THE TEXAS STUD
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by Claudia Novak and Cherry
DeSpain for the
1987 American National Welsh Pony and Cob Yearbook
(all photos courtesy of Bristol Pony Farm) |
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Time changes all things. People and
ponies come and go. With the years, even the land changes. The Goodrich
Ranch in Lampasas, Texas is an extraordinary example of how one man's dream
can stop "time". Here in the rocky central Texas hills the spirits of Criban
Sonnet, Revel Glamyr Girl, Square Flight and many others still roam. The
stallions Bolgoed Squire, Clan Dana, Clan Glomadh, Owain Glyndwr, Revel
Frolic, Revel Gold and Hartmoor Rhymer reigned over one of the largest
imported Welsh broodmare bands ever seen in North America. From these ponies
have come the cornerstones of many Welsh pony studs. It is here the greatest
Welsh Stud in this country flourished, the likes of which will not be seen
again. |
The man of this dream was Robert Goodrich. Born in
Montgomery County, Missouri, Mr. Goodrich attended school in Norman,
Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where his
major was geology. He also studied agriculture at Oklahoma State
University. Robert Goodrich's family was part of American and Texan history.
His great-great grandfather, John Hart was a signer of the Declaration of
Independence. Over the years he raised registered Hereford cattle on
the Silver Creek Farm, worked as a geologist in Mexico and was
employed in geological and land department studies for an oil company in
Tulsa . Mr. Goodrich was a noteworthy judge of cattle and Quarter Horses and
for many years an inspector of Quarter Horses. Robert Goodrich was a Vice
President and Director of the Welsh Pony Society of America and he was
President of the Rio Oil Corporation from 1928 to 1947. |
During the depression years of the 1930's, Mr.
Goodrich bought several adjoining ranches totaling close to 30,000 acres located about 18
miles outside Lampasas. He wanted a weekend retreat from his office in the
city of Fort Worth . At one time sheep and two varieties of goats were
raised on the ranch. A registered Quarter Horse herd was dispersed in 1947.
"Old Headquarters" was an existing ranch house when the property was bought
and is still the working heart of the Goodrich Ranch. Here are the main
barns, cattle shoots and stallion traps. Several miles further inward are
the present "Headquarters". This massive yet elegant stone house sports full
length square pillars along the front. From beneath these pillars. a
panoramic view of Lake Buchannan roughly seven miles away can be seen.
Hanging on one wall inside the house is a large map of the ranch marking the
many roads and other houses still maintained by the ranch. |
The sheer size of the ranch is hard to comprehend.
Each pasture of the ranch is named such as Bull Trap (790 acres). Grey
Mountain, Sycamore, Green and Little Green (only 300 acres). The terrain is
rocky and varied with many ravines, stream beds and rolling hills.
On one drive across the ranch in search of ponies we saw many cattle,
Spanish goats with horns of incredible curl and length and one huge Long
Horn who wanders where he wishes since no fence can truly hold him. Wildlife
is plentiful and varied. At one stop, two armadillos casually walked up to
our car. Another stop gave us a lovely sight of a small flock of wild
turkeys. We were also told that wild predators still roam the ranch. Wild
whitetail deer are plentiful and one carefully watched us from the road
side. Even though the climate of the region is semi-arid (rainfall 30" to a
low of 10" per annum) curly mesquite grass and live oak trees abound. The
buffalo grass that looks sparse at first inspection is extremely hardy and
highly nutritious with a high mineral content derived from the underlying
limestone aquifer. Temperatures range from 0 degrees in the winter to 110
degrees in the summer. |
The Texas Stud was founded in 1955 by Robert Goodrich.
After searching the United States for suitable children's mounts for his
step-children and future grandchildren, it was determined that Welsh would
be ideal. That magical quality of the Welsh that combines beauty, hardiness,
personality and spirit certainly captured Robert Goodrich. Mr.
Goodrich, not being a young man. said he did not have time to upgrade a herd
from mediocre stock, but would start with the best and on a large scale.
Even though Mr. Goodrich was new to the breed his excellent horseman's eye
and knowledge gave him a rare insight. Three trips to England and Wales
searching out various breeders and traveling the hills of Wales gave him his
foundation stock and lasting friendships. Mr. Goodrich was equally at home
with the Welsh farmer discussing cattle and sheep as he was with Welsh
Ponies. A.R. McNaught
(father of Mrs. Mountain) and he formed a lasting relationship. Throughout
all his travels he kept complete notebooks of all ponies that he saw. |
The following is taken directly from one of Mr.
