0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
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.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- We're used to seeing horses - race, jump and do dressage.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- We can forget that horses work too, - as they've done for centuries.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- They're big, strong and capable.
0:00:32 > 0:00:33- In this programme...
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- ..we see them at work - in three different situations.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39- Welcome to Ceffylau Cymru.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- I, Brychan Llyr, - and the champion, David Oliver...
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- ..will lead you through - an exciting equine adventure.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- David is well known for his success - at The Royal Welsh...
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- ..winning the 2014 Cuddy - Supreme In-hand Championship.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- Horses play a huge part - in Brychan's life.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- He enjoys racing in the saddle but - we'll take it steady in this series.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- The horses don't stand still - in this programme.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- They pull, protect - and help us on our final journey.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- David trains - with South Wales Police horses...
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- ..and I tread carefully - with carriage master, Mark Evans.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- Our journey begins - in the Nantlle Valley...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..with a workhorse called Bill.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Kevin Taylor and Gaynor Lewis...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..live in the idyllic Hafod Las.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- They have a close bond - with their horses, especially Bill.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- Gaynor, this is the 21st century - and we have big tractors.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- What place does the workhorse have - in this world?
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- Personally, I feel that - the workhorse is magical.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The two of you work as a team.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- That bond you have - is very, very special.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- What sort of work - do you do with horses?
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Bill is a full-time workhorse.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- Bill drags out timber from forests.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- He works with Kev, my partner.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- We don't have a tractor here...
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- ..so we use horses on the land - as much as possible.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- It's totally different from riding!
0:03:46 > 0:03:47- How do I hold the reins?
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- Between finger and thumb, Brychan.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- You only need a light contact.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- You can feel the horse.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Keep it really light.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- Yes, and remember to use your voice.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- Again, keep it light - with your voice.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- Ask him rather than give him orders - and he'll do it.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- Walk on. Walk on.
0:04:09 > 0:04:10- He's doing it.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- He's doing it.- - Yes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- He's a powerhouse in front of you, - isn't he?
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- Never mind horsepower in cars - - this is the real thing.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Go left. Go left.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- Go left. Walk on.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- Go left.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- When you sit on a horse, - you feel all his nerves.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43- Yes, you do.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- I feel a bit too far from him - when I'm like this...
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- ..but, of course, all that comes - with the bond you build with him...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- ..and the patience you show him.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Yes. When you work with him, - that bond does form.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- The two of you - know what the other one wants.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- Do you remember how to stop him?
0:05:06 > 0:05:07- Do you remember how to stop him?- - Oh, yes.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- Whoa.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- I really didn't use the reins.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- No - the voice does it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Kevin, why not a tractor?
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- On a smallholding, you see with - the slopes we've got up there...
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- ..even if it was wet, - the tractor would start slipping...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..and we'd end up with ruts going - through the middle of the field.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- The horse can get up there - and get down.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- It's the cost of buying a tractor...
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- ..when you've already - got horses to work.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- It makes sense - to use them around here as well.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Your work in the forest. - You enjoy it, obviously.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- To work an animal and - get that bond you build with them...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..during the work day, it's great.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- Not all days are great - but you get magical days in-between.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- It's a true partnership.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- He works with me so well.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- He's a really nice horse - to be around.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- On a different day...
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- ..I joined Kevin and Bill - at Coed Craig Ruperra, near Newport.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- Ruperra Conservation Trust, - which owns this land...
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- ..wants to minimize - damage to the woodland floor...
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- ..as the felled trees are cleared.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- You can't bring machines up here.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- The only machine which can work here - is one with four-hoof drive.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- A horse.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- It's steep, - it's slippery and it's dangerous.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Kevin is taking - a three-year apprenticeship...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..run by the British Horse Loggers - Charitable Trust.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25- As part of that apprenticeship, - he receives help and training.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- His mentor today - is Kate Mobbs-Morgan.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36- It's really boggy here.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- It's hard to stand.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- I wish I had four legs.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- These boys are keeping it going - and working well.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46- Walk on.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48- Walk on.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- We're going up - to fetch another piece of timber.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- If I can stay upright!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Walk on.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- We're dragging - a pretty big piece of timber...
