History

Gwrthafarn Stud was established in the late 1960’s when Bethan’s late father (William Rowlands) purchased his first Welsh Cob  – Rhyddod Bess, a 3 year old Sec C filly by Dewi King Flyer. In 1968, he took her up the road to be covered by Rhosfarch Frenin – Bethan well remembers that day! In 1969, a lovely bay Sec D filly Gwrthafarn Morwena was born – the first Cob mare to be registered at the Stud. The following year, the same cross resulted in a chestnut filly Gwrthafarn Aur-y-Llyn in 1970, and so the beginning of quality Cob breeding at Gwrthafarn.

Possibly the highlight of the breeding policy at Gwrthafarn took place in 1973 with the purchase of Cippyn Red Flyer as a colt foal from the late Mary Abraham of the Cippyn Stud near Cardigan for the grand sum of £1,000 – and no penny less!! Although only lightly shown as a youngster ( winner of the 3-year old class, Lampeter Stallion Show), Flyer gradually became a household name in Cob circles, having a major impact on the breeding of both Sec C’s and D’s. His bloodlines are now to be found throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

After being a part of our family for so many years, it was a very sad day at Gwrthafarn when Flyer had to be put to sleep on 8th August 2003 at the grand age of 30½.

CIPPYN RED FLYER
(foaled 1973)

Sire: Nebo Black Magic
Dam: Felin Rosina by Hafrena Flyer

For a five generation pedigree, please click here

GWRTHAFARN MERERID
(foaled 1975)

Sire: Llanarth Meredith ap Braint
Dam: Gwrthafarn Aur –y- Llyn by Rhosfarch Frenin

For a five generation pedigree, please click here

Mererid was the daughter of G Aur-y-Llyn – the second Cob Mare registered at the Stud. She proved to be a most valuable broodmare, and was a consistent breeder of quality stock, many of whom were show winners, inc. G Flying Princess- winner of the yearling class at the 1982 Royal Welsh Show.

The Stud continues today with Gwrthafarn Mererid’s influence still in evidence. Our Senior mare G Duchess (foaled 1994) is her grand-daughter, and has proved herself as a prolific broodmare.

Gwrthafarn Duchess
born 1994

	Duchess and Dewin Du – colt foal born 17/04/09 – pictured at 12 wks old

For a five generation pedigree, please click here

Duchess pictured above with G Mariner (top left) G Black Admiral (bottom left) & G Dewin Du (bottom right) – all colt foals she has produced out of Derwen Sea Adventure – 2005, 2008 & 2009 respectively.

When Bethan’s parents retired in 1994, it was decided to purchase Duchess at their farm sale in order to continue with the Stud, and retain over a quarter of a century of careful breeding. Duchess has consistently bred quality foals including Gwrthafarn Lord Snowdon (sold to Sweden -see www.tortebo.com) Lady Marian, Morning Mist (sold to USA), Mariner (sold to France), Lilibet (sold at 2006 Cob Sales) and Black Admiral and Dewin Du (sold at 2009 Cob Sales). Also, Gwrthafarn Marquis (see Stallion page) and his full sister G Crystal Queen who is still with us.

Duchess was reluctantly sold at the 2009 October Cob Sales (to make room for youngstock) to Neil & Karen Parry of the Brynmelys Stud. We were glad to hear that she produced a super bay filly for them in April 2010 out of Deicin Comet, and we wish them many more years of successful breeding with this super mare.

Original design by David Williams