Goodrich's personal notebooks. "SECTION A. Head short, Arab, ears short,
well placed, eyes big. alert, hazel or dark. Nostrils large, teeth mesh.
age, jaw, stud. neck not too short. slight crested in stallion.
Shoulders sloping. Not flat, withers prominent back 30 1/2", not sway height
48". Croup long. not sloping. tail head high not deep. Depth plenty heart
girth not barrel bodied. Body not wide or beefy. Chest roomy. underline
good, genitals, Thigh and gaskin good, quarters full. Legs straight. short,
hocks apart. Bone flat, cannons and shanks short. pasterns. not coon footed.
Hoofs black, roomy, frog solid, but not too hard. Feathers. fine, not too
much look for bumps, splints, knots. Travels straight, leads with toes,
movement. not pony leg action. Must use shoulders, lift hocks, not hackney
action. General conformation and balance, carriage, presence. Disposition:
Quiet, friendly. gentle, family bloodlines. foals if any for features or
barrenness. Skin dark. Face dished. See Dams and sire." |
These marvelous notebooks are not only full of
complete descriptions of the many ponies he saw but also interesting and
humorous comments. Upon writing about Clan Glomadh, "Good disposition? Bit Mc (A.R. McNaught. his
owner). In another book he quotes the following: "Mr. McNaught says OK to
breed father to daughter, but not son to dam. Mc says 3 hours (as soon as
standing) colt will look as he does when 6." These notebooks also give a
feeling for his insight when he makes comments about a stallion "Dishes,
wrong exercise when young. Colts don't dish." |
A complete list of all ponies imported by Robert
Goodrich will be included at the end
of this article. Seven stallions were imported to the Goodrich Ranch. 41
mares and fillies were imported. Twenty foals were imported inutero. All of
these ponies were "catalogued" upon reaching the Goodrich Ranch with
complete measurements of their head size, size of ears, width between eyes,
length of cannon bone, length of back, etc. Mother, sire, granddam and
grandsire! Mr. Goodrich had a "masterplan". In some cases even before
purchasing a pony he would note that it would be excellent to breed a
certain individual to a stallion that he already owned. Even though Robert
Goodrich only saw three foal crops on the ground, his plans were carried on
until 1963 to 1967 when a majority of the stud was dispersed. |
Trying to find the correct place to start with the ponies that Mr.
Goodrich imported and owned is difficult. Three "landmark" stallions of
Welsh pony history seem to play the major role: Dyoll Starlight, Bowdler
Brightlight, and Coed Coch Glyndwr. The mare lines of the oldest breeding of
the Criban stud were highly prized. Contrary to some beliefs, out crosses to
Tan- Y -Bwlch Berwyn were not feared by Mr. Goodrich as to "ruin" Welsh pony
type. |
Perhaps it is easiest to first discuss the only non-imported Welsh
stallion that stood at the Goodrich Ranch. In 1957 Farnley Sundial 1306 (Bowdler
Brightlight 1303 X Criban Sunray 1191 (8979)) a grey stallion about 12 hands
born in 1949 was purchased. He had already made a name for himself producing
several outstanding foals including Farnley Sunstone who went to Mrs. du
Pont's Liseter Farm and all Liseter ponies with Sun in their names are
direct decedents. Farnley Sundial was also full brother to Farnley Fairlight
(dam of Liseter Shooting Star) who was another great producer for Liseter. I
have always found the following comment in William Simpson's Welsh Lore
interesting: "In 1957 or thereabouts Mr. Goodrich purchased another sire
that the writer priced but to no avail (we feel quite flattered that some of
these sires that we wanted to buy and could not get a price on were
purchased by notable breeders) and this was the grey Farnley Sundial. by
Bowdler Brightlight and out of Criban Sunray, from Farnley Farm, White Post,
VA. We have always liked Sundial's foals." Farnley Sundial combined the
blood of old Mathrafal and Criban ponies with that of Dyoll Starlight. |
The only stallion that Robert Goodrich imported that did not include a
complete "family" was Revel Frolic 1930 (2194) (Revel Light X Revel Fun 980 F.S.II). Revel Frolic's sire Revel Light was by Pendock Playboy (Bowdler
Blueboy X Craven Tosca). Revel Frolic's dam was by Pendock Playboy I. Revel
