2025 Wild Rose Welsh Show

Our second show of the year, The Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show, has become a key event for Welsh in the west, as one of only a handful of long-time breed shows; it offers three judges over three days. Since Covid put it on pause, 2025 was the show's resurrection year, reformed this year with a committee. Thanks to Inside the Apple for capturing so many moments throughout the weekend.

The highlight of the show was seeing Sedona again, competing with his girl, Ayla. What a team they've become!

Sedona won the High Point Welsh Award, going Grand Champion Welsh Gelding then successfully competing in the English, Western, Hunter, and fun classes; they were so much fun to watch. Meanwhile, Ayla won the Kasandra Snyder Memorial Junior Sportsmanship Award and High Point 12 & Under Exhibitor!

9-year-old Welsh Section B gelding, Alvesta Sedona: Llanarth Tarquin x Alvesta Fairy Lustre by Cadlanvalley Pirate. He is full brother to our retained broodmare, Alvesta Silver Lustre.

Meanwhile, it was the first show for our leggy yearling Section B filly, Alvesta Calypso (Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Caelia by Alvesta Helios), and she won Junior Champion Welsh, 1st Model Hunter 2 & Under, and 2nd Sport Pony Foal & Yearling! Very happy to see good entries in the Welsh classes and, as usual, huge entries in Model Hunter and Sport.

Shout out to our wonderful friend and client, Wendy Williams, who is seen behind Calypso, showing another of our ponies, stepping in when needed once again.

Then, Welsh Youngstock Champion & Res. Youngstock Champion (two judges), alongside Res. Grand Champion Section A went to our yearling filly, Alvesta Gwynfydol (Nerwyn Gwyn x Islyn Gwerthfawr by Islyn Andreas)! Having already gone to the Western Classic, the ring was old hat by show two; "Dolly" is a smart cookie.

We’re so grateful for this special girl, having let go of her stunning full sister, Alvesta Islyna, now in Ontario with Jen Robertson. This year, Islyna had an outstanding Section C filly, Ffrewyn Short Storey, who is one to watch.

We also brought out Gwynfydol's maternal sister: 3-year-old Welsh Mountain Pony mare, Alvesta Isadora (Delami Red Legend x Islyn Gwerthfawr by Islyn Andreas), shown below winning 1st and 2nd in her huge Liberty class. She also won 2nd in her Welsh class and 1st Sport Pony! We sure like this sensible, big-moving mare.

While Isadora's dam was imported to be used with Nerwyn Gwyn, one year, she was crossed with Legend with the hope of creating another mare for our old boy—and we were fortunate enough to get our beautiful Isadora. As our Section A herd is increasingly Gwyn daughters and granddaughters, this mare is one of the few As we've produced in recent years with no relation to him. We are very excited to see what they'll produce; it's sure to be a mover.

Throughout his three-day weekend, Emrys never lost his luster, despite being seen ringside for hours, watching the show with Grandpa John. He handled it so well, especially for a yearling colt.

After winning double Junior Champion Welsh, Emrys went overall Welsh Youngstock Champion under judge Heather Black, Junior Champion in the very competitive Sport Pony division, and double 2nd Model Hunter 2 & Under, another big class, won by relatives, full brother Dante and Calypso.

Yearling Welsh Section B colt, Alvesta Emrys: Nerwyn Gwyn x Alvesta Electra by Cadlanvalley Pirate. We have also retained full sister, Eira (another buckskin, though gone grey). This cross was made for movement, and boy, did they deliver.

Emrys' full brother, Dante, didn’t show off his movement as much in his second show's halter classes, but he made up for it in his massive Liberty class, which he won! It was fun to hear the crowd whooping and cheering as he showed off—what a star this guy is. Congratulations to his owner, Mykaila Dirsten, who took him home after the show. They are already having such fun together!

Dante also won overall Welsh Gelding Res. Champion—to relative, Alvesta Sedona—1st & 2nd Sport Pony 2 & Under, and 1st & 3rd Model Hunter Pony! The Sport and Model Hunter classes are always especially well attended, so it was great to see our sweet boy appreciated.

2-year-old Welsh Section B gelding, Alvesta Dante: Nerwyn Gwyn x Alvesta Electra by Cadlanvalley Pirate. Retained full siblings: Emrys & Eira.

We were thrilled Wendy Williams brought her Alvesta Section B mares, Mona and Arctic Nymph!

Starting with her original: the "little engine that could", Alvesta Mona Lisa (Cadlanvalley Pirate x Alvesta Monique by Rosedale El Senor), is pictured below winning the scurry class at 15 years old.

A special shout out to Wendy—each year, this competitive CDE driver makes room in her busy schedule to comes out to the Welsh show, not because Welsh halter and pleasure driving are her interest, but to support our program and ensure her girls get exposure. Her extra hands also made it possible for us to bring 5 ponies to the show. We are forever grateful for your ongoing support, Wendy!

Wendy also brought out 4-year-old Welsh Section B black mare, Alvesta Arctic Nymph, who won Res. Section B Mare and double 1st in her huge Open Pony Up to 14.2hh class! This gentle young mare is well on her way to becoming an awesome kid's pony for the most adorable little girl; Nymph's found a wonderful home with Mykaila Dirsten and her daughter.

There have been three from this cross—Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Naiya by Llanarth Tarquin—and we have retained full sister, Alvesta Novella, while their brother, Nikos, went to Jenna Ponzo in Ontario.

Thanks to the Wild Rose Show Committee for bringing this awesome show back to life! We were happy to participate as exhibitors, sponsors, and as part of the committee.