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0:00:03 > 0:00:08- In this series, we look at - the world of horses in Wales.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- From hooves to cobs, - from racing to shows.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- We feature the unique world - of horses and owners.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- The horse - is a fascinating creature.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- It's somewhere between - the domesticated and the wild.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- That's one of the elements - which makes the horse exciting.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- I'm Brychan Llyr and, - with top breeder, David Oliver...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- ..we'll lead you through - an exciting equine adventure.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- David is well-known for his success - at The Royal Welsh...
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- ..winning the 2014 Cuddy - Supreme In-hand Championship.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- What I enjoy most - is preparing horses for the shows.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- I handle them, I get them ready, - I trim them, I feed them...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- ..and I form a bond with that horse.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- When I take that horse to a show, - it presents itself at its best.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- Horses play a huge part - in Brychan's life.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- He enjoys racing in the saddle but - we'll take it easy in this series.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Ask anyone in the equine world - what draws them to horses...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..and everyone - will give you a different answer.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- My answer is that horses thrill me.
0:02:07 > 0:02:13- In this programme, the story of - a family which lives near Llandysul.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Brychan and I will visit their stud - regularly over a period of time...
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- ..and we see the excitement, - the success and the hard work.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- The journey begins - at the stable door.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- We'll focus on breeding horses - in this programme...
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- ..and this is - one of the best studs in Wales.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- The Menai Stud bloodline - goes back over several generations.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- These horses - are special and successful.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- Menai is one of Wales's oldest - and most influential studs.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Its success can be traced - as far back as 1914...
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- ..to its first mare - - Menai Queen Bess.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- Peter Jones, his wife Ann and - their sons, Richard and Thomas...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- ..live here, on Rhyd Y Fenne farm.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- They all adore horses, - no-one more so than Peter.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- Horses have been - a big part of my life...
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- ..since I left school when I was 15.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Had I concentrated - on cattle or sheep...
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- ..I'd have made more money - than I did from horses!
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- I can only say that - they've given me great pleasure...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..and they've given me a lifelong - challenge to compete in shows.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- If I didn't have horses, - I'd be totally lost.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57- The stud has enjoyed success with - horses like Menai Shooting Star...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- ..Menai Fury and Menai Calon Lan.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- What does the term 'stud' mean?
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- It's an establishment - where horses are kept for breeding.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- It's different from stables, an - establishment where horses are kept.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17- You breed horses in a stud.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- We keep stallions and mares - for breeding.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- How would you explain - what the term bloodline means?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- You're asking difficult questions!
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- We all started with something.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- We go back all the way to Queen Bess - and Queen Bee and so on.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- The source of the well.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- The purest water is always there.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- You don't know what comes in - from other sources before that...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..but you do know - that my well is totally pure.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- I try to go back to that well. - It's called line breeding.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- What's the difference between - line breeding and inbreeding?
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- When it works, it's line breed, - when it doesn't it's inbreed.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- I'm not sure - if that's a simple answer!
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Richard is Peter's elder son.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- In addition to helping with the - horses, he's just sat his A levels.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22- Walk on.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- What do the horses mean to you?
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Well, David, - they're part of my upbringing.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Horses are part of the family - and I enjoy them.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- They're in my blood.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- I have the honour - of showing horses...
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- ..which were bred on our land, - at Pant y Defaid Farm.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- I can't put it into words...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..what those horses mean to me.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53- Good lad.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Riding is Richard's passion...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- ..and Thomas leads - in the in-hand classes.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Peter has two worthy apprentices...
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- ..and their contribution - is crucial to the stud's success.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- I understand - you're the business brain...
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- ..and that you like to make deals - when you sell horses.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- How important is it - to create a market for the horses?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- I think that's the most important - thing of all.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- It's easy to prepare them for a show - and enjoy showing them...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..but others may not be - the best ones in their year...
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- ..and if we don't show them, - we sell them.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- We sell them on the internet.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40- You have a website, don't you?
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- You have a website, don't you?- - Yes.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Our Facebook page is handy too.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- Dad's a bit of a Facebook addict - at the moment!
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- Do you help out - with that side of things?
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- Yes. Dad's a bit slow and Mam - can't even turn on the television!
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- I do try to help them - join the 21st century!
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- Ann has established a dental surgery - next to the stables.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- She's far enough from the horses...
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- ..but close enough - to keep en eye on her boys.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- We know about the Menai bloodline.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- You've kept your own identity...
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- ..by registering your own ponies - under the Friarly prefix.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- When I married Peter, I'd had - my father's ponies for years.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- I couldn't just let them go...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- ..so I decided to keep - the Friarly bloodline alive.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- I'm really glad I did it.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- How do you keep control of Peter - and your sons?
