2009 was another exciting year for Here-Be Dragons.  Early in 2009, Cynthia and I made several trips to Lexington, KY to visit our Section D mare Lascaux Jackie O in training at Gayla Driving Center.  Jackie O had an excellent start with Trainer, Jose Hernandez and his wife Leslie. Our visits included stays at the farm and visits to nearby towns including a stay in Berea, Kentucky, a settlement that is committed to preserving the Appalachian arts and crafts of weaving, broom making and ceramics. Early March, Jackie O made the trip back to Michigan and into the hands of local trainer, Carol Becker. 

In June, Here-Be ponies, Wynshire's Desire and Tyngwndwn Lovespoon debuted at a local show in Kalamazoo, Michigan and we were pleased to be competing alongside one of our stallion, Synod Ronan's Half Welsh sons, Hi-Noon Percival.  "Percy," a 4 year old gelding, was making his own debut in the showring and was a success in more ways than ribbons for his owner, Linda Poland.  Linda is so pleased with Percy's wonderful mind and work ethic.  Percy's later successes throughout 2009 continued to prove this prophecy as he won blues in Training level at 2 prestigious CDEs in the Midwest. Later in the month, Cynthia and Martha traveled to Columbus, Wisconsin to the Columbus Carriage Classic where both ponies won reserve champions in the small and large division respectively.  The previous week, the show grounds were flooded and a chance of rain threatened throughout the show but the weather held with a few soggy spots to be endured in the park.

Probably the most exciting news from Here-Be Farms was our adventure to Walnut Hills in August.  Together Cynthia and I packed up Desi and 2 carriages and made the 13 hour trek to Pittsford NY.  We arrived in plenty of time to get a feel for the show and grounds.  The pace of the show is leisurely for exhibitors, sometimes only one class a day.  The show is very efficiently managed to showcase the multiple driving divisions that range from Juniors Drivers to Miniatures, Road Carts to Coaching.  Our stabling was well situated near old friends and new and as convenient to the ring as possible.  Desi travelled well and schooled well for Cynthia in the warm up ring and through the water splash.  The first class in the Desi's division was the slightly intimidating Reinsmanship class in which all exhibitors performed a test individually for the judge.  The division was so large that an additional division was added but in the end the combined entries were judged.  After all of the individual tests were completed, the top 10-12 were called back in the ring for a group show on the rail.  As they entered the ring, the once bright skies began to darken and mid class a light rain began to fall.  Once in the lineup, the rain continued to increase while the judge continued her individual inspection.  As the decisions were made the rain became so powerful that we could hardly see the ponies in the ring.  Cynthia's once bright peach hat was barely visible to me.  As the placings were called and Cyn and Desi remained in the lineup, I was certain of the results and together they won the blue!  It was certainly overwhelming for all of us as Cynthia raised her whip high and let out a shout of delight!  We laughed and cried all of the way back to the stables. We were drenched as was the hat, the seat cushions, pony, shoes, everything!  We quickly made calls back to Michigan to share the success.  A blue ribbon at the famed Walnut Hill and on our first trip!  After this, everything else at the show was icing on the cake as, throughout the week, a 2nd, a 3rd and a 5th were added to the collection.  Each class provided unique personal accomplishments for this turnout, such as the only 4 wheeled vehicle to go clean in the Progressive Cones class.  The last day of the show was a Presentation Drive that both Here-Be gals participated in.  This traditional drive is a popular community favorite and the route is populated with spectators.  The procession congregates in a park that is a spectacular site for both those participating and spectators.  All participants were awarded a beautiful commemorative horse brass as they finished the drive.  All in all the Walnut Hill experience was exceptional and we look forward to a return visit soon.  

Here-Be family and ponies participated in other non driving events with much success this year. Granddaughter Jillian Lawrence currently rides Section C mare *Synod Coming Up Roses at a barn in the greater Chicago area.  "Rosie" is the barn favorite and has carefully carried Jillian from walk trot to over fences over the last few seasons.  Perhaps Rosie's greatest moment was her debut as "Dorothy" in Wizard of Oz at the barns annual costume party.  Rosie has successfully "trained" two Lawrence grandchildren over the years and is now headed to the Here-Be West to train future Stover descendants.  

Wisconsin grandson Matthew Simon has had a wonderful summer riding the talented half welsh mare Morgana LeFay, owned by Carol Beens, Leonard, Michigan and leased by Here-Be East.   Morgana, by our stallion Synod Ronan and out of a lovely Morgan mare, is one of the first Here-Be "children" that has gone on to the show ring.  Morgana along with Percy (mentioned above), have helped confirmed our belief in Ronan's contribution to the Welsh breed.  Wonderful temperment, trainability, great looks and conformation - what more can a breeder ask for?  Matthew successfully showed Morgana to a Wisconsin Large Pony Hunter Championship for 2009!   Upon her return to Michigan in the Fall, Morgana quickly changed suits and took up her previous driving career with owner Carol Beens.  This multi-talented pony has a very bright future.

As always, Here-Be strives to breed, train and produce quality Welsh Ponies of Cob Type and American Sport Ponies.  It is very gratifying to watch our customers ponies succeed in the showring.  We look forward to another successful year in 2010!