Light was out of Winestead Larina. Revel Fun's dam Revel Mysteria was out of
Winestead Larina. Only 3 of these ponies' lines do not closely trace to
Dyoll Starlight. To say this pony was highly inbred would be an
understatement. To trace all the family lines of this pony I would suggest
"checking out" Chapter Seven of Wynne Davies "Welsh Ponies and Cobs" which
he devotes to Revel Light. One relative of Revel Frolic that did come to the
United States was Wentworth Silver Cream 1934 (9175) (CWM Cream of Eppynt X
Winestead Larina), Her cousin Revel Copy 1931 (10406) (Clenford Julian X
Revel Charm) was a Cwm Cream of Eppynt and Criban Chief granddaughter. She
came over in foal to a Criban Winston son and produced Texas Carbon Copy, |
Even though Bolgoed Squire never produced a pony with the Texas stud
prefix, Robert Goodrich purchased this pony over the phone only two days
after seeing him in 1955. To quote his notebooks, "Looks and acts like a
stud, He's neither broad or narrow rather massive. eyes fairly good and low
set. Bone - Plenty, Presence - Plenty. Bolgoed Squire 2015 (1681) (Grove
Sprightly X Grove Peep O'Day) was a grey stallion born in 1938 of 11:2 1/2
hands. Bolgoed Squire's pedigree is one of the finest being not only a full
brother to Tregoyd Starlight. the 1949 Royal Welsh winner. but over 40%
linebred Dyoll Starlight. Bolgoed Squire is one of the oldest Section A
stallions to ever be imported to this country. In 1955 his daughter Cui
Damsel 2011 (9376) (Bolgoed Squire X Criban Fancy Lady) was brought over.
Criban Fancy Lady (half sister to Dyrin Goldf1ake) was by Criban Cockade out
of Criban Mistress and her dam Criban Mistress was closely related to
William (the foundation stallion of Liseter Stud) being by Criban Chief out
of Criban Chestnut Swell who was of the oldest Forest and Criban breeding.
Cui Damsel was considered by Robert Goodrich as one of his above average
mares, |
Cui Damsel's most famous son, Revel Gold 1929 (2145) (Dyrin Goldf1ake
x) was imported in 1955. Revel Gold served two important functions in the
development of the Texas Stud. First of all, he continued Robert Goodrich's
program of linebreeding plus he introduced "color" into the herd. Mr.
Goodrich was very fond of color and palomino was among his favorites. Before
purchasing Revel Gold, his sire Dyrin Goldf1ake was very "carefully" checked
out! Dyrin Goldf1ake was out of Criban Vanity (Criban Winston x Criban White
Lark). Criban Winston (x Criban Blonde) was one of the first sons of Coed
Coch Glyndwr and to the best of my knowledge Criban Winston had more get
than any other son of Coed Coch Glyndwr! The sire of Dyrin Goldf1ake was
Criban Cockade (Ness Commander x Criban Socks) and his dam Criban Socks is
considered by many as one of the most beautiful Section A mares that lived.
Even with this impressive pedigree, Mr. Goodrich took the time to see not
only Dyrin Goldf1ake but numerous of his get. Two mares were also imported
in foal to Dyrin Goldf1ake being Wentworth Silver Cream (above) (producing
Texas Silver Lady) and Meifod Tlws 1533 F.S.II (Coed Coch Tlws x Meifod
Folly) who was a double granddaughter of Coed Coch Glyndwr (producing Texas
Jewel). The int1uence of Dyrin Goldf1ake can be seen mostly in the ponies
that he produced for the Duchess of Rutland's Belvoir Stud. Revel Gold's
inf1uence can still be strongly seen when you visit the Goodrich Ranch and
see Western Sir David 20992 (Revel Gold x Texas Gee Gee) who will be
discussed later in the article. |
Another sub-family of this breeding group was Dyrin Duchess 2899 (9523)
(Criban Winston x Criban Cosy) with a dam line that traces to Ness Commander
and Grove Sprightly (Bledfa Shooting Star). Her daughter. Dyrin Amanda 2897
(11171) (Craven Dandy x) and her more than half sister Dyrin Jewel 2898
(10810) (Craven Dandy x Dyrin Rosette) since Dyrin Rosette was also out of
Criban Cosy were also imported. Twyford Rainbow 3269 (11186) (Craven Dandy x
Dyrin Rosette) also came with her sister Dyrin Jewel. |
Two other daughters of Bolgoed Squire were also imported in 1955. They
were Revel Snowcream 1935 (9671) (x Revel Snowflake II) foaled in 1948 grey
roan and Revel Vine 2205 (9492) (x Revel Vintage) foaled in 1948 grey mare.