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- ..down the hill.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- When you work behind a horse, - like this...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..especially - on such a muddy slope...
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- ..you've got to be careful - about what you're dragging.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38- You see?
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- It isn't a small piece of wood.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Whoa!
0:08:55 > 0:08:56- This isn't easy work.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- It's becoming increasingly common...
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- ..for horses - to be used to do this work.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- Horses can reach places - which are inaccessible to machines.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Also, horses - cause less damage to the ground...
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- ..and they're generally - better for the environment.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- There's a strong, emotional bond - between horses and people.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41- Yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- It's difficult to put it into words.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- You can work - with such a big, powerful animal...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..and yet, the two of you - are as one.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56- It's very special.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- It slows everything down, - doesn't it?
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- It seems to me the people of today - rush here and rush there...
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- ..but working with these horses - outside, in the fresh air...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..means you slow the pace - right down.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Nice and slow.
0:10:23 > 0:10:23- .
0:10:26 > 0:10:26- Subtitles
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- South Wales Police's Mounted Section - is based here, in Bridgend.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- Several horses are kept here - and you may have seen some of them.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- These are the horses - used to patrol Cardiff's streets...
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- ..during football and rugby matches.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- South Wales Police is the only Welsh - force to have a mounted section.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Officer Sian Smith is an experienced - member of the mounted team.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- She trains horses - and takes them out on patrol...
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- ..and she'll look after me when - I join a training session later.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Sian, how long have you been - a member of the mounted team?
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- I joined the police 17 years ago and - the mounted section ten years ago.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Why did you want to work - for the mounted section?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- I've always - been interested in horses.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- I liked the idea of taking on - different roles in one department.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- This is Reuben and I've been - helping to get him ready.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- Hopefully, in about five minutes...
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- ..I'll have a chance to receive - some training whilst I ride Reuben.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- I haven't been on a horse for - a while, so we'll see how it goes.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- There's work to be done first, - so I'll keep brushing.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- The saddle goes on next.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- First, the numnah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Do you use - any specialist equipment...
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- ..or do you just use - a saddle and a bridle?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- We wear bags - on the side of the saddle.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- What do you keep in them?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- What do you keep in them?- - Documents and police tickets.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- We have a baton on the other side.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43- Right.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- The horse also wears a breastplate.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48- Shall I put it on now?
0:12:48 > 0:12:49- Shall I put it on now?- - Yes.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- Exercising horses and training - police officers is part of the job.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- It's thought that mounted patrols...
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- ..are an effective - community policing tool.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- It seems people are less reluctant - to talk to the police...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- ..when they're on horseback.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- That's what makes it so effective.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- Mounted officers are so prominent, - they're also an excellent deterrent.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- The time has come for me to receive - some training on Reuben's back.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- I really hope - my horse is used to these balls.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39- I don't want to end up...
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- ..on the ground.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- How do you prepare horses - for the work?
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- First of all, we prepare them - at our riding school...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- ..and get them - used to flags being waved...
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- ..and lots of noise.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- It must take a special horse - to do this.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Not every horse - is suited to this job.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- No, and it takes anything - from six months to two years...
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- ..to train a police horse...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- ..and not every horse succeeds.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- We must walk through the balls.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Well done, David.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- So far so good, Reuben.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- We'll speed up.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- The horses often work - in noisy, hostile situations.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- It's important to train regularly.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- This prepares the horses - to cope with difficult situations.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- Things like rugby games.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- These horses are used to flags - being waved around their heads.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- You couldn't do this - with most horses...
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- ..but police horses - are accustomed to it.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- They understand what's happening.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Officer Kim Reynolds, - who's in the middle of training...
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- ..shares her experiences with me.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- How often do you do this, Kim?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- Training takes place once a month - in the mounted section.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- It's important that the training - takes place on a regular basis...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- ..because horses - forget what they see.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- Get back! Get back!
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- Get back!
0:15:48 > 0:15:49- As hard as I can?
0:15:51 > 0:15:52- Get back! Get back!
0:15:53 > 0:15:54- Get back!
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- I really, really enjoyed that.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- I haven't been on a horse for years, - I must admit...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..but Reuben looked after me.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- I had a chance to see - the training the police do here...
