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0:00:19 > 0:00:21- Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- That's the proverb, and that's - what happened in our next story.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- It's not a story about trees, - but rather about cobs and horses...
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- ..some of the best - Wales has ever seen.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- Welcome to Ceredigion, - and welcome to the Derwen Stud.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- The Derwen Stud - is a giant of the cob world.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- They are breeders, sellers - and ambassadors for this fine horse.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56- We look at Ifor and Myfanwy Lloyd's - contribution to the equine world.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- It includes archive family footage - never before seen on television.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- What's so special about a Welsh cob?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- What's so special about a Welsh cob?- - It's the best horse in the world.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48- Simple?
0:01:48 > 0:01:49- Simple?- - Simple.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- It's multi-purpose.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- You can do anything with it.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- You can look at it.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- You can be its friend.
0:01:57 > 0:02:03- The Welsh cob, in my opinion, - is the best horse in the world.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- They mean the world to me.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- I've heard the sound - of their hooves since I was a child.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- Their neighing in the morning - is my alarm clock.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- Ifor Lloyd was born in Llanybydder - into a family of horse fanciers.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- His grandfather and great-uncle - were among the founders...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- According to Ifor, - he has lived three good lives...
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- ..in the worlds of cars, - singing and cobs.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- He was a car dealer - until the mid 1980s...
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- ..and a noted singer - and Blue Riband winner.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- But the cobs always came first.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- How did the stud start?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- The stud started back in 1944.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- ..when my father bought Dewi Rosina, - bred by J O Davies, Pentrebrain.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- At the time, we lived as a family - in Drefach, Llanybydder.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14- One spring day, my father - went to Llanybydder to buy seed.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- He always used to go to the mart, - the horse mart.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- But as there was seeding to be done, - he couldn't go that day.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- When he came out - of Sheffield House...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..he heard the sound of hooves - coming down from the station.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- He thought he should - take a look at the horse...
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- ..because the hooves - sounded interesting.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- What he saw - was a wonderful black mare.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- He bought her for 95 - before she went to the mart.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- That sounds very cheap now, - but it was a lot at the time.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- A friend asked him - if he wanted to sell her on.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- My father said he would, - but only for a 200 profit.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- He refused, saying that my father - hadn't spent that much.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- My father agreed, - but wouldn't sell her.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- If he had, Derwen wouldn't have been - the success that it is today.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- Your mother played an important role - in the venture as well.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- She kept detailed records - and took photographs and so on.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22- Yes.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- She also had a little cine camera.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- We've finally got round - to transferring the footage.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36- Hopefully, the CDs will give people - pleasure when we've finished them.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- What was the stud's first success?
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Beyond a shadow of a doubt...
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- ..winning the Prince of Wales Cup - in Cardiff in 1953.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- Winning that cup - is every breeder's ambition.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- We were fortunate enough to win it.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- I was a young boy, with my parents, - sleeping in the hay in Cardiff.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- I still remember it clearly...
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- ..and it's a while ago!
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Blood and lineage - are key words in Derwen's story.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- The Derwen bloodline went on - to win the Prince of Wales Cup...
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- ..at the Royal Welsh Show - no less than 13 times...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- ..as well as the Queen's Cup - in 1983.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- Names like Derwen Rosina, Derwen - Rosinda, Princess, Viscountess...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..and Groten Goch - have passed into legend.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Derwen Dameg was an important mare.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- She was very pretty, - golden with four white legs.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44- She won the Challenge Cup...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..and at England's Royal Show, - which was still going then.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- As well as competing...
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- ..breeding to sell - is also a vital part of the story.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- Derwen led the way, - selling to over 18 countries...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..including Sweden, the USA...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- ..and even one horse, - Derwen Welsh Comet, to Pakistan...
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- ..to develop the bone structure - of the army's polo team, apparently.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Is this where the horses are kept?
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Is this where the horses are kept?- - Yes, this is Cae'r Ardd.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- We're looking across the sea to - Aberystwyth.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- In the other direction - is Aberaeron...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- ..and New Quay.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Over there, Lampeter.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Over there, Lampeter.- - An ideal spot for Welsh breeds.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Yes, we're very lucky.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- Mind you, in winter, - we do get a lot of wind.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- But that's what makes the cob - the best horse in the world.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- What do you look for in a good cob?
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- Everything.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53- A pretty head.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- Plenty of neck.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Depth, and the ability to move.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Over the years, - do you think you've managed...
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- ..to create the perfect cob - at Derwen?
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- I won't say there's such a thing - as the perfect cob.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- But I like to think, - after all these years...
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- ..that we've got - to where we were aiming to be.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- This is some shed, Ifor!