The dams of both of these mares were of different breeding BUT both were of
the oldest mountain stock. Goodrich did consider these mares to be in his
top 7 producing mares. Revel Snowcream came over in foal to Twyford
Moonshine producing the stallion Texas Snow Crop 2124 (picture WPSA Stud
Book Vol. VI page 103). Revel Vine came over in foal to Coed Coch Glyndwr
and produced Texas Violet 2423. Revel Vine did produce two foals while
Goodrich was still alive that he considered in his "top three" of each foal
crop. |
The oldest mare that Goodrich imported was also of
this family. being Touchstone of Sansaw 2014 (8962) (Grove Sprightly x Grove Limestone) born in
1934. grey and 11 1/2 hands. Touchstone was considered by Goodrich as one of
his top producing mares. While in the United Kingdom Touchstone produced
such Welsh greats as Dinas Moonstone. Revel Hailstone and Mountain Tess.
Touchstone came to this country in foal to Twyford Moonshine (Coed Coch
Glyndwr x Dinas Moonstone) her grandson! In Goodrich's notebooks he notes
"Breed to Bolgoed Squire for better head or Dana." Sadly. this was never
done. |
A granddaughter of this great mare also came over
being Twyford
Mayfair 2906 (10768) (Dinarth Greylight x Dinas Moonstone). Dinarth
Greylight traces back to the oldest of Welsh breeding being Dyoll Starlight
(4) and Klondyke (12). Twyford Mischief 2907 (10769) (Dinarth Greylight x
Twyford Mistletoe) was imported. Twyford Mistletoe was by Clan Dana out of
Dinas Moonstone. |
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FLYMORE STAR WHITE by *Revel Gold
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CLAN GLOMADH (Criban Pledge x
Wentworth Glynda F.S.2) Shown in his winter coat at age 26 in
the pasture with his mares
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WESTERN GLOW (*Clan Glomadh x
Texas Gee Gee)
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WESTERN GLOW many times winner
in-hand and in performance pictured in 1967 |
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HARTMOOR RHYMER (Gredington Ffafryn
x Criban Sonnet)
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CLAN DANA (Coed Coch Glyndwr x
Wentworth Grey Dapples F.S.2) |
TEXAS BRIGHT LIGHT (Clan Dana x
Revel Bright Dawn) winning Grand Champion Stallion at the Tulsa
State Fair
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The next major family of ponies that
came to Lampasas were ponies closely related to Coed Coch Glyndwr.
Definitely this was the largest of the families including six sons and
daughters. In retrospect, we can all clearly see that the influence of Coed
Coch Glyndwr upon the Goodrich imports was no heavier than what you could
find in breeders in the United Kingdom , both today and in the past.
Certainly just as Welsh breeders throughout the world have been impressed
with the get of Coed Coch Glyndwr. So was Robert Goodrich. |
Clan Dana 1928 (1907) (x Wentworth Grey Dapples 459 F.S.II) has proven
over the years what a truly great stallion he was. not only did he produce
top notch ponies at the Texas Stud but he went on to Alra Farm and was Mrs.
