Family and friends gathered at Frongoch Farm, in Llechryd, earlier this month to bid farewell to ‘a sincere gentleman, who loved life’.

Arthur Haydn George, who died at the age of 87, was perhaps best known as the owner of Frongoch Farm where under the prefix Pentalar – Welsh for headland – he continued to breed, break and train Welsh ponies and cobs for riding and to drive in traps and carriages, as well as participating in shows and competitions.

He was a stalwart of Cardigan’s Barley Saturday but was well known across the Ceredigion area for far more than his equine achievements.

At his funeral service at Penparc Chapel, on September 18, his friend of 43 years, Dr Glyn Jones, of the Gwarchod Stud, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, gave a eulogy, describing Haydn George as ‘a proud, hardworking, Cardi farmer; a horseman; a showman; an army boxing champion; a husband, father and grandfather; a darts player; a poet a joker and most of all a sincere gentleman who loved life.

The pair collaborated on the Radio Ceredigion’s show Crwyydro Cynefin and had many adventures during their four decades of friendship.

Delyth Brown, of Alltwalis Stud, Nebo, Llanpumpsaint also gave a tribute referring to her time showing and driving with Haydn George, saying: “Haydn was my hero.”

Haydn was one of six bothers from a farming family, he first farmed at Penlan Farm, Llechryd, before he and his wife Pat retired to Frongoch and continued their work with horses.

Haydn was also passionate darts player – and could often be found at the oche in the Carpenter’s Arms, in Llechryd and in later years was a frequent visitor at the Penllwyndu pub during his training circuit with horse and carriage.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Peter Evans, of Cardigan. Haydn left in a motor hearse from Frongoch Farm where all the family horses galloped to the roadside hedge alongside the hearse to say a last farewell to their master. The casket was transferred to John Fletcher’s Gentle Giants – a pair of Shire Horse, Ned and George, who majestically pulled the dray, carrying Haydn on the final stretch to the Baptist Chapel at Penparc.

Haydn’s children Geraint, Claire, Liza and Emma; as well as in-laws Linda, John and Richard and grandchildren Gethin, Samara, Lizzie, Bryn and Letty were all in attendance alongside Haydn’s wife, surrounded by more family and friends as a final goodbye was given to a wonderful man as he was laid to rest.