Aberaeron Cob Festival

Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies & Cobs - bringing the horse to the people

2007 Cob Festival - Sunday 12th August

The quaint Georgian town of Aberaeron, nestling as it does in the horseshoe of Cardigan Bay, comes alive with the sound of horses once again on Sunday 8th August 2004 for the third annual Festival of the Welsh Ponies and Cobs. The festival attracts thousands of visitors to witness an array of equine events from in-hand showing to side-saddle riding and from dressage displays to the running of the Welsh Cob Stallions.

Also included in the five-hour programme will be a display of daredevil riding by the Llanelli-based riding troupe, The Knights of Arkley who will thrill the crowds with some breathtaking horsemanship.

Cardigan schoolgirl Rachel Thomas, a member of the British Junior Dressage Team and the first recipient of the Festival's Scholarship for young people involved in the equine industry, will go through a programme of dressage which won her top honours in the International Junior Championships in New Zealand.

A Pageant to celebrate the six-hundredth anniversary of the crowning of Owain Glyndwr - 'Prince of Wales' will start the event, with displays of in-hand showing, driving, side-saddle, show-jumping and the 'never to be forgotten' Running of the Welsh Cob Stallions, all part of a magnificent array of equine disciplines.

With the Welsh Cob in particular a true symbol of Ceredigion, it is appropriate that the centre of Aberaeron, together with the National Trust property at Llanerchaeron, become Cob County one day a year.

Activities have this year started earlier than usual with a newly introduced, but quickly established 'Cob Crawl'. Here upwards of 25 mounted riders follow a newly worn pub circuit on a Sunday evening, using the activity to promote the Festival and also of course to add colour and tradition to the 'pastel-shaded' town on the watersedge.

The Festival is to be opened by President of the Day, the well known rugby international, radio and television personality Ray Gravell, and will be held in the town's Alban Square football field from 12 noon.

All roads lead to Aberaeron on Sunday, August 8th 2004!

For further details

Clive Hoyles: 01970 470 714
Huw Thomas: 01545 570581
Ruth Owen: 01545 570448
www.aberaeronfestival.com

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