THE FIRST FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF SECTION A WELSH STALLIONS

Submitted by Claudia Novak to the 1984 American National Welsh Pony Yearbook

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was founded in 1906. One of the requirements for foundation of this society was the publishing of stud books. Few of the ponies in Volume I and Volume II of the stud books can be found in today's pedigrees. These early stud books do give you a great overview of the original tenants of the Society and give you the "flavor" of the early imports. Early American importers, such as George Brown (Aurora, IL), Theodore Vail (Lyndonville, VT), George Heyl (Washington, IL), E.S. Frazier (Aurora, IL), John Alexander (Aurora, IL), William George (Aurora, IL), Charles Stone (Boston, MA), and Elmendorf Farm (J.H. Berryman of Lexington, KY) played major roles. Their ponies definitely reflected the best bloodlines available in the U.K. at that time.
      Certainly Volume III and IV (1913-1955) reflect the breeding you can find in the United States today! This is a major feat, considering some of these bloodlines have been around for 70 years. In these two volumes you can find "families of ponies" that are alive and highly rated in both the show ring and by breeders. The United States does have some old and treasured bloodlines. These bloodlines would be difficult to find in such concentrations or so "close up" any place in the World! Definitely, the United States has seen some of the best bloodlines of the U.K.

Prince of Cardiff

     One of the earliest stallions to influence American breeding was Prince of Cardiff (84) (Welsh Wonder x Welsh Flyer). His sons, Llwyn Chief 489 (596) (out of Lady Lightfoot) and Gwindy Brennin 300 (Gwyndy Brenin 352 UK) (out of Gwindy Lady Horace) can still be found in the pedigrees of today. These ponies were born in 1910 and 1908, respectively. Ponies related to these stallions most commonly carry the prefixes of "Plainview's," "Excel's," "Gwindy's" and "Fairview."
     One of the earliest "family of ponies" imported to the United States was related to Dyoll Starlight (4) (Dyoll Glasallt x Dyoll Moonlight). Six Dyoll Starlight sons were imported to the United States, but only Grove King Cole 974 (197) can be found easily in any of today's pedigrees. Not only was this stallion a Dyoll Starlight son, but his dam (Dyoll Quicksilver) was by Dyoll Starlight. In the March 1965 issue of YOUR PONY, William Simpson tells of seeing Grove King Cole being shown in harness in 1924. To quote William Simpson, "We have long wanted to do a bit of a write-up about this little black imported Welsh stallion as he has always been in our mind since we first saw him. . . His action was that of a Hackney (and ye who say the Welsh should not have Hackney action, take note - he was of true "Dyoll" breeding. . ."). The American progeny lines of Grove King Cole are unfortunately few. Through his son, King Elect 2nd, and his granddaughter, Llwyn's Dainty Maid 1051, you can find these bloodlines. Grove King Cole bloodlines most commonly live on fn British pedigrees through his son, Grove King Cole II (565) (out of Bledfa Tell Tale). According to Wynne Davis, in his book WELSH PONIES AND COBS about Grove King Cole II: "Undoubtedly this is one of the most correctly proportioned stallions which has appeared; it so happens that he was also a very spectacular mover. ." Certainly it was a great loss to the United States that this stallion was "lost" to the breed after he was sold at the Dee's dispersal sale around 1926.
      

Greylight, sire of Greylight A1

     In 1913 Charles Stone imported-Greylight A1 1062 (728) (Greylight x Bess), who was a Dyoll Starlight grandson. Today the influence of this stallion can still be found at Graz­ing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay, MA. The Dyoll Starlight "family of ponies" was later re-introduced to this country through the sons and grandsons of Grove Sprightly (1036) (Bledfa Shooting Star x Grove Sprite II). In 1948 Revel Bluebird 1250 (1683) (Grove Sprightly x Grove Wampa) was imported. Revel Bluebird had a tremendous influence on the Roadster and Harness ponies of the 1950's and 1960's through his son, Revel Roan 1361 (out of Criban's Lola). Revel Roan was William Simpson's YOUR PONY, leading Welsh sire of 1961. Revel Bluebird's, son, Redbird Leader 2347 (out of Criban Big Star) is alive and still siring foals in Northern New Hampshire.

