| Onwards & Upwards Royal
Welsh 2010. Forlan Caradog sired three ponies who were in the first
four, also Forlan Razzmatazz was dam of a 1st prize-winning colt. FORLAN HONEY KING. Three First prizes& Supreme Champion 2010 |
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Brian French
Eulogy
By: Sara French 31st May
1931—1st June 2010
When I was 16 I danced the Waltz with my father. I had never learned to
dance but this didn’t matter. Dad danced so well all I had to do was follow.
Things went so much more smoothly when you let him lead!
On 31st May 1931 my father was born into the middle of the great depression; but
relatively untouched by the financial crisis, my Grandparents set up home on the
outskirts of Bristol. He remembered this time as happy, safe and comfortable,
but as World War II broke out everything changed. There was such risk from the
bombing raids that the family moved to the Village of Ford, trading modernity
for safety. My father was 8. In what
is
now the
idyllic setting of Mercombe Farm he may have struggled to adjust to the
conditions; no piped water supply, an outside toilet, no electricity, the
rations of war; and still the bombs fell, very close by. Gone were the servants.
Gone was the private tutor. When he talked about those years I was struck by the
fear and insecurity he must have felt but did not admit to - an only child and
in some way a lonely child in a house he never grew to love.
My father became a self sufficient young man with an appearance of
confidence and a talent for ball-room dancing. He was, they say, just a foxtrot
away from becoming a professional dancer. Strikingly good looking and with a
tantalizing tango; one 20 year old girl (arguably one of the prettiest in Bath
and so very like my daughter Charli)) caught the twinkle in his eye and set her
cap at him. For five long years, in the dance halls and clubs of Bath they
courted but mum never knew if he would save the last waltz of the evening for
her.
There is a photograph from that time that shows my mum gazing up at my
Dad with adoration and him looking like the cat that got the cream. Surely
this was my father’s greatest achievement - to conjure in
mum such love and determination that would keep their marriage alive for 48
years.
My father could not be described as a ‘new man’. Awash with testosterone,
he crafted us a house with his bare hands. Jeremy was born before it was built;
and I arrived just as it was finished. Over the years mum and dad worked side by
side. As a turkey farmer he was surely Wiltshire’s own Bernard Matthews. There
followed chicken… sheep…. the occasional pig… and rather incredibly…. rabbits;
almost branching out at one point into Alpaca!
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My parents are best known, though, for the Forlan Stud. With my mother’s
energy and my father’s management they created a stud that is
internationally renowned. He
gained an intricate knowledge of the bloodlines of the Welsh Mountain
Pony. My brother and I remember coming home on more than one occasion
and finding rolls of wallpaper unfurled on the floor with the breeding
of our ponies charted on the reverse. On hearing of his death a friend
reflected on Dad’s immense knowledge; he said ‘but now Brian has gone
who will I ask!’
In latter years Dad struggled with infirmity but would never admit the
impact of this. He adapted somewhat uncomfortably to the role of
supporting my mother as the success of the stud grew. They were always
together day and night for 48 years but Dad was most happy away from the
farm that had become a reminder of what he could no longer do. He craved
my Mum’s singular attention and liked nothing better than to sit in
Aberaeron with my mum still gazing at him, Rosie their Jack Russell
snuggling into him and a cream tea in front of him.
We want to say thank you for the friendship we have felt this last week
or so. It is clear that Dad was loved more than he knew. He made friends
at each stage of his life and so many are here today.
On 1st June, the day after his 79th birthday, my Father collapsed; and with a
characteristic show of stubbornness and spirit, fought against leaving
us; but now we have to say goodbye.
He was a man of contrasts.
He had the appearance of certainty………built on the
fragile foundations of insecurity.
He was an exacting father…….and a patient friend.
He was a gypsy…….who never roamed
Despite an education cut short……..he had a wealth of
knowledge.
He was a countryman through and through.
