Rhythmical (28) Nicest Old Welsh of 2023

Golden Boy, better known as Rhythmical, has become ‘Funniest Old Welsh of 2023’ by a large majority of votes. Owner and entrant Erica Krieger hesitated over which photo to submit, but it probably wouldn't have mattered much. Rhythmical has so many fans.

Despite the problems with the website and Facebook, there were still massive votes for all the ponies. In total we counted almost 5000 votes of which Rhythmical received over the most votes and the other ponies were close in the top 4.

Rhythmical is a true ambassador for the Welsh Studbook. As the winner of the pageant, he will receive a beautiful halter and rope from the Welsh Studbook. The PR committee will be in touch about this.

Winner: Rhythmical

Rythmical — “Age is playing tricks on Rhythmical now anyway. His current little rider came on a sick visit with a drawing for his stable, how wonderful,” said Erica Krieger.

Pedigree name: Golden Boy
Call/choice name Knollie
Section A
Born May 14, 1995
Father: Elferinks Winston
Mother: Joy's Charity
Breeder: S.E.M. Dijkman-Reimink, Lemelerveld

Erica Krieger: “Rhythmical is 28 years old and has been with us for 25 years. First as a mischievous riding pony for our own children, then the teacher for countless children and still is today! 1.16 Small, but big on action. No less than 30x Regional Champion and 4 x Dutch Champion. Best going, dressage, jumping, cross, 4 and 6tal. All-round Champion Welsh field day. But also the Welsh who was in the classroom on animal day, runs laps at the day care center and last summer even joined the elevator in the nursing home. Rhythmical brought so much joy and recognition to the demented elderly. The elderly pony was clearly in his element! We hope to keep him for a long time - even in sports - but right now he is just back from the clinic, colic due to not getting enough roughage without molars to keep his intestines working. Thumbs up for this naturally ALLOWED OLD WELSH, our “Knollie.” (Erica Krieger)

A few days ago we announced another intermediate ranking; namely, a top 5 in no particular order. Cobtain Rachel, Vechtzicht's Courtier, Rythmical, Butterfly's Golden Moonshine and Riverside Taffy. Then there were a few more days to vote and this put Badhoeve Suzy in the top 5 at the expense of Cobtain Rachel.

2nd place

Butterfly's Golden Moonshine (28)

Call sign: Ramos
Section K (now NWR)
Born: April 12, 1995
V. Pitchwood Moonshine
M. Butterfly Copper Crown
MV. Ophemert's Golden Wonder
Breeder: Fam. van de Voort, Ede

Ramos is officially named Butterfly's Golden Moonshine. His mother Butterfly Copper Crown received a mention at the Old Welsh pageant last year just after she passed away at age 36! Thanks again for that. Awesome! Ramos was born to us on April 12, 1995! He is such an awesome sweetheart! He steals your bag, stands behind you with a brush or broom in his mouth! Despite being so old he remains a prankster! We hope he may become as old as his mother! (Tessa van der Voort)

3rd place

Vechtzicht's Courtier (21)

Call sign: coot
Section A
Date of birth: April 21, 2002
Father: Vechtzicht's Hylander
Mother: Vechtzicht's Cindy
Breeder: Fam. Dobber, Breukelen

Coutier is very special and has in the past competed in World Championships and Dutch championships 4 and double spans. Coutier also became Dutch double span champion in 2016. Now that he is with us, he is Ilse's buddy. He tries to help her get over her fears. He is really an all-rounder who loves to be brushed, who teaches the young horses a thing or two and who we all have a lot of fun with. To us he is the sweetest of all (Family Noordam)

4th place

Riverside Taffy (37)

Call sign: Taffy
Section D (Welsh Cob)
Date of birth: June 6, 1986
Father: Rhamdir Cadno
Mother: Riverside's Lady Comet

I am Taffy. I am a very naughty pony but I am also very sweet. I have worked hard in my life, but always with great pleasure. With my lady I am qualified to start in Z1 and I was also with her in B jumping with the horses. With my owner I also did driving such as dressage, skill and marathon and later I also got a buddy and we pulled the cart together. Now at my age small children learn to ride me and then I am very well behaved but when they know it a little bit I get very naughty again and then my eyes shine. I have given a lot of people confidence in driving again. I also brought an elderly gentleman to his final resting place because he learned to drive with me at the age of 85. And now I hope to be with them for a long time to come. This is the story of Taffy. Taffy has been in our possession since 1990. (Monique van de Vooren)

5th place

Badhoeve Suzy (24)

Call sign: Suzy
Welsh section A
Born: May 12, 1999
Father: Fighting Face Harmony
Mother: Badhoeve Dixie
Father of mother: Boreas Ubbo

This 24-year-old Welsh grey mare has been living with us for 3.5 years now. Her best buddy and owner is Lauren Ceelen. Suzy is very stubborn she indicates exactly what she wants. She loves lots of grass and horse cookies and lots of cuddles from us. She likes to open containers or doors to investigate. She also then looks exactly so cute so that getting mad at her is impossible. Suzy is still very fanatical in sports. Dressage riding she likes the least. Jumping and cross country she likes best. Ears forward and go. This pony will go through fire for you. And brings so much sociability. It is never boring with Suzy. That is why she deserves this nomination. The picture is from SGW Ysselsteyn 2023. (Nanda Ceelen)

Other nominees

Cobtain Rachel (26)

Call sign: Rachel or Rezel
Date of birth: July 15, 1997
Section D (Welsh Cob)
Father: Petrefelin Telynor
Mother: Cobtain Rosie

Molenhof's Boy (24)

Section B
Born: April 25, 1999
Father: Breeton Dai
Mother: Molenhof's Victoria

Leutseveld's Mila (21)

Call sign: Mila, Sports name: Remito's Leutseveld's Mila
Date of birth: June 2, 2002
Section A
Father: Ysselvliedt's Barny's Own
Mother: Geldershof's Leontien