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- ..but I'll be stiff in the morning.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Mark Evans is a carriage master.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- If you want to go out in style, - he's the man to call.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Assisted by - his faithful Friesian stallions...
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- ..he organizes horse-drawn funerals.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- This serious, respectable job - demands some detailed preparation.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- In most funerals we do, - there's no link to horses.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- It's just an image.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- But it's important to me if - the people do understand horses...
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- ..they know I understand them too.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- I went to his stable near Llangadog - to help Mark and chat to him.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- In a situation like a funeral...
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- ..what impact does - the horses' presence have on people?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Seeing their effect on people...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..is one of the things - which makes this job enjoyable.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- For example, - we did a funeral in Rhyl...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..in a church which was on a corner.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- We came to the junction...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..and, as we turned, - I could see the mourners.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Everyone was subdued and quiet...
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- ..as you are when - you're about to attend a funeral.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- People were stood in small groups - whispering to each other.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- As soon as they saw the horses, - they started to chat and point.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- It brought life to it straightaway.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- If the coffin arrives by car, - nobody goes up to look at the car.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- People want to see the horses.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- I remember - two sisters burying their mother.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03- I can see them now.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- I was looking down at them - as they went up to the horses...
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- ..with tears - streaming down their faces.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- But they smiled - and started talking to the horses.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- I've no idea what they said, - but my horses just stood there...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..as they poured their hearts out to - them and smiled through their tears.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- On the day I was with Mark, - he had a funeral the next morning.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- He follows a detailed daily routine - and he likes to be thorough.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- The horses know the drill - and they seem very happy.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- They're big, strong creatures.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- If they didn't want to work with us, - they'd give us a whack...
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- ..but the fact is - they want to work with man.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02- Yes.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Man has handled horses - down the centuries...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- ..because horses - are willing learners.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- This horse wants to work.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- He enjoys being washed like this.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- I'm certain he'd much rather - be in here being pampered...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..than be in a field, - exposed to the cold and the rain...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- ..living just for the sake - of living.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28- Eating just to exist.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- Something about a horse is totally - different from every other creature.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- I can't imagine my life - without a horse.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- Mark, we've been hard at it - for an hour and a half.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Yes, it takes - an hour and a half per horse.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- That means three hours per pair - or six hours for all four horses.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- The way they look is very important.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- The work we do - is all about image.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- If they just wanted to transport - a coffin to a cemetery...
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- ..they'd take a car.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- People who choose - a horse-drawn funeral...
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- ..have an image - of how it should look.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- It's important - that we deliver that image.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Mark prepares carefully - and thoroughly for every funeral.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- The horses are washed - and their mane is plaited.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- The aim of plaiting and unplaiting - is to give the mane a shape.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- On the day, - the horses wear black blankets...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..and their heads - are adorned with black feathers.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Both horses - are ready for the morning.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- They're shining like a new penny.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- Mark, this is beautiful - but I'd rather go on it than in it.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- How old is it?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- It was built in 1914...
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- ..so it's just over 100 years old.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- We acquired it around 11 years ago.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Seeing this must have - a strong effect on people.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- When people see it, - they react in one of two ways.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Some people see it - and have to turn away.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- They find it eerie and morbid.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- Other people see it and they - can't help pointing and staring.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Those are the two reactions.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- What do we have inside here?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Inside, it has a mahogany deck...
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- ..and pegs - to hold everything in position.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- I'll show you what we do - when we need to clean it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- We enter through this hatch.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- It's caught on something.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- It's really handy when we want to - go inside and clean it all out.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- My father passed away in March - and he had a horse-drawn funeral.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- He always joked and said - I had to keep my horses fit...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..and get them polished for him.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- It was bound to happen one day.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- He was 90 years old.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- That day did come...
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- ..and it was an honour - to take care of his funeral.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- That day was a bit different for me.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- It's a complicated question...
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- ..but can you describe - your relationship with your horses?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- The answer's complicated too.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- There's something about horses.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- I can go in there any time - with my horses and talk to them.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- I rub their noses - and they're so soft.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- My horses give me heart every day.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10- Come on.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- Good boy. Come on.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:23:40 > 0:23:41- .