He was the only man my mother ever loved
He was our father.
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If I could get another chance.
If I could get another walk.
If I could steal one final glance, one final dance with
him.
I’d play a song that would never end.
How I’d love to dance with my father again.
Sara French |
All owners of Forlan Ponies please keep in touch, it is great to have an update .
| H&H 8th July Forlan Honey Dancer
1st, Reserve Ch M&M WHP Derbyshire. Forlan Emma
inhand 2nd Royal Highland. Forlan Honey Cookie 1st Reserve Ch
inhand Cheshire |
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Forlan Honey Dancer Qualified for Royal International WHP AT Royal Windsor & HOYS M&M at East Anglian Native Pony Show |
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Glanusk 2010. Two of Forlan Caradogs daughters were 2nd & 3rd, the picture is of Forlan Caradog taken in 2008 when he was Supreme Champion |
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FORLAN CAPRICE. 1st &Champion Mini Heritage
Novice Leid Rein. Hereford Marches Weekend March 27/28th 2010. |
MARCH 26TH 2010. I have said goodbye to Welsh Honey 34yrs & Honeybee 30yrs, so many many happy memories of these lovely mares. See front page.
| FORLAN CAREFREE 1ST & Reserve Heritage Novice Leid Rein & 3rd in Open Leid-Rein at BSPS Barleyfields, Etwell, Derbys. |
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FORLAN HELLO AGAIN 2nd Novice & 2nd Restricted Open at the BSPS WINTER QUALIFYING SHOW, his first show under saddle at the age of eleven. |
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FORLAN TIA MARIA. Sadly died at the age of
nineteen, she was with the Larapinta Stud for 12 years a very successful
brood mare and prize-winner Our deepest sympathy to Janice & Kevin |
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FORLAN CELIC DREAM 1st Prize, shown 22nd November |
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FORLAN MAGIC MOMENT. Blaenavon Foal & Youngstock Medal Show 3rd. A very large class, twenty plus, superb fillies that would not have looked out of place at major shows. |
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FORLAN NEPTUNE. Champion Mountain & Moorland Small
Breeds 2009 See more pictures on Photo Gallery page |
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FORLAN MISS MILLIE. Supreme Champion Midland Welsh Show at Solihull 14th November. |
FORLAN MAGIC MOMENT 2nd Gwent Foal Show, It was lovely to be back in the showring & proud to show such a lovely filly.
FORLAN MISS MILLIE. November 8th 2009. Champion "A" Medal Winner & Supreme Champion of The West Mercia Show
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FORLAN HAPPY TALK. SUPREME CHAMPION M&M South West Pony Association Show |
October 6th, last weekend in Sweden, Barracks Betty Boop, by Forlan Mastercard out of Forlan Belle Amour was overall Supreme Champion.
October 3rd, Had a relaxing weekend at Hay-On-Wye, some lovely ponies on offer. Honeystar (a private sale)was collected to go to his new home The Raithill Stud, Kirkaldy Scotland from Hay. I saw Forlan Billie Elliot (whom we sold as a foal) sold to go to the Littlewern Stud of Gareth Price, where I hope he will sire lovely foals, he is full brother to Forlan Billie Jo.
September 27th All the foals sold accept Crown Prince he is for sale from home. I met so many people who have Forlan ponies and told me of their success, The new owners of the Fayre Oaks ponies please keep in touch, tell me how they are and that they settled in well with you and also the owners of Forlan Neptune, Forlan Bucks Fizz & Forlan Honey Maestro, photos please.
September 26th FORLAN HONEY Sold to Finland
September 21st New photos of FORLAN HONEY on Fayre Oaks page
September 20th New photos of TOP-OF-THE-POPS & HONEYPOPS DELIGHT on Fayre Oaks page.