Grove Sprightly and Grove Will O' the Wisp

Criban Socks and Will 0' the Wisp

Tregoyd Starlight

    Four Tregoyd Starlight (1577) (Grove Sprightly x Grove Peep O'Day) sons were imported to the United States. In 1949 Shimdda Hir Sprightly Shot 1267 (1673) (out of Vardra Sunflower) was imported and proceeded to sire over 50 ponies registered in Volume IV of the stud books alone. Coed Coch Meilyr 1579 (1947) (out of Coed Coch Mefusen) joined Crefeld Stud in Plymouth Meeting, PA in 1953. Coed Coch Meilyr was the 1950 Male Champion at the Royal Welsh Show. Here in the United States this maternal 1/2 brother to Coed Coch Madog was extremely successful in the show ring and sired enough top Roadster and Fine Harness ponies to put him in William Simpson's YOUR PONY 1961 top five Welsh sire rating. In 1955 Bettws Starlight 1981 (2140) (out of Bettws Las) and Coed Coch Serenllys 1806 (1880) (out of Coed Coch Sensigl) were imported. Coed Coch Serenllys came to Farnley Farms, where he produced many fine ponies. The full brother to Tregoyd Starlight, Bolgoed Squire 2015 (1681), was imported by the Texas Stud at the ripe old age of 17. Surprisingly, he went on to sire ponies for a number of years after his importation. 

Dinarth What Ho

    Another stallion that more distantly fits into this family is Shalimar 2068 (2195) (Dinarth What Ho x Coed Coch Serliw). Many people have been impressed with some of the great photos of Dinarth What Ho moving with incredible action. Dinarth What Ho was by the Dyoll Starlight grandson, Faraam Mercury, out of Dinarth Darling, who was more than 1/2 sister to Dinarth Henol (Coed Coch Glyndwr's dam). Coed Coch Serliw was by Revolt (Coed Coch Glyndwr's sire) out of the mare Coed Coch Seren, Coed Coch Serliw pro­duced the first Coed Coch Glyndwr son, Ceulan Revolt. Remember this mare was a daughter of the Farnley matriarch Coed Coch Seren, 1/2 brother to Coed Coch Seon, and paternal 1/2 sister to Coed Coch Glyndwr-. Coed Coch Serliw was a favorite of the Davis's family (Ceulan), and TWENTY-ONE of the fifty Royal Welsh Show Champions of the years 1947-1972 trace back to her. Shalimar was used extensively here in the United States by the Spitzer family, who were joint importers with John Tolan. Shalimar was in William Simpson's 1961 Leading Welsh Sire listing.
    Another important early stallion was Criban Shot (1276) (Criban Kid x Criban Orion) and his son, Criban Shot Again 1115 (1396) (out of Bwlch Starlight). Criban Shot was an outstanding little stallion with "minute ears and enormous eyes," according to the famous Mrs. Nell Pennell. One of Criban Shot's famous progeny was Criban Socks, who was described in Wynne Davis's book as: "belonged to a type that we do not find today, low and deep with plenty of bone and 'feather,' she still had the 'look of the hills' about her." Criban Shot Again was a great favorite of the Richards (CRIBAN STUD) family, who felt he was one of the best Mountain Ponies they ever bred. Criban Shot Again's sons, Criban Grand Master 1119 (out of Llwyn's Dainty Maid), and his full brother, Criban Monarch 1120, were big winners for John Tolan (Pleasant Plains, IL). Llwyn's Dainty Maid 1051 (King Elect 2nd x Llwyn Dainty Miss) was a double granddaughter of Grove King Cole. Between these two stallions they sired over 70 get in Volume III and IV alone! In the 1978 WELSH PONY GAZETTE article, (The Criban Story) Sarah Ann Spitzer states, "At the risk of sounding prejudiced, I must say that Criban Grand Master and Criban Monarch never sired anything but a great pony. It made no difference what they were bred to, the result was always good." Today when we look at pictures of these ponies with their long feet and spoon cruppers, we may be aghast - but look beyond this and see the consistent type and great movement. Both Criban Grand Master and Criban Monarch had excellent bone and lovely toplines. To quote Vanessa Vaile from her article in the same issue of WELSH PONY GAZETTE, "When crossed with heavy Glyndwr and Madog Lines, outstanding results have been achieved, by any and all standards."

Bowdler Brightlight

      In 1937 the stallion Coed Coch Seon 1110 (1619) (Bowdler Brightlight x Coed Coch Seren) was imported by Charles Bassett of Buffalo, NY (Dolhir). Coed Coch Seon and his sire, Bowdler Brightlight (1303) (Mathrafal Havoc x Bowdler Bounce), who was im­ported to Farnley Farm in 1938, have made tremendous contributions to Section A breeding here in the United States. Coed Coch Seon influenced early breeding through his two sons, Dolhir Firelight 1182 (out of Coed Coch Eira), and full brother, Dolhir Short Snorter 1183. Coed Coch Eira 1113 (8921) (Revolt x Coed Coch Enid) was half-sister to the famous Coed Coch Glyndwr and related to the outstanding foundation mare of Farnley, Coed Coch Seren. The Dolhir Short Snorter son, Severn Black Diamond 1506 (out of Coed Coch Trysor), combined the blood of Tan-Y-Bwlch Berwyn with that of Coed Coch Seon and has produced some noteworthy stock on the West Coast. Bowdler Brightlight influence can be found today through his sons, Farnley Flyer 1225 (1875) (out of Criban Sunray), Farnley Sundial 1306 (out of Criban Sunray), and Severn Storm 1320 (out of Coed Coch Ebrill), and his daughters, Farnley Fairlight 1302 (Liseter), Farnley Monocle 1222 (9496), and Farnley Sunshade 1220 (9497).