0:07:45 > 0:07:46- It must be a tough job!
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- It must be a tough job!- - Yes. I do my best.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- Peter tells me you're the boss.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Really? That's good to know.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- What does the future hold - for your family stud?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Have you made any plans?
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Have you made any plans?- - That's a big question.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- I'm lucky that both my sons - share my passion for horses.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- It seems likely that they'll follow - a different path from me.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Richard wants to study to be a vet.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- That will take him out of the system - for at least five years.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- I'm not sure what Thomas - wants to be, apart from a playboy!
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- He says he wants to - follow in his mother's footsteps...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- ..and become a dentist.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Who knows?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- I hope they keep the business going.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- Four generations of our family - has bred horses here...
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- ..and it would be a shame - if it all went to waste in the end.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- I think you can rest easy. - The boys seem keen to me.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56- I hope so.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- I'd be a happy man if I could - look down and see it or look up!
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- The Menai Stud is interesting.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- Different mountain ponies - and Welsh cobs are bred here.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Section A, Section B, - Section C and Section D horses.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Section A - is the Welsh Mountain pony.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Section B - is the Welsh Pony Of Riding Type.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- Section A ponies - are lively and stocky.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- Section B ponies are slightly bigger - and have riding characteristics.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Section C - is the Welsh Pony Of Cob Type.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- These are active and strong.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- Section D is The Welsh Cob, - Richard's favourite.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Many consider - this powerful, agile horse...
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- ..to be the best - for driving and for riding.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- The Welsh Cob is known as - an excellent horse the world over.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- I like to think - I know a bit about horses...
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- ..but it's such a wide field, - there's a lot I don't know too.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- For example, showing horses...
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- ..and the detailed preparation - that goes into it.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- So, I've come to Menai Stud - to learn about this subject...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..and, hopefully, - to avoid being eaten by horses!
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Showing season stretches - roughly from May to October.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- It's a busy time in the stables - as they prepare the horses...
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- ..load the vehicles and make sure - the equipment is in order.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- I'm familiar with a lot of work, - such as washing and loading...
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- ..but one of the jobs - is alien to me.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- This one's going to the show, - so how do you prepare her?
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- We must wash her and we must - trim the hair under her chin.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- We'll get rid of all this hair - so she looks the part in the ring.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Will you shave her?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Yes, we'll shave the muzzle - and singe the hair with a candle...
0:11:16 > 0:11:17- ..to get rid of it all.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- I've never seen anything like this.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27- I'm amazed.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Cardi Llwyd is - one of the best horses on the yard.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- Peter has high hopes for him, - so he must look his very best.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- He's a bit ticklish.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- I think - I'd be ticklish down there too!
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- Especially if two men tickled you!
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- It's important to us - that the horses look their best.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- The Royal Welsh is our shop window.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Do I need to wish you luck?
0:12:03 > 0:12:04- Do I need to wish you luck?- - Yes, of course.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- You always need luck - in the Royal Welsh.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09- Yes. We need luck.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- We don't know what the temperature - will be out there, so we need luck.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- We've done all we can.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- The horses look as good as we can - get them, under the circumstances.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- They're majestic creatures.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- They certainly look good.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- We've been lucky - for the past two years...
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- ..so we hope our luck is in - again this year.
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0:12:45 > 0:12:45- Subtitles
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- The Royal Welsh is one of the - world's biggest agricultural shows.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- It's the shop window - for the Menai Stud horses.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Success at the show - means success for the business.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- They've won in the past - and it went well again this time...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..thanks to some hard work.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- It's good to see the next generation - from The Menai Stud...
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- ..literally take the reins.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Richard tasted success - amid fierce competition.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Menai Cardi Llwyd won the - Stallion 8 Years Or Older class.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- As a commentator, David witnessed - the celebrations and the tears.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- A smile from Peter.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Yes - Peter's smiling.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Richard Jones leading Menai Cardi - Llwyd, his parents' horse.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Peter and Ann Jones - have a day to remember.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Next, it was Thomas's turn - with Menai Lady Catkin.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- His horse had been out in the fields - with her foal until recently.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- It was a last-minute decision - to show her.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Incredibly, she was crowned - the Section C Supreme Champion.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- It went really well.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- It was her first show, - so it could have gone either way.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- As it was her first show, - she could have refused to budge.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Thankfully, it went well.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Her name will be on that trophy.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- That's a massive privilege - and an honour for me.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54- She's a special mare.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- You'd think she'd been in since - February but she was in the field.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- The icing on the cake was Richard - winning on Menai Cosmopolitan...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- ..in the Welsh Cobs - Four Years And Over class.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- I'm crying again.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- He beat over 70 other entrants - on the final day of the Show.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- This got him his ticket to compete - in the Horse Of The Year Show.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- As you can see, I can't believe it - and I'm a bit speechless!
