More than 50 prime stallions and ten driving class horses, hundreds of visitors and locals lining the streets during the parade and top level organisation contributed to the outstanding success of the 56th annual Barley Saturday (Dydd Sadwrn Barlys) Stallion Show and Parade in Cardigan.

Traditionally held on the last Saturday in April, originally to celebrate the end of the sowing season, barley being the last sown, the event has for some years been blessed with fine weather and become known as the Sunshine Show.

It was rather overcast this time around but the dry weather brought visitors flocking from far and wide with people crowding into Guildhall Square for presentation of the various trophies including the Valiant Perpetual Cup for the supreme show champion.

That accolade went to the superbly turned out 8-year-old Welsh Cobb Section D bay Ionos Llion owned by Sarah Hughes of Pwll Cornel Uchaf, Penrhiwllan who was exhibiting at the event for the first time and the horse was shown by her son Daniel.

The Penrhiwllan stallion was pushed hard for the top prize by rivals in tip top condition but Ionos, who was a Royal Welsh winner some years ago, got the nod.

The vintage section was again well supported with a diverse collection of old tractors, cars, other vehicles and machinery.

Hard-working show secretary Tudor Harries said “There were top quality horses right across the board and the weather set fine.

“I’m sure Barley Saturday is here to stay,” he said.

Returning to his home town as show president former National Hunt jockey Hywel Davies, who won the Grand National on 50/1 Last Suspect in 1985, was accompanied by his 86-year-old mother Madge Davies who lives locally.

The 59year-old who was brought up in Cardigan was conveyed through the streets on the same horse-drawn trailer used to give him a civic welcome after his National success 32 years ago. The trailer was driven by Annette Jones of Tyhen, Ferwig and the shire horse kindly loaned by Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, Garnhuan, Eglwyswrw.

Delighted with the welcome he and his mother received Hywel said “This has been a really great day out for everyone. Barley Saturday is a truly unique event and I hope it goes from strength to strength.

RESULTS

Welsh Mountain Pony Section A: 1Mr and Mrs Strelley, Kidwelly; 2 G & K Harries, Llanarth. Welsh Pony Section B: 1 Russell family, Penwaun, St Dogmaels; 2 Mike Harding, Llangeitho. Welsh Pony Section C (3 yrs. And under): Calvert Williams, New Foundry, Ffosyffin. Welsh Pony Section C (4 yrs. And over): Jeff Kingham, Bancyffordd, Llandysul; 2 Geraint Davies, Penwalc, Newcastle Emlyn. Welsh Cobb Section D (2 and 3 year old): Euros Davies, Cwmsychpant, Llanybydder; 2 Emyr Davies, Pengelly Fawr, Newcastle Emlyn. Welsh Cobb Section D (4 year. old and over) 1 Sarah Hughes, Pwll Cornel Uchaf, Penrhiwllan (Supreme Show Champion). Sports Horse: 1 Derick Lewes-Gale, Bangor Teifi, Llandysul. Coloured stallion – traditional: 1 Natalie Dark, Llanrhydian, Gower; 2 Roger Davies, Pencader. Coloured stallion – non-traditional: Mr. and Mrs. Strelley, Kidwelly. Palomino: 1 Jamie Hunt, Bonymaen, Swansea; 2 Greg Baker, Bryniau Uchaf, Rhydcymerau, Llanybydder. Heavy Horse: Ben Morton and Andrew John, Meinciau. Shetland: 1 Jane Sharp, Dan Y Fforest, Llangynog, Carmarthen; 2 Sandra Davies, Ffynnonoer, Pontsian. Donkey: Aled George, Penparc. Any other breed (under 13.2h): Lester Dagge, Swn Yr Afon, Felinwen, Trelech. Any other breed (over 13.2h): 1 Joshua James, Swansea; 2 Joanna Bond, Coedybryn. Supreme Show Champion: Sarah Hughes, Pwll Cornel Uchaf, Penrhiwllan. Private driving class (4yrs old and over): Paul Mander, Rhosydd Gorrig, Llandysul. Private exercise vehicle (4 yrs. old and over): 1 Angharad Morris and Jennie Tott, Loughor, Swansea; 2 Annette Davies, Pencader. Best tradesman’s turnout 1 Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, Eglwyswrw; 2 Islwyn and Wmffre George, Penparc. Heavy horse turnout (non-show harness): 1 John and Stacey Fletcher Penrallt Uchaf, Moylegrove (Supreme Heavy Horse Champion); 2 Huw and Nicky Murphy, Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, Eglwyswrw. Best dressed heavy horse driven in show harness: 1 Dyfed Shire Horse Farm.