Orlando, Fla. - The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) held its 2014 Annual General Meeting over the weekend of February 27 –March 1, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Over 150 members from across the United States were part of this exciting annual event with a goal for 2015 to be the YEAR OF THE WELSH. Society members and the Board of Directors conducted committee meetings, informative clinics, award banquets and presentations.

Welsh of the Year Recipient Announced!
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America is pleased to announce that Section A Welsh gelding, High Hopes Prowler, (“Peepers”) is the recipient of the 2014 Welsh of the Year Award.  Owned and trained by Dannielle French of Pinelands Farm, Mays Landing, NJ, ridden and handled by Heather Lee O’Rourke (age 6) of Salem, NH.  “Peepers is a text book example of the Welsh breed’s versatility.  He was shown by two riders ranging in age from 6 to 60 and achieved three national titles. We are thrilled to have him as an ambassador for the breed”, said Dr. Ruth Wilburn, WPSCA President.
Five nominees were selected by the committee for the prestigious title for Welsh of the Year including; Daventry Power Play, Glynhafan Hermione, Larks Token and Taraco Mourinho. Jackie Verkuyl of Gold Hills Welsh and program sponsor said, “This is our third year for this award series and we are consistently overwhelmed with the caliber of nominees who exhibit the extreme versatility of this hardy, kind and athletic breed.”

WPCSA 2014 Achievement Awards
Dr. Ruth Wilburn, WPCSA President, presented the 2014 Achievement Award to Lois Ferson, Hounds Run Farm, Hillsborough, NC.  Achievement awards are given to those who assist the Society.  The President thanked Lois for all of her behind the scenes hard work, extraordinary proofreading efforts and commitment as an Area Representative for the Southeast region.

WPCSA All-Around High Point Youth Awards
Audrey Schulze was thrilled to receive her championship in the 12 and under Division, with reserve going to Jordyn Baxter. The WPSCA welcomed back Kaitlin Hofer for her championship in the 13-17 age group with reserve going to Joy Hiller. Congratulations to all of these young people for all their hard work and success showing their animals at WPCSA rated shows.

WPCSA Lifetime Awards – Sire Order of the Dragon
The Order of the Dragon Award is the Society’s highest award. To achieve this high honor, the Sire Order of the Dragon is awarded to pony/cob stallions whose progeny accumulate a total of 25,000 points or who have three progeny with an AOE. The WPCSA presents this prestigious award to the following purebred animals:
*Sleight of Hand LOM/AOE/OD owned by Arthur and Gail Thomson and *Wedderlie Mardi Gras LOM/AOE/OD owned by Family Partners, LLC

Other WPCSA Lifetime Awards
The Society is also pleased to present Awards of Excellence (AOE), Legions of Merit (LOM) and Awards of Honor (AOH) to the following purebred animals:

Sire AOE:  Severn West Wind LOM/AOE owned by Mary Benedict

Dam AOE:  Alliance Designer Bow LOM/AOE owned by Mary Benedict

Individual AOE:  Clanfair Signature LOM/AOE owned by Megan Burtness, Misty Morn’s Just Mo LOM/AOE owned by Carol & Kristy Wilkinson, Rosehaven Legacy LOM/AOE owned by Elise Heim, Severn Baubles’n Beads LOM/AOE owned by Mary Benedict

Sire LOM:  Rosehaven Talisman owned by Sally Steinmetz

Dam LOM:  Farmore Captivating LOM owned by Tammy Burgin & Emilie Bell, High Hopes Kia LOM owned by Thomas Hoffecker, Margaret & Emily Gill, *Llanarth Rhonwen LOM owned by Patricia Homes presented to Laura Stevens, Rollingwoods Unrivaled LOM owned by Ruth & Joanna Wilburn & Sally Ross Davis, Severn Olympia LOM owned by Mary Benedict, *Sydenham Gardenia LOM owned by Gerald & Jackie Verkuyl.

Individual LOM:  *Cefnfedw The Senator LOM owned by Patty Sandefur, Clarwood The Judge LOM owned by Joseph Fisher, Lazy J Star Witness LOM owned by Janice Early, Rosehaven Snapdragon LOM owned by Sally Steinmetz

The Society is also pleased to present Individual Awards of Distinction (AOD) and Awards of Honor (AOH) to the following Half Welsh/Part Breds:
Individual AOD:  Larks Token AOH/AOD owned by Elizabeth & Kaitlin Hofer

Sire AOH:  *Telynau Royal Anthem LOM/AOH owned by Lynn Kiefer

Individual AOH:  Loafers Lodge Hot Pink AOH owned by John Almond, Ringo Starr AOH owned by Tammie Monaco