The 42nd Annual Manitoba Welsh Pony & Cob Association (MWPCA) show takes over Virden Agricultural grounds, Jul. 1 and 2.
This registered breed show draws exhibiters from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta every year. A small crowd of enthusiasts also come to watch as the ponies, whose ancestry can be traced back to Wales, show their stuff.
The very smallest ponies, Section A which are under 12.2 HHs, to Sections B, C and D are shown in hand, in carriages/carts and under saddle. Costume classes on Saturday are always spectacular. “You can imagine, that there will be red and white in the Costume Classes,” speculates President of MWPCA Marg Allen, of Glenella, Manitoba.
A new class is added this year for Junior members. The Best Presented Pony class is in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. Each youth in this class will receive prize money for participating.
The class will exemplify the care taken in general cleanliness, polished hooves, correct mane and tail presentation (although Welsh ponies are traditionally shown very naturally, feathers and all) and appropriate show equipment; as well as how the pony is presented to the judge.
Hats and gloves are preferable in the show ring, and tack must be clean and safe, says Allen, who adds, “We’re not very strict.”
The Welsh pony of cob type is a larger, sturdy pony, over 13 HH. These are shown in line classes in white web halters.
Section D Welsh can be as tall as 15 HH.
Saturday evening, fun classes are run with barrel racing and pole bending.
Showing these classy ponies tends to be a family affair. While the Allens’ oldest son, Lionel is stepping back from showing, he is taking on the role of Ring Master this year.
“My youngest son and two granddaughters, eight and 12 years are going to help me,” says Allen.
“It’s good for them,” she says of the kids who get involved in the show. “It’s very low key and everybody’s there to help everybody else. That’s the place to learn.”
A special senior class runs each year, for this breed known for longevity. Ponies that have turned 20 years old are brought into the ring, and a short version of the pony’s history is told.
There is one pony entered to date. An exhibitor from McNutt, SK, Rachel Loewen is returning to the Virden show ring with her small son’s 20-year old pony, Chamness Pixie.
Sunday morning the show gets going at 9:00 a.m. in the Virden Agricultural ring, with performance classes. The action stops for lunch hour and by early Sunday afternoon, the show will over.