September 19th New photo of TOP-OF-THE-POPS. CHRISTINA & CELTIC DREAM on Fayre Oaks page, more photos to follow
September 12th, FORLAN HAPPY TALK, Supreme Champion M&M Inhand at Frome Agricultural Show, this pony has been consistently been in the ribbons, will be updating his successes soon.
September 12th. We are now trimming the foals hooves, new photos will be posted over the next few days after final preparation and they are ready for the sale.
September 6th. Weaned foals caught to day haltered & hooves cleaned out, try to do that every day, very well behaved & happy. Brian & myself work very quietly with the foals they are never frightened this I know helps towards their future well being.
September 1st. Weaned foals eating up well, handled and haltered again today, dams stopped calling, all quiet on the home front.
August 31st. A busy morning, just weaned, wormed and haltered the foals for Fayre Oaks, already used to hay & hard food so should not take the weaning to hard. A new photo of Top-Of-The-Pops on Fayre Oaks page,
I have just received a photo of Forlan Conquest from Sweden, see his photo on Photo Page
Our six entries for Fayre Oaks are looking good, weaning the foals any day now, gosh not long to go now, should soon be posting new photos on Fayre Oaks page. FORLAN HONEY our High Flyer as always delights us with her lovely temperament, her photos do not do her justice, a great opportunity for ridden or breeding , she has not been covered.
FORLAN CARADOGS offspring continue to do well in the showring, Champion Ravenshead Glamour Gift and also Tiffwyl Miami who was 1st & Youngstock Champion at Equifest, Peterborough, we are delighted that Caradog is back at Forlan and all being well should have four foals by him in 2010.
FORLAN MISS MILLIE has also been very successful Bishops Castle Show 1st & Reserve Champion. Tenby 1st. Reserve Champion at Equifest, Peterborough. 2nd at Monmouth, Miss Millie was sold at Fayre Oaks by Forlan in 2006
FORLAN HONEY KING continues his winning ways with a first & Reserve M&M Champion at Launceston Agricultural Show & at North Devon Show was 1st & Champion
Our last two foals have arrived both colts, super boys and the dun Forlan Moonwalker will in time be going to Australia .
RAVENSHEAD GLAMOUR GIFT. Reserve Champion at her first show she is by: Forlan Caradog out of a Forlan Bucks Fizz mare.
FORLAN MISS MILLIE Champion "A". Reserve Supreme Champion & Silver Medal Winner. Blaenavon Show 21st June
BROOD MARES, late to foal, have now returned home and are expected to foal from mid June until beginning of August, mare page has been updated
FORLAN MISS MILLIE 1st & Reserve Champion Royal Cornwall
FORLAN HONEY KING 2nd Royal Cornwall
FORLAN -MY-0-MY 4th The Royal Bath & West
Daughter of Forlan Caradog. Ravenshead Miss Prim 1st South West Pony Association Trinity Show
FORLAN HONEY KING 1ST M&M Inhand 1/2/3yr old Ivybridge Show
FORLAN MY-O-MY 1st & Reserve Champion Filly Glanusk Stallion & Youngstock Show
FORLAN MISS MILLIE 4th Glanusk Stallion & Youngstock Show
FORLAN MON AMIE 3rd Glanusk Stallion & Youngstock Show.
Daughter of Forlan Caradog, Ravenshead Miss Prim 1st Devon NPS
FORLAN HONEY KING 1st Devon NPS
FORLAN MY-O-MY 2nd Avon & Border Association Show
SISTERS: FORLAN HONEY ROYALE 2nd Heritage Leid Rein BSPS Winter Championships. FORLAN HONEY DANCER 3rd Junior Rider WHP BSPS Winter Championships
Forlan Honey Royale, 1st & Reserve Champion Colne M&M Leid Rein at The Southern Winter Championships 2009
30th March. South West Pony Association. Forlan Honey King. 1st. M&M Champion Youngstock & Overall M&M Champion
16th February 2009. Fronbach Hello Dandy 1989-2009.