William [Criban Chief x Criban Pearl)

    The story of William 1402 (1549) (Criban Chief x Criban Pearl) is an interesting one. Miss Charlotte Noland of Foxcroft School gave Mrs. du Pont the imported Welsh stallion "Stormy Weather." Miss Noland had lost his papers, but when Miss Daisy Broderick of Coed Coch Stud was visiting Mrs. du Pont, she was very impressed with "Stormy Weather." Upon Miss Broderick's return to the U.K., she was able to track down "Stormy Weather" and able to obtain his registration papers. Thanks to this, the United States was given the good progenitor, William. William was the product of early Dyoll Starlight (4) and Klondyke (12) breeding and has given us such great producers as Liseter Brightlight 1400 (out of Farnley Fairlight). Another early producer for Liseter Farm was Liseter Shooting Star 1740 (Farnley Morning Star x Farnley Fairlight). The March 1962 issue of YOUR PONY put Liseter Shooting Star in the top five Welsh breeding stallions.

Coed Coch Glyndwr

    The importance of Coed Coch Glyndwr (1617) (Revolt x Dinarth Henol) to American breeding is staggering. Coed Coch Glyndwr was born in 1935 and died in 1959. Certainly the blood of Coed Coch Glyndwr and his double grandson, Coed Coch Madog, have influenced American breeding more than any other stallions in the history of Welsh breeding. The first Glyndwr son to come to this country was Farnley Sirius 1147 (1646) (out of Coed Coch Seren) in 1938. Farnley Sirius has played a very important role in the breeding program of Farnley Farm. Through his sons, Aldebaron 1299 (Grazing Fields), Davric Rock N' Roll 2150 (Harvest Hill), Farnley Gremlin 1229 (Farnley), Farnley Sunstar, Farnley Daystar, Severn Chief and the Section B son, Farnley Sparkler, Farnley Sirius's bloodlines have been spread throughout the United States.
       The list of Coed Coch Glyndwr produce is very long, but some of the stallions that have shaped American breeding and the show ring today must be mentioned. Clan Dana (x Wentworth Grey Dapples) was an important part of the Texas Stud plans, but is most famous for his contributions to Alra Farm. Bryntirion Rowan (x Coed Coch Pansi) and Coed Coch Tlws (x Llwyn Tinwen) can be found in American and Canadian breeding. Coed Coch Prydydd (x Coed Coch Pioden) was a Glyndwr son (and grandson) that produced both Section A and Section B ponies. He sired top Section A show ponies for Gayfields. Owain Glyndwr (x Wentworth Stormy Petrel) was imported by the Texas Stud and his imported son, Criban Button B (x Criban Queen Bee) went to California. Twyford Moonshine (x Dinas Moonstone), Stoatley Royal Oak (x Revel Beech) and Shalbourne Pendragon (x Wentworth Silver Minnow) were on YOUR PONY'S Top Welsh Sire Ratings. As late as 1962 a Coed Coch Glyndwr son, Captain Cat (x Mountain Celandine), was imported to this country and has influenced West Coast breeding. Two grandsons of Glyndwr by Coed Coch Seryddwr (sire of Coed Coch Madog) have been influential. Both Severn High Tide and Rhyd-Y-Felin Seon have made important contributions to breeding in the United States and Canada
      Dyrin Goldflake (Criban Cockade x Criban Vanity) was related to Coed Coch Glyndwr on the dam line. Criban Vanity was the first daughter of Criban Winston, one of the early foals of Glyndwr. Criban Winston sired Revel Token (out of Brierwood Toffee), who went to the Midwest. Criban Winston also produced Revel Sandman (out of Revel Sunlight), sire of Talybont Shawn (out of Parker's Coeth Mefusen by Farnley Sirius). Criban Cockade (Ness Commander x Criban Socks) was famous for the lovely daughters he gave to Criban, including the marvelous producer, Criban Old Gold. Criban Old Gold was dam of Criban Gold Cockade (by Criban Daniel) who recently died at Yokecrest Farm and Criban Old Silver (by Bowdler Brewer), who is still producing for Gayfields. The Dyrin Goldflake son, Revel Gold out of Cui Damsel (daughter of Bolgoed Squire, who was a full brother to Tregoyd Starlight), produced some good stock. Cilrhedyn Pimpernel (Ceulan Revelry x Penmorfa Olwen) was a Coed Coch Glyndwr great-grandson, who went to the Midwest. Marsh Silver Cities (Criban Silver Hackles x Daffodil) was a Coed Coch Glyndwr grand­son, but on the dam line being out of the mare Daffodil, who was herself imported to this country. A Marsh Silver Cities's son, Pickwick Trigger, (out of Marsh Moonlight) has been a successful sire in the Midwest. Hartmoor Rhymer (Gredington Ffafryn x Criban Sonnet) was one of the Texas Stud original imports in 1957. Gredington Ffafryn was out of the Coed Coch Glyndwr daughter, Coed Coch Sidan. Criban Sonnet was by the Coed Coch Glyndwr son, Owain Glyndwr. Hartmoor Rhymer sired some marvelous brood mares for the Southwest.

