2026 Wild Rose Welsh Show

While we had a rough start on a couple of fronts, we wrapped up our three-day, three-judge Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show with our four yearlings, and what a great show we had—including double Supreme Champion Welsh, Grand Champion Futurity Sport Pony, as well as Grand Champion Section A!

First, our show string suddenly shifted when our stallion had to stay home for stud duties. Then, we weren’t sure how we were going to manage, with one of our two handlers running to hospital, instead of running ponies (we sure missed you, Christine!)—while we had multiple classes with two-plus ponies. We’re fortunate to have community who steps in when needed: huge thanks to Samantha Eidsness, Kristen Gordeyko, Kathleen Alves, and Judy Owad for taking turns filling the gaps between running their own ponies. You are amazing, and we are beyond grateful for your generosity—and endurance! To everyone who chooses to lend a hand and a smile at the pony shows, thank you for making the shows more than a competition.

Behind the scenes, our awesome grooms, Eva Zittlaw and Robyn Latimer, learned on their feet and were incredible helpers. We couldn’t have done it without you gals! This was Robyn’s first show, and we’re hoping it’s far from her last. And we’re beyond thrilled Eva has gotten the pony show bug and has become part of the core crew.

The Show String

Double overall Supreme Champion Welsh of the show went to yearling Section B filly, Alvesta Alys, (Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Angelina by Llanarth Tarquin). She also won Junior Ch. Sport Pony and 2nd in her Model Hunter Pony class! This is the second foal from this cross; meanwhile in Ontario, her sister, Anya, also debuted in the show ring for owners, Addison & Brian Newman. How we would have loved to keep both fillies, as they are so pretty and sweet, and stunning movers, which comes through strongly in this dam line.

Unfortunately, with two yearling fillies, they had to compete against each other, but we were pleased to see that in their class of four, Alvesta Novella (Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Naiya by Llanarth Tarquin) came in double second and then went Res. Champion to her close relative, Alys. Novella is the third from this cross, and is the first bay, as her full siblings are blacks: Arctic Nymph (owner: Mykaila Dirsten, Alberta) and Nikos (Jenna Ponzo-Davies, Ontario). She's pictured here with Eva, who's on her way to becoming a great groom.

Our yearling Section A colt, Alvesta Rhys, was not on the show string until the day before the show when we had to cancel our senior stallion's entries due to stud duties. Rhys didn't have the same level of prep as the others, and yet, he handled the experience incredibly well, and was very well received by the judges. He went double Grand Champion Section A in the main show against the mature animals and Futurity Sport Pony Grand Champion. He is the first from this cross (Sunwillow Alfonso x Alvesta Caris by Nerwyn Gwyn), and we're so hoping that next year, his 20-year-old dam will grace us with a filly. Supreme Champion, Caris, is a full sister to the accomplished Brenin Arthur and Swyn, and she's been a wonderful mare for us. As she nears the end of her breeding career, we’re glad to be able to offer this lovely colt to a good breeding program. He’s quite the special boy.

Our yearling Welsh Mountain Pony filly, Alvesta Gwenllian (Delami Red Legend x Alvesta Gwyneth by Nerwyn Gwyn) is such a sweet filly and fantastic mover. While we think she’s a lovely girl, she’s one who will look her best in a few years. Despite needing more condition for the show ring, she went 2nd in her Futurity Section A Yearling class and handled the experience wonderfully. She is full sister to the lovely Gwynevere, who is on her way south to become an American citizen.

A big thanks to the Wild Rose Show and staff for creating a hub for our Welsh community in western Canada, as well as to our judges, Brian McClelland, Prue Richardson, and Sandra Sanche for their time and expertise (and patience).