I had to
make the sad decision to say goodbye to Fronbach Hello Dandy.
This is his
story.
In 1989 at the Fayre Oaks sale, we saw this most beautiful of colt foals, he was
beyond our league at that time and his price of £1400 guineas was a record for a
colt foal and he held that record for sixteen years, his new owner was Terry
Foley, although Terry is no longer with us, he must be congratulated for
purchasing such a handsome colt foal. Dandy was champion as a foal and continued his winning ways, the last
time he was shown he was fourth at the Royal Welsh as a young stallion, in 1996
we heard he was for sale, there was a lot of interest from Holland and we
quickly made the decision to buy him, the most we have ever paid for a welsh
mountain pony, later in the year we bought his daughter Bron-y-Coed Charm by Dandy
from Lyndon Foley after seeing her win the Youngstock Championship at the Blaenavon
Show.
The first foal born in 1997 was Forlan Ceinwen, who is with the Brynsieon Stud
and all being well the last foal by him will be out of Forlan B0-peep this year.
Over the years we have had some wonderful stock by him and there success in
showing in hand, breeding and ridden is a testament to this lovely stallion, by
looking at our web site you can see some of his stock
Dandy loved the freedom of running with his mares in the summer and with
other stallions in the winter. We will miss him so much, our memories of Dandy
are so good especially for his gentle kind personality, he so wanted to please,
but we will be able to smile as we look at his daughters that are still at
Forlan.
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Forlan Honey Dundandy, a pony who has won in M&M Leid Rein, First Ridden and Working Hunter Pony |
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Forlan Sweet Charity. 1st Leid Rein & Reserve
Champion Co Antrim Agricultural Show Larger picture on Photo Page |
December 6th. Brecon Sale and inspection of hill ponies for premiums and photos of well known welsh mountain pony breeders pictures of some ponies for inspection
Avon & Border Foal & Youngstock Show "A" Champion & Medal winner Forlan Miss Millie and also Reserve overall Youngstock Champion, overall Miss Millie has been to four shows won her class each time, Reserve Champion at three of the shows and now Champion today, congratulations to Peter & Viv Rose
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FORLAN MISS MILLIE. Larger picture on Youngstock
Page. Picture taken by Maggie Paull |
As I have finished showing this year, it is great that Forlan Miss Millie was Reserve Champion at Blaenavon Foal & Youngstock Show, shown by Adam Fletcher for Mr & Mrs Rose.
Brecon Fairday Sale. Lovely foals for sale a filly foal sold for £500. I did not stay until end of sale. Champion foal Afan Sian Ddu, sold for £650 Blaenau Domino 1st prize-winner colt, next Rockview Satellite 2nd colt. next Afan colt.
Forlan Honey King. Congratulations to Susan Smith who has had great success with Honey King 2008. Seven Firsts and Three Championships, see picture on youngstock page
West Mercia Foal & Youngstock Show. Forlan Miss Millie. Reserve Champion, bought at Fayre Oaks 2006 by Mr & Mrs Rose. Miss Millie is full sister to My Honey & Motown who are at Forlan
Welsh National Foal Show. Forlan Maggie Mae 3rd. Forlan Caradog owned by the Ravenshead Stud was sire of the champion "A" foal Tiffwyl Master, congratulations to Tony Tilley.
Fayre Oaks is over and I am so pleased that my lovely ponies were appreciated, Forlan Caprice who was the highest priced female of the whole sale has gone on to a riding career, Cherry Pie has been purchased as a future riding pony and Katrina has travelled all the way to Scotland to a newly formed stud, the very best wishes and success to their new owners. Moondancer was bid to £550, I believe he is worth a little more and is for sale at home a lovely colt with a great future. I spoke to many people at Fayre Oaks who have Forlan ponies and they were telling me of there success with them, please contact me again, I would love to have pictures and to list their success in the showring.
