Horse hero

The small but mighty Welsh section C stallion, who has been one of the most influential breed sires of his time

Welsh section C stallion Wyken Rob Roy

WYKEN ROB ROY is renowned on the Welsh pony scene for producing true-to-type stock with the wow factor, despite standing at only 12.3hh.

“He may be small but he has plenty of substance and quality,” says his breeder Diane Jordan of the Wyken Stud, who still owns the 26-year-old son of Northleach Roulette.

His twilight years may be approaching, but he still knows how to have a laugh. “‘Rob hasn’t got a nasty bone in his body, but is very cheeky and can slip his bridle over his ears in a matter of seconds,” says Diane.

He started his covering duties at Waxwing Stud and left breeders Tom Best and David Blair with many future Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalists, including Waxwing Rheel, who won the Welsh section C ridden final twice.

“As a five-year-old, he returned home to be ridden by my daughter Anne,” says Diane. In their short ridden career together, Rob qualified for HOYS at Wembley, before continuing with his stud duties at home and at several

other influential section C studs, including Ty’reos, Popsters, Rivervalley, Starcrest, Ringside, Abercippyn and Dhanak.

“He leaves his stamp on each pony, almost all being bay with white socks and a blaze,” says Diane. “He has an exceptional temperament and is very careful with his mares.”

Jackie Cooper of Rivervalley Stud has used Rob on her mares several times, after she was given the opportunity to have two of his early Waxwing-bred foals.

“I fell in love with his offspring when I had Waxwing Keepsake and Waxwing Rheel, and I just knew he was for me,” says Jackie. “I thought he would suit my mares and now, anyone who comes to my yard can spot the Rob babies a mile off. He just stamps his foals, siring proper ponies with his same lovely temperament.

“He is a true gentleman and without his influence, my stud wouldn’t have produced the same ponies I’m proud of today.”