Granddaughter Eva visiting with the boys in the gelding pasture, summer of 2007

Alvesta Gwyndaf, Alvesta Peirato and Alvesta Firebolt

    We have been privileged to know this wonderful breed since the arrival of our first Welsh pony in 1966.   This was the 10 year old Section A stallion Betws Auryn.  I had read about Welsh in the all breed issue of Western Horseman magazine.  A breeder Dad knew of was contacted and we were offered Auryn, as their herd was mostly his daughters (they had imported him from Wales five years earlier).  He had only been driven in parades on a six pony hitch, so he knew just walk, stop and stand, but in no time he was being driven all over the farm.  What fun we had with our little 11:1 hand stallion!  Proud, but gentle even with little children.  He was colourful, (chestnut, flaxen mane and tail and a stripe with four white socks) and a lovely mover at all gaits, Auryn was admired by everyone.  Soon the horses were sold and purebred Welsh mares were bought for him.  These included the half sisters, Quorn Stoney Crossing and Quorn Stab Last, who have had a lasting effect on our herd.  We trained and showed the mares in halter, harness, team and single while raising foals, along with Auryn.  Dad had always kept driving horses, as had his dad, so that was a natural thing to do.  I trained them to ride but at that time the interest was in driving.   Dad and I competed against each other in driving classes and as the youngstock matured they were trained and shown.  Soon our wonderful little stallion had to stay home to make room for his prolific winning offspring.  Interestingly enough, our first mare; Quorn Stoney Crossing has had the most impact on our breeding program, both Section A and Section B, most of our herd are her descendants.  Quorn Stab Last had exceptional harness action, loved the show ring, and won many harness classes showing in all divisions for us.