sisters and had us trot an extra time around the ring to decide.

Isadora, who is usually quite a relaxed girl, got full of pep for her class, and I could barely keep up to that trot. Can’t wait to trot out her babies from Nerwyn Gwyn!

Thank you to Karen and Dean Chorney and your team for putting on a great show! We were glad to support your inaugural event, as a participant and sponsor.