Welcome to the Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association

The Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association was formed on 12th November 1995 at the Allanbank Hotel, Braco, Perthshire, chaired by Gladys Dale. The meeting was called by Mrs Dale in response to a number of Welsh pony and cob enthusiasts who felt a need for a Scottish base from which to organise different activities and events. While the official area of the Association is restricted to the boundaries of Scotland, anyone can join and several enthusiasts south of the Border have indeed become members. 

This is a members' Association run by an elected management committee which covers all areas of Scotland. While many events are organised in Central Scotland, members also have events in their own area organised by a member of the committee with responsibility for that area. The heart of this Association lies with its membership of which there are upwards of three hundred and fifty subscribers covering all ages and all interests.

During the years that the Association has been running, a wide range of activities has been staged which reflects the diverse interests of the membership. These successful events have included: Dressage Days, Pick-a-Fence Competitions, M&M Working Hunter Pony Clinics, Judging and Stewarding Seminar with Tom Best, Ridden Seminars and Young Judges Training days. Social events without ponies have included: Quiz Nights, Auctions, Barbecues, Talks, Demonstrations and Ceilidhs.

Three shows are held during the year - a Spring Show in April, The High Jinks Show in May and a Winter Show in November. These shows are extremely well supported, catering for Welsh ponies, cobs and part-breds as well as other native breeds. Both the Spring and Winter Shows include young handlers' classes. The Scottish Association has been fortunate to have had some well known judges officiate at their shows.

Working Pony classes are very well supported at Association shows. Part bred Tricula Tunes of Glory shows the way

In preference to an annual journal, a newsletter, which runs to some twenty pages, is published every quarter in January, April, July and October. In the newsletter members are encouraged to share their suggestions and ideas, tell their stories and give news. It is also a way for members to be kept in touch with all the happenings of the Association. They also receive news from the parent body of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society and other Associations. The newsletter also has space for advertising and it carries show results. In keeping with the general ethos of encouraging our young members, there is a dedicated page and a competition for junior members. A website is now available at http:/www.swpca.co.uk

The Annual General Meeting, held in October, has become an important date on the social calendar for members. Victoria Hall, Dunblane has proved to be a popular venue for the event where members and friends enjoy a good meal and refreshments before the business proceeds. It has become a tradition for a guest speaker to interest and entertain us before the presentations of prizes and trophies for the Performance Competition are awarded. 

The Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association has proved to be a great success where co-operation and friendship are recognised as the key ingredients. Lots of enthusiastic people work hard and everyone enjoys themselves. At the same time, it is hoped that Welsh ponies, cobs and part-breds are celebrated and prosper north of the Border.

Waxwing Open Day 2000: Raised £1,000 for Centenary Celebrations in Scotland.
Photo by Ann Cunnigham