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- There are no words to describe it.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- Winning a championship like this - only happens to experienced horses.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Winning at The Royal Welsh, - the most important show of them all?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- I can't describe it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- If I do get the A level grades - to get into college...
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- ..the first thing I'll do - is ask for a week off!
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- We'll see how that goes down!
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- After the excitement of - The Royal Welsh, things settle down.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- But the horse calendar - never comes to a complete stop.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- There's always - work to be done on the farm.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Peter seems worried - about the stud's future...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- ..now that Richard's A level results - are in.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Dad's incredibly disappointed - that I got the grades.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- He's incredibly disappointed - that I'm going to study to be a vet.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- I'm sure he's disappointed - for all the right reasons.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- I hope he will miss me - for the five years I'll be away...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- ..but this situation has to be - resolved one way or another.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- I'm sure they can cope - for the five years.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- I'm incredibly proud of Richard...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- ..for following his dream.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- But at the same time, I wonder - how things will be here without him.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- We've got to cope with that...
0:17:22 > 0:17:23- ..and see how it goes.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- I'm looking to keep - around three cob fillies next year.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35- The rest of them must go.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37- I'd like to keep them all.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- We have a really good crop - this year.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- It will be a wrench - to see the mares go.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- They've been a big part of my life - down the years.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Some of these are getting on - - they're 15 and 16 years old.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- It'll be really hard to see them go.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- My father's advice to me was...
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- ..to sell the best - and keep the very best.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- I think that was good advice.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- I'd like to get it down - to around ten cob mares.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- We must have - around 20 of them at the moment...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..and that's too much work for - someone who's drawing his pension.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- The Horse Of The Year Show - is the next big competition.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- Will Richard be given time off - from his course in Liverpool...
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- ..to come to the show in Birmingham?
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- This is the eve of the opening day - of the Horse Of The Year Show.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- We're waiting for Peter to arrive.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- This is Menai Cosmopolitan's stable.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- There's a lovely buzz, as everyone - arrives at the NEC and gets ready.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03- I can't wait!
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- The Horse Of The Year Show is one - the world's biggest horse shows.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- Everything happens indoors...
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- ..and this is the first time - Richard and Menai Cosmopolitan...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- ..have competed - under artificial light.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- They have a trial run - to calm the nerves.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- It's a new experience to see a horse - I bred being ridden by my son.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- You must be really proud.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31- You must be really proud.- - Yes. Bursting with pride.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- He came down here from Liverpool.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- His preparations weren't great...
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- ..because he's come here - fresh from his Freshers' Week!
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- It's not - the ideal preparation for this...
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- ..but they look really great.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- It's time - for Richard to enter the ring.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- All we can do now is wait - and hope for the best.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- The class is ending...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- ..and Menai Cosmopolitan - has done as well as any other horse.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Fingers crossed - he gets a rosette today.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- No rosette this time...
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- ..but everyone's proud that Richard - and Cosmopolitan did so well.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Peter, you must be proud - of Richard and Menai Cosmopolitan.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- Yes, I'm extremely proud.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- I was very proud that he qualified - to come here in the first place.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- He kept everything together - and put on a really good show.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56- Yes - I'm very proud.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Peter and Ann Jones have had - a successful and memorable year.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Our journey with them - is coming to an end.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- I'm in Strumble Head to see - the white horses on the sea...
0:21:18 > 0:21:19- ..and on the land.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Your Llandysul farm is landlocked.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Do you enjoy - coming down to the coast?
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- One of the great things - about this area is it's drier.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- The other thing - is the climate is better...
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- ..and there's good grazing here - practically all year round.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- They really thrive here.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- To be honest, being down here is - the closest I'll ever get to Heaven!
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- I'd be happy to winter here, - if I were a pony.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Peter, from your perspective, - what sort of year has it been?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- It's been extremely good.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- We qualified - for the Horse Of The Year Show...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..and we competed there.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- We had success - with foals being born.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- It's been a good year.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Richard went to Liverpool - and he's settled there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- In Richard's absence, - we're lucky to have Thomas's help.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- We'll have his help - for another year.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- This time next year, we really - will have to assess the situation.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- We've got to - cut down on the numbers.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- Ann and I won't be able to cope - with the numbers we have at present.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- We may keep some of the ponies - and some of the cobs.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- We really have to - cut down on our workload.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- Cut down on the numbers maybe - but you'll never leave the business.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- I don't think so.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- No, we won't get out completely.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- I want to have a horse in my life - for as long as I'm on this earth.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- My life would be very empty - without horses.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- That's how I feel anyway.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- I live for my horses.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- .