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- We're lucky - that we built it when we did.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- We couldn't afford it today.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- In 2008, - after years of keeping horses...
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- ..they decided - to cut back on numbers...
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- ..permanently.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- I've been in this shed once before, - when you held your sale.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Yes, eight years ago.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- If you remember, the weather - was apocalyptically poor.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- If it wasn't for this shed...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- ..we would have had - to cancel the sale.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- There was a foot of water - on the yard the previous day.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- But we got everything ready in here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Thank heavens, we managed it.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- The sale was a big success.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Who do we have here, Ifor?
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Derwen Reason and Derwen Tess.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- I don't think I can - improve on these two.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- The Welsh cobs, - indeed the Welsh breeds...
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- ..give me a thrill.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- They have a special character.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- They're your friend.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- Every time you show them, - you have to remember...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- ..that you are their best friend - in that big ring.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- They'll respond to you - with kindness.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- That's what I try to do - every time I show.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- When did you and Myfanwy - take over the stud?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- We married in 1974.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28- Ever since, Myfanwy has played - a key role with this stud.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- Without her, as with my parents...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- ..I couldn't have carried on - as I have.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- For the first eleven years, - Ifor was at the garage every day...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- ..and I was at home on the farm.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- But Ifor's father was alive then, - and I learnt so much from him.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- I knew nothing about horses - before I got married.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- What did Roscoe, - Ifor's father, teach you?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- One of the first things - was how to handle a horse...
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- ..and how to brush a horse.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- But the main thing - was how to prepare them for a show.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- How to load a wheelbarrow.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- Who knew there was a proper way?!
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- He taught me that.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- He also taught me - how to show horses.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- It was a tough school, - but I'm glad because I learnt a lot.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23- From one of the best.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25- That's true enough.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- He was here with me every day.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- How do you feel about the horses?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Well, I'm very fond of the horses.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Their nature attracts you to them.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- I enjoy brushing them - and preparing them.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- If you spend time with a horse, - you get to know it and its virtues.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- Ceredigion is the home of the cob.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- Before the days of the tractor...
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- ..Ceredigion - was full of small farms.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- The cob did all the work.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03- Most farms had just one cob.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- That was a mare, usually.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- It was used - for ploughing, harvesting...
0:11:10 > 0:11:15- It did everything on the farm, - as well as raising foals.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- They were then sold - to bring money in.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- The cob in Ceredigion...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..is like the Houses of Parliament - in London.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26- I can't say any more.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Myfanwy, farmyard museums are rare.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Where did you get the idea?
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- I've always - been interested in antiques.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- I started collecting - among the family.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- I've been to many farm sales - over the years.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Year on year, a collection grows.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- Year on year, a collection grows.- - What are you recording here?
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- For me, it records a bygone age.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- I still enjoy antiques.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- If children come here...
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- ..they can't imagine - a horse having to pull a plough.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- They can't link the two things.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- We try to show them - how the horses used to work.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- The threshing machine, - pulling the hay cart.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- These are cobs.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- This shows a bygone age.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Of all the pieces, - does something stand out?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Well, there's the saddle.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- That belonged to Ifor's father - and he used it on Dewi Rosina.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- That means a lot to us.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- We've kept it through the years.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- This is a rein for a mare.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- It has been worn by many - of our Royal Welsh Show winners.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Groten Goch, Princess, Rosinda... - I could go on and on.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- I spent hours as a boy - going through these journals.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- They used to come - every year around February.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- Mine only go back to 1983, - but you have a fair few more here.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Yes, they go back to the start, - and this was the first one.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- 1962.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19- I'm just the same.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Someone once asked me - if I read books.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- I said that I did.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- The next question was, - "Who's your favourite author?"
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- I said, "Welsh Pony - and Cob Society stud books."
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- He had no idea what I was on about!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- He had no idea what I was on about!- - I know the feeling.
0:14:00 > 0:14:00- .
0:14:03 > 0:14:03- Subtitles
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Ifor Lloyd - may not compete at shows now...
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- ..but he's very much in demand - as a judge.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25- Today, he's at the National Welsh - & Welsh Part Bred Championship Show.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- It takes place in Malvern, - just over the border in England.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35- Ifor has had a busy morning judging - the preliminary gelding classes.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40- All the Section A, B, C and D - and Welsh Part Bred horses...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- ..have been shown in the ring.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- Ifor then selects the five - best entries, not in any order.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- The best five in every section - will go on to compete...
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- ..for the Welsh gelding championship - in the main ring.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- For those not in the know, - can you explain what a gelding is?