15th September, Forlan Honeybunch, the last daughter of Forlan Welsh Honey has come home to Forlan, she can never replace her half sister Forlan Honey Delight, who I lost in the spring but I am so happy to be able have this gorgeous dun mare back home.
The Derwen sale was well organized and a success, a super turnout, must have been over 1500 people, it was all under cover. the cobs looked wonderful and 48 were sold out of 51. Congratulations to Ivor ,Myfanwy & Dyfed and to Team Derwen. Below Derwen Geneth
If all is well at home will be going to the DERWEN SALE on Saturday 6th September starting. 2.30pm. 51 cobs to be sold.
1st September, weaned the four foals going to Fayre Oaks, they had been having two feeds a day for the past fortnight with their dams so were not to bothered, they were wormed in June and again the middle of August . Caprice is looking good, she is out in the day and in at night.
31 August, Forlan Calender Girl. 1st & Reserve Champion Youngstock Avon & Borders WPCA Medal Show, Forlan Honey Spirit 2nd.
Five ponies entered for Fayre Oaks, see Fayre Oaks page.
It has been a strange year, but now all mares covered, although some will be late, Fronbach Chrystal who arrived 29 days ago and was immediately covered by Superstar has just passed her 28th day. Honey Dream, Delights daughter has joined the herd of mares and has been covered by Forlan Mastermind. In total 16 mares covered.
It was 30th May, Forlan Calender Girl, was ready and we started off to the Bath & West, its only an hour away and we arrived at show ground in good time just before 7am, we knew it was wet, but did not think we would have to be towed into the showground, there was a line of lorries waiting to be towed in, we in our forty years of showing welsh ponies have never been towed into a showground and decided that we would not do so today and turned round and headed for home, arriving back about 8am. Showing is meant to be fun.
All of our foals have arrived, four fillies three colts, lovely foals, the mare we sold to Denmark had a lovely filly by Mastermind. We have four barren mares this year, I have learnt my lesson do not put a barren or maiden mares out with mares & foals as they keep the stallions away from mares with foals, wait until mares with foals are all covered.
May 23rd. All four stallions out with their mares.
May 15th. FORLAN MY HONEY. Bay colt, another good colt full brother to Mon Amie.
May 13th. FORLAN HONEY POPPET. Bay colt, a very handsome colt, brother to Honey Quest
May 3rd. FORLAN CHRYSTAL DREAM. Chestnut colt, looks good, by Mastermind
April 27th. FORLAN MISS MOLLY . Super Bay Filly, full sister to Mohawk.
April 26th. MAESCWM MUSIC. Pretty grey filly , full sister to My-o-My, lovely foals
April 26th. MISKIN KITTY. Black filly, going to have substance like her dam, sister to Kalinda, Kismet and Karina
April 18th. BRON-Y-COED CHARM. Lovely bay filly, full sister to Cheeky Girl, who was top price filly foal at Fayre Oaks 2007 & Forlan Caprice who is now four, photo to follow.
April 17th. Sadly lost HONEY DELIGHT due to complications in foaling, , HONEY DELIGHT has been a delight, she was Reserve Supreme as a foal at The West Midland Foal Show and won many more prizes, she has been a fantastic breeder, there are three daughters in the stud Honey Poppet, Honey Dream and Honey Queen, her offspring have been very successful breeding and especially ridden. A daughter of Welsh Honey we hoped like her dam she would be with us for many years to come, but it was not to be.
