By Anwen Francis

THE Dyffryn Clettwr Hunt Annual Show was finally held, two months later than originally planned due to the several confirmed strangles outbreaks in the area.

The committee felt it necessary to delay the show for the benefit of the whole equine fraternity, as one of the show organiser, Ioan Thomas explained:

"We decided to postpone our show until September as unfortunately there were a couple of confirmed cases of strangles in the area. The decision was not made lightly but in order to be responsible to our faithful competitors and to avoid further spread it was agreed that a change of date was the best option. July and August are busy months and in order to keep the show open for all we decided to go for this date just as the season draws to an end."

But even though the show held at Henllan near Newcastle Emlyn, was held two months later in the showing season, entries were good, and all sections, from show jumping to working hunters, were well attended. The dog show also attracted good entries.

Show president Margaret Ifans of Dolgian Farm, Brongest thoroughly enjoyed the day, meeting friends, judging and awarding prizes. Margaret has always been a keen supporter of the Dyffryn Clettwr Hunt and remembers hunting side-saddle with them when she was younger.

"It was a good show and many attended the event, even though there was a change of date. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I’m very proud to have been asked to be president for the day. I wish the Hunt and the show competitors well for the future," explained Margaret, a keen equestrian.

Taking Supreme of Show for the fourth time was Derick Lewes-Gale. This time he won the supreme with his Section D mare, Plasnewydd Rhoda in hand. She was also Mountain and Moorland Champion for the third time in a row at this show! She was also awarded Res Supreme of Show in 2015.

Derick hopes to retain his title next year having also won the Supreme previously with his very own Menai Red Knight, bred by Peter and Ann Jones of Rhydowen and with Ireland’s Anna, property of Carys Williams from Penrherber near Newcastle Emlyn.

Welsh Section A: Arwel Lewis, Friarly Forest Queen. Res: Geraint Lewis, Friarly Step In Style. Welsh Section B: R. Rooke, Trefriw Tomkin. Res: Sarah Russell, Bryngwennol Trubador. Welsh Section C: Lyn Davies, Henfynyw Magpie. Res: Chris Bevan, Mitchfields The Real Del. Section D: Mr Evans, Trehewyd Brenhines. Res: Chris Bevan, Victoria Montgomery. Welsh Part Bred: Helen Williams, Classy Lady. Res: Kay Floyd, Rhoswaun Rox Star. Ridden Welsh: Hannah Parr, Moyleview Prince Charming. Res: Seren James, Blue Rock Amethyst. Welsh Foal: Mr Evans, Trehewyd Quartz. Res: Lyn Davies, Henfynyw Alice. Supreme Welsh Champion: Mr Evans, Trehewyd Quartz. Res: R Rooke and Trefriw Tomkin. Working Hunter: Nathan Deaking, Sea View. Res: Soffia Cynwyl, Vennebos Pearly King. Condition and Turnout: Tilly Elliott, Cwmeudwy Sali Mali. Res: Jasmine Jones, Windleshaw Rosanna. Children’s Riding: Sarah Evans, Mount Charles Firefly. Res: Noa Harris, Bronllys Brigand. Adults’ Showing: Ashleigh Davies, Ben Cyfelach. Res: Eiry Bonner, Cynheidr Fawr Flash. Arabs: Sarah Evans, Mount Charles Firefly. Res: J Hackley, Design By Class. Coloured: Emma Jones, Llethru Ddu Stitch. Res: Tasha Fox, Kalli. Palomino: Eiry Bonner, Cynheidr Fawr Flash. Res: Louise Russell, Ceinewyddfach Seren Aur. Dun: Lacey Thomas, Gemstone Seren. Res: Eiry Bonner, Cynheidr Fawr Flash. Ridden Hunter: Nathan Deakin, Sea View. Res: Eiry Bonner, Nabb Kilbeg. In Hand Hunter: Pat McDonals, Diamond Lady. Res: Rebecca Thomas: Penstrumbly Lady. Sport Horse: Nathan Deakin, Highland Velvet Prince. Res: Pat McDonald, Diamond Lady. M and M: Derick Lewes-Gale: Plasnewydd Rhoda. Res: Dylan Davies, Cwmeudwy Twrw. Shetland: Julie Lemon, Pebbles. Res: Sandra Collicot, Sandruff Marilee. Novelties: Harry Thomas, Mickey. Show Jumping: Leanne Davies, Patch. Junior Gate Jumping: Jodie Humphreys, Murphy (final height 90cms). Senior Gate Jumping: Vashti Hasdell, Toss (final height 1m 5). Inter Hunt Relay: 1st: Tivyside Hunt. 2: Banwen Miners Hunt.

Dog Show: Pedigree Champion: Michael Lewis, Lola. Res: Ann Evans, Benjamin. Best Puppy: Ann and Benjamin. Novelty Champ: Brenda and Brooke, res: Teresa and Madi.