Coed Coch Madog

     Coed Coch Madog (Coed Coch Seryddwr x Coed Coch Mefusen) captured more than the imagination of American Welsh breeders. Madog won over 63 championships and 53 cups and medals! Coed Coch Madog exemplified what the American public was looking for in a Welsh pony. Madog was a show champion with movement that could challenge any Hackney show pony in the World! The United States was in the middle of the "pony boom." Pony prices and ambitions flew high. We were between wars. We wanted the best in the "world" for our children and ponies. WE WANTED THE WINNER! Luckily for the United States, Coed Coch Madog was both well-bred and a great progenitor. The list of Coed Coch Madog sons imported to the United States and Canada includes: Farnley Marine, Coed Coch Sulgwyn, Pendock Puccini, Coed Coch Pibydd, Coed Coch Pwyll, Gredington lanto, Coed Coch Sandde, Geodi Madog, Silverstone Rebel, and Coed Coch Asaph.

     Two Criban Pledge (Criban Grey Grit x Criban Martha) sons have given the United States great performance ponies. Clan Marshall (out of Dinas Moonstone) was imported in 1955 by Merrie Mills Farm of Virginia. Clan Glomadh (out of Wentworth Glynda) was imported to the Texas Stud in 1955 also. Both of these ponies were out of Coed Coch Glyndwr daughters. Dinas Moonstone was one of the foundation mares of Twyford Stud. Wentworth Glynda was imported to this country as part of the initial importations of the Texas Stud. To quote WELSH PONY GAZETTE (August 1977), about Wentworth Glenda, "One of the truly influential mares in the Southwest as well as having left a legacy on the hoof in Great Britain, prior to export." Clan Glomadh produced top ponies for Texas Stud, Bristol Pony Farms and most recently Tylwyth Pony Farm and his get are spread throughout Texas and the United States. The 'Clan Glomadh Memorial Trophy' for Top Welsh Performance Pony was donated to AHSA by the Badger Family upon the recent death of Clan Glomadh at the age of 32.
      Whitehall Moving Star 1431 (1852) (Whitehall Monarch x Whitehall Queen) was one of the more interestingly bred early stallions imported to the United States. He came to Farnley Farm and has influenced both Farnley and other farms, including Liseter. Both Whitehall Monarch and Whitehall Queen were by Lodestar of Sansaw (1522) (Faraam Mercury x Grove Limestone) out of 1/2 sisters. Faraam Mercury (sire of Dinarth What Ho) and Grove Limestone were both by Dyoll Starlight sons. Thus, Whitehall Moving Star was a linebred stallion. Certainly, Whitehall Moving Star produced foals with a consistent type that  helped prove that "line breeding" is important.
     Severn Sure Shot 1240 (Eryri Gwyndaf x Ceulan Serene) is another stallion that has marked his get with a "type." Finding stallions that do this is a major feat. Certainly, Severn Sure Shot has proved that it can be done. Severn Sure Shot's pedigree is not a "tight" one meaning "linebred," but it follows the great line of the early magic combinations of the Dyoll Starlight bloodlines to outcross mares. Both Eryri Gwyndaf and Ceulan Serene are more closely related than a quick overview of their pedigrees reveal. Their GREAT grandmothers are a pony described in Wynne Davis's book WELSH PONIES AND COBS as "purchased by Miss Broderick from a truckload of ponies in a siding at Shrewsbury Station. She was a terrible mare (meaning a very wild and difficult to break pony). . ." The pony being described is the mare Coed Coch Eirlys, dam of the famous Coed Coch Seren. After all our careful examinations of pedigrees, we must admit that an important part of breeding is CHANCE!
       TRYING to cover all the Section A ponies bred and imported to the United States between 1906 and 1962 is a monumental task. I am sure that I have left out one of your favorite early stallions. What can I say! I have tried to give an overview of some of the Section A stallions that have played an important role in the show ring of the past and the present. Breeding is a magical combination of KNOWLEDGE of bloodlines, ASSESSMENT of conformation, talents and our good old friends LUCK and CHANCE!  Because of this, we all go on breeding Welsh ponies, hoping our next foal crop will have the PERFECT PONY. Who knows, maybe that pony is right out there now!

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