| 31st January, moved 8 mares to new pasture where
they will graze until returning home to foal, a lovely valley where
there is plenty of contrast, woodlands, valley, streams and higher
pasture, see pictures, mares page was not able to get the whole group
together so four pictures posted. Our ponies are on spring grazing in several groups and the stallions are running together, more pictures will follow. More stories will follow of the ponies that contributed to the success of Forlan. We were delighted that Honey Royale was successful at her first show, see below and congratulate her new owners. |
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CHAMPION FORLAN HONEY ROYALE Home Counties Winter Show 1st Ridden & Mini Champion |
SUPREME CHAMPION REVEL TORC
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Left to right. 1998 Glanusk park At home 28 yrs 10 years old 3 years old
| REVEL TORC 1971/2000 Sire:
Rhyd-y-Felin Serenllys. Dam: Revel Toots. By Bowdler Blighter . Writing this story of Torc has certainly exercised my memory, so many good times in his 29 years. In 1970 we bought a filly foal Revel Tootello, by Revel Cello at Fayre Oaks, Tootello was dam of Royal Welsh Winner Forlan Torchlight by Torc. Showing Tootello the following year at Abergavenny Show, Emrys Griffiths asked if we were interested in her half brother and we agreed to visit the Revel. There loosed in the lane was Revel Toots (Bowdler Blighter )and her golden dun colt (it was only at three years he showed his roan colouring). As they trotted up & down the lane we could only gasp at the colt’s superb action and he had the bonus of type and substance. One problem we had thought of buying a grey colt and said we would sleep on our decision, all night I dreamt of this handsome dun colt and at 7.30 am rang and said yes please. We agreed to pick him up at Fayre Oaks and as he was not handled we backed the trailers up and rested the ramps one on top of the other, Emrys climbed into the trailer and both trailers bucked and rocked until Emrys said (got him) we certainly hoped so, gates were opened to create a passage and with some struggling, he was transferred to our trailer and so homeward bound. The first decision was to name him, he was strong, he was Welsh, so Torc it was after a welsh collar of gold called a Torque or Torc. He was all that we wished for, as a youngster he won many championships, as a two year old he won 13 firsts on the trot and as three year old, amongst his prizes he was Supreme in hand at Southern Counties W.P.C.A.. Also he was Champion at Kington and his son Forlan Blue Boy then one year old Reserve Champion, the result of a mating to Bowdler Belladonna by Torc when Torc was a yearling. Blue Boy was Supreme Champion at Northleach, when ten years old. At four years old Torc settled in as stud stallion, he especially nicked with Fayre Waterfall our foundation mare and between them produced seven superb fillies. All prize-winners, there daughters retained were Forlan Welsh Honey who is still with us and after a time away, Forlan Welsh Melody, also Champion Forlan Sugar out of Littleworth Sunset, Forlan Bronwen full sister to Blue Boy whose grandson Forlan Bora Da was first as a foal at the Royal Welsh in 1996. Torc was a sire of mostly fillies. But the few colts were good, already mentioned Forlan Blue Boy, Forlan Sharpshooter 2nd/3rd/2nd in succession at The Royal Welsh, also Forlan Torchlight Reserve Champion youngstock at Royal Welsh, Time moved on and we had a wealth of Torcs bloodlines and he was leased to other studs, in 1995 his daughter Highland Lady May was 1st Small breeds Mountain & Moorland at Olympia and many of his offspring were successful ridden or breeding including Welsh Honeys full sister Forlan Welsh Cream, her son by Charlie was also a supreme ridden M&M pony. Torc loved to carry things around especially when young and I remember Brian had left his hammer in his field, I had last seen Torc galloping across the field hammer in his mouth, we did not find it until was found two years later, of course it was Brian’s best hammer. At thirteen Torc was broken in and for a year enjoyed jumping & hunter trials at 15 we brought him out again in hand at Forest of Dean where he was Champion “A ". Torc covered 10 mares away at stud in Wales in 1997 He always liked to run out but later in life he had a field shelter and hard feeds each day. He had always been kind and generous his temperament was superb which has followed down through all the generations. At the “A” &”B” Day at Glanusk in 1998 in the personality /veteran parade he gave a wonderful performance when asked to give a show. At the beginning of his 29th year he moved as well as ever and we have a video of him trotting round his field, he did not show his age. Two months later the day before the Welsh Pony & Cob Society AGM, he appeared to have a stroke whilst in his field, the vet was called and it was agreed the kindest thing for him was to put him to sleep, he is buried beside Fayre Waterfall . Revel Torc and Fayre Waterfall contribution to the Forlan Stud was enormous |