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- A gelding is a male horse - that has been castrated.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- Geldings have an advantage - over mares riding at shows.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- A gelding can be ridden any time...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- ..whereas mares can be in heat.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- During those times, - mares can misbehave.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- As far as riding is concerned, - geldings do have an advantage.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- When did you start judging, Ifor?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- When I was 16 years old...
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- ..but not at an official WPCS show.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- I was lucky enough - to have been my father's apprentice.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- When I was 15, I remember going - with him to a show in Caernarfon.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Now, I have to select - the best five horses...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..out of the ten - that have come this far.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- I have to take my time - because there's a 500 first prize.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- I have to be certain - that I'm doing the right thing.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- I remember my father telling me...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- ..before my judging debut, - in Llanddarog.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- If it's fifty-fifty - between a friend and a stranger...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- ..no-one can blame you - for choosing your friend.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- But if there is a difference...
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- ..you won't make a monkey - of the owner or the horse.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- You'll make a monkey of yourself, - and I'm not prepared to do that.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- Some people ask me - why I judge so quickly.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08- The reason is...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..I took two minutes - to choose a wife...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..so I don't have to take two hours - to choose a horse.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Well done. Congratulations.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Well done, all of you. - Thank you very much.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Wonderful turnout.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- After years of service - to the horse world...
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- ..Ifor has one important role - to accomplish during this year.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- It's a role - that honours and excites him.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- I think that the members - have been very generous...
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- ..in electing me president - of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Since last year, - it has been a members' vote.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Prior to that, it was the task - of a small committee.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- I hope to promote Welsh ponies - and cobs during my term...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- ..which begins in April.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- We have the best Welsh ponies - and cobs in the world.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- I'll travel - over the whole country...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- ..and maybe onto the Continent...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- ..visiting various associations...
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- ..going to shows, - meeting people and so on...
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- ..all the while focusing - on bringing Welsh ponies and cobs...
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- ..to the attention of people - all over the world.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- It's probably - the biggest honour I've had.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- When I was a boy, my mother - was very interested in photography.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- She bought a Brownie camera.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- Years later, when cine cameras - came out, she bought one of those.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- She took the camera - to every show she attended.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- By now, those films - are a historical record.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- It's lovely to look back at them.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Well, David, - we're back at the pictures!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- The Royal Welsh Show in the 1960s.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Some of the stallions are familiar.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Llwynog y Garth, - Tyngwndwn Cream Boy and so on.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- Brenin y Bryniau.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- They were icons, every one of them.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- People used to come round - after the judging...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- ..to see if the animal - was a worthy winner.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- That tradition has disappeared.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- That tradition has disappeared.- - Yes, certainly.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- This is the 1966 Royal Welsh Show.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- I'm showing Derwen Rosina.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- I'm showing Derwen Rosina.- - You look very young, Ifor.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09- I was young then!
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- It's a big thrill - to show at the Royal Welsh.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- Here is Rosina.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- Here is Rosina.- - That's right.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- That's my father leading her round.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Here he is receiving the prize.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Was this Rosina's first win - at the Royal Welsh?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Yes, 1966.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Here's Richard, Gordon Jones, - my father and myself.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41- And the prizes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- This is my mother, - on the other side of the camera.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- She wore the rosette herself!
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- That's Jimmy Davies, aka Jimmy Daps.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- It's great to see these old horses.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00- I've only heard tell of them.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- I've only heard tell of them.- - Yes, of course.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06- We're back home now.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- We're back home now.- - With one of the best.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Yes, Nebo Black Magic.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- I carried a lot less weight then!
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- We had visitors from England, - who had come to see the horses.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- This is Derwen Rosina's Last...
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- ..son of Magic, out of Rosina.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- This was her last foal.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- There's the bus.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- It's an old one!
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- A lot of people - used to come on stud visits...
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- ..from all over the country.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- We showed them the horses, - the foals and so on.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- This is Brynymor Welsh Magic - out on the farmyard...
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- ..showing himself off.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- I think this was Derwen Sensation.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- It's hard to remember - back over 50 years!
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- # Neithiwr mi glywais
0:22:16 > 0:22:22- # Lais angel fel hyn
0:22:23 > 0:22:29- # Dafydd, tyrd adref
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- # A chwarae drwy'r glyn
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- # Delyn fy mebyd #
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- Derwen horses have won the cup - a total of 13 times.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- Does one win - stand out over the others?
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- For me personally, my first win, - leading Derwen Rosina...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- ..is the one that stands out most.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- But I loved them all.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11- They all did their best for us, - and I'll never forget that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- "On the level, don't protect me
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- "On the climb up, do not force me
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- "On the descent, do not ride me
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- "In the stable, don't forget me."
0:23:28 > 0:23:29- That was my mother's verse.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50- .