Welsh ponies dominate at the Dutch National Championships in Combined Driving in Harich

During the international driving competition, held from June 24 through 28 in Harich (Gaasterland), the program included not only the international classes but also the Dutch Championships in combined driving for ponies and for single and pair horses in the Z class. The Welsh ponies were once again excellently represented and secured several national titles and podium finishes.

In the single-horse pony class, the national title went to Dirk Bastiaansen riding the NWR stallion Siepkes Macho.

In the pony pair class, the entire podium was taken by Welsh Mountain gray pairs. Cas Hendriks took gold with Jip and Sunstar’s Cloud. Silver went to Rowan Timmer with Tumtum and Zellemshoeve Youri, while Ischa Vink took bronze with Greulkes Sam and Iwan.

In the pony four-in-hand division as well, the national title went to a Welsh team. Marijke Hammink won the Dutch championship for the eighth consecutive time with her bay Welsh A ponies Beukenhof’s Wesley, Gert, Hywel, and Roosendaal’s Thunder.

The silver medal went to Joris Wouda, who put in a strong performance with his Welsh A gray horses: Blackblaze Hylino, Little King Heihoeve, Templedruid Jonquil, and Vechtzicht’s Hunter.

The bronze medal ultimately went to Dianne Legemaat-van Bemmel with her black Welsh B four-in-hand team, consisting of Rondeel’s Royal Bohdi, Wild Woud’s Henrico, Showboy, and Zwaantjes Floris.

With these results, the Welsh ponies once again underscore their strong position in Dutch equestrian sports.