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FAYRE WATERFALL WITH FORLAN WELSH LACE
FAYRE WATERFALL
This is the 40th year of the
FORLAN STUD.One of our first foundation mares was
FAYRE WATERFALL who we purchased from Fayre Oaks as a foal in 1968. Waterfall arrived on the farm after we had become thoroughly tired of letting our land for grazing cattle especially bulling heifers that were forever getting out, it was decided that something else should take their place.We decided to look at ponies primarily as our children were young and might like to ride. Having looked at several Native Breeds it came down to the
Welsh Mountain Pony.1967 saw our first visit to
Fayre Oaks and the following year was momentous because we bought our first welsh mountain pony Fayre Waterfall as a foal. Trying to load her that day did not prove easy (I had only ever had experience with Show jumpers and Eventer etc) Looking back I remember two stalwart members of the WPCPS Mr. Llewellyn Richards and Waterfalls breeder Mr. Theron Wilding Davies arriving on the scene and helping us to load our new acquisition. Arriving home she settled easily into her new home.Two days later I decided to lead her out, a big mistake you do not lead a foal as though she is a well trained riding pony and in a flash she took off, I landed flat on my face hanging on for grim death, as at the time a lot of our farm was arable, there being no fences, had she escaped she could have travelled for miles
As I said previously I was used to equines that were broken in, but showing in hand was a new experience for me, a real learning curve, there followed lots of practice in the schooling paddock but we got our act and together over the years
Waterfall won many rosettes.Her first foal was by
Clan Pip, a colt Forlan Grey Falls, not a good looking foal, but very successful in gymkhanas and jumping then she had a colt foal by Bengad Nepeta and Eureka in 1976 she produced Forlan Welsh Honey by Revel Torc laying down a foundation for our stud and more lovely sisters of Honeys followed, more colts, but they were always average, Waterfalls daughters were her forte, it was only at the age of 25 having put her to Wilcrick Saturn she produced her very best colt a dun Forlan What HoAnother
Fayre Waterfall daughter who contributed so much to Forlan was Forlan Welsh Melody, a lovely breeder we decided to sell her when she was ten and bought her back when she was fifteen, she sadly was put down last year we have two of her lovely daughters that remain in the stud,5 generations on, Waterfalls descendants are spread over three continents. Waterfall’s filly foals name began with Welsh……. i.e.
Welsh Honey, Welsh Melody, Welsh Lace, Welsh Cream, Welsh Maid, after all it was not easy to find that many names beginning with W, then all of her daughter’s foals names began with the second name of their dam.
On the lighter side although Waterfall was never broken in she would allow our children and their friends to ride bareback, when she tired of her little riders she would drop a shoulder and they would gently slide to the ground.
Waterfalls temperament charmed everybody and she passed this lovely nature down through all her descendants many who are now doing so well in lead rein and performance classes with great success. In the spring of 1996 Waterfall looked tired and showing her age and the decision was made to put her down, she is buried in a paddock under an oak tree where she spent many happy hours. She was put sleep on the Monday and on the following Thursday I opened the Horse & Hound and in the
Prizewinners was her last foal then four years old Forlan What Ho.We have missed Waterfall over the years, but through her we made many friends. In this our
40th year we are always reminded of our foundation mare when we look at so many of her descendants that remain at Forlan.
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FORLAN WELSH HONEY |
Glanusk Park 1998 Northleach 1st Prize
This is the 40th anniversary of the Forlan Stud; an opportunity to write about a pony that has made such an impact on the stud. Forlan Welsh Honey was born in 1976 out of our foundation mare Fayre Waterfall (Bought at the Fayre Oaks in the year we founded our stud and living to the good age of 28yrs.) by Revel Torc our senior stallion who lived to 29yrs old. On the night of Honey's birth I found two angry mares battling over a beautiful dun filly foal, I picked the foal up and with some difficulty managed to carry her across the 10 acre field with two mares showing the protective maternal instincts in no uncertain manner, by jostling and pushing till we reached the gate, once the other side of the gate I invited the rightful mother to squeeze through the narrow opening, one happy mother safely with her foal and one not so happy mare the other side of the gate who foaled down an hour later.. After a few relaxed moments admiring this most beautiful new born. I phoned Brian for help from the stable phone. Brian was soon on the scene, after stabling the pair the foal was soon enjoying her mother’s milk. Honey looked good then at birth and has inherited her Sires ability to always look good under any condition, Torc always looked half his age and so does Honey. Wouldn't we all like to inherit such a flattering gene?
We knew we had a special filly and she made her first public appearance at the Southern Counties show Judged by Mr Meredith of the Craven Stud, where her mother won the novice mare class and Honey won the foal class and at a show where her sire Revel Torc had been Supreme Champion in 1974.
At four years old she had her first foal by Twyford Sprig. She produced 4 fillies and 3 colts by Sprig. Her daughters Honeybee and Honey Bubbles, are retained with her in the stud and have made their own mark by producing Champions. It was when Honey had her 3rd foal that we decided to show her at Northleach the only year she was ever shown as a Mare. Honey won the novice mare class and her foal Heather won the foal class. Also retained is Honeys daughter Honey Delight Reserve Supreme as a foal by Fronbach Hello Charlie. Another daughter Harmony was sold to Israel, Honeymoon by Brierwood Fullback, is at the Cwm-Meudwy Stud her daughter Hello Dolly and son Hello Jamie are Champions in America, Honeytime who won 1st prize only time shown at Northleach, was also out of Honey by Ovington Remus who was a Champion in Belgium sadly she died of grass sickness in Scotland. Honeysuckle by Synod Scamp
& Honeybun by Fronbach Hello Charlie are successful leidrein ponies and Honeybunch by Eppynt Superstar who is with Craigdorne stud.Honeys name is even more secure in the W.P.C.S. Stud Book through her male offspring Champion Hallmark by Synod Scamp owned by the Tallrares Stud, Champion Honey Buzzard by Springbourne Claret owned by the Coed-Tirio Stud, Champion Humdinger by Twyford Sprig, is in France and the many times Supreme Champion Honey Wizard and sire of champions is with the Craigdorne Stud.
Honeywise & Harvester are ridden ponies. Last but not least is Honey Dundandy who has been so successful under saddle
Back tracking to her seven foals by Twyford Sprig, we used to take Honey down to Ceulan on the third day of her season, cover her, put her in a stable and then enjoy a cup of tea and a chat, cover her again and bring her home, in fact she has had a foal every year but one of her breeding life.
Honey holds the record by producing a 1st prize-winning foal at the West Midland Foal Show five years in succession with some going on to be Champion or Reserve Supreme foal.
The only unfortunate incident in her life happened in 1997 when she badly injured her near hind leg, It took 12 weeks to heal with daily changes of bandages and a lot of T.L.C., but soon she was moving as well as ever.
It was a proud movement when Honey won the mare progeny class at the 1997 Royal Welsh Show with her sons Forlan Honey Wizard, Forlan Honeywise and her daughter Forlan Honey Delight.
In 1998 Honey was in the Personality/Veteran Parade at the highly successful A & B Field Day at Glanusk Park and belied her age as she settled into her wonderful trot when asked to give a show.
Her quality of life is good, she enjoys two hard feeds a day, hay is always available, she has a stable which is open to the a yard and the yard open to a field, she hates being shut in and as to a rug a definite no no
Honey's contribution to the Forlan Stud has been immense and she has given us years of pleasure. We have been privileged to have bred such a lovely pony
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