Hick's foundation stallion. Definitely Mr. Goodrich's comments upon seeing
Dana sum it all up. "THIS. dappled grey, beautiful. Prominent eye, big
nostril, beautiful eye." In all the comments that Mr. Goodrich made in his
many notebooks (well over 75 ponies), I do not remember seeing the word
"beautiful" so many times. While at the Texas Stud he produced over 30 foals
including Texas Goodrich Queen 5424 (x Criban Sonnet) whose blood can be
found today at the Goodrich Ranch. Texas Goodrich Queen's dam Criban Sonnet
2901 (10240) (Owain Glyndwr x Criban Lyric) foaled 1953 grey mare was sired
by the influential stallion at the Goodrich Ranch, Owain Glyndwr. His half
sister Clan Dilys 1936 (10317) (Llanerch Squirrel x Wentworth Grey Dapples)
also came to this country. A Clan Dana son that has contributed not only
through his get but also show ring record is Texas Bright Light 2424 (Revel
Bright Dawn). Texas Bright Light was considered a junior sire at the
Goodrich Ranch and had a number of foals. Revel Bright Dawn 2013 (9243)
(Revel Lookout x Revel Dawn) was a double granddaughter of Criban Chief.
Another son of Revel Bright Dawn by Owain Glyndwr, Texas Celtic, also
became a herd sire and show pony. |
Of the many ponies that Mr. Goodrich imported to this country
one of several that I would liked to have seen in the flesh was Daffodil
2204 (9506) (Coed Coch Glyndwr x Wentworth Grey Dapples). Daffodil was
considered a Section B pony in the United Kingdom and was shown as a riding
pony that won much in the performance ring. In one conversation with Jean
Shemilt (Rowfantina Stud) I remember one of her first questions about Welsh
ponies that she had "known" that had come to this country, Daffodil was
mentioned. Even though Mr. Goodrich's interests were in Section A ponies his
interests were in the "all-round pony". Welsh ponies may be the "small work
of art" of the equine world and we can talk about "perfect" conformation and
"perfect" pedigrees but one thing that Mr. Goodrich definitely "imported"
from his knowledge of Quarter Horses and cattle was the usefulness that
ponies must have. Part of all the journals that Mr. Goodrich filled out on
all the animals that he saw in the United States and the United Kingdom
included a very large space for "DISPOSITION". Mr. Goodrich's comments about
Daffodil say it all: "Head broad, no dish, but not long; ears SHORT; eyes
big; neck "Cresty" but pony fat; big feet with four black feet. Disposition:
Prizes-many under saddle. A well balanced BIG mare. Might produce good
colts." Of all the ponies that Daffodil produced certainly her "work of art"
was Texas Daisy 2422 (Coed Coch Glyndwr x). Bred to her sire Daffodil
produced a pony that not only had an extremely beautiful head but one of the
best ponies that the Texas Stud produced. Texas Daisy's get includes Bristol
Sun God who has won much both in halter and performance. |
It is interesting to note when Mr. Goodrich wrote in
his journal what he thought a "riding pony" should have for conformation and
type there was little difference from what his "Mountain ponies" should
have! The only points that were different is that he stressed the size of
hearth girth. nostrils LARGE. head not too short with very clean throat.
width of heel, and that feet must be black on "riding ponies". The only
other points that he brought up were shoulders must not be flat and movement
must have more presence and carriage. the world would disagree with his
insights. |
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The fabulous TEXAS DANDY ("'Owain
Glyndwr x Criban Tina)
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TEXAS DAISY (Coed Coch Glyndwr x
Daffodil by Glyndwr)
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In William Simpson's article about the
Goodrich Ranch in Welsh Lore he says the following: "Mr. Goodrich had
several discussions with me about ponies in Wales and he heard me talk about
the little sire, Owain Glyndwr, a son of Coed Coch Glyndwr that Emrys
Griffiths had on my first trip over, I priced the stallion as I liked his
foals but Emrys said he could not part with him. I was surprised. therefore.
when Mr. Goodrich wrote to me on October 21st that he had purchased him. His
gain was Wales ' loss as I still consider Owain Glyndwr a sire of great
ability and producing the true Welsh Mountain type, especially in the head
and expression." Mr. Goodrich's comments about Owain Glyndwr 2908 (1889)
(Coed Coch Glyndwr x Wentworth Stormy Petrel) stressed that Owain Glyndwr
had good conformation. straight legs and plenty of bone. Obviously, Mr.
Goodrich was "taken" with Owain Glyndwr because he imported two of his
daughters being Criba'n Sonnet (above) and Criban Tina 2902 (10994) (x
Criban Windfall F.S.II 789) foaled 1953 bay mare. Owain Glyndwr's dam
Wentworth Stormy Petrel 1928 (9224) (Wentworth Greyshot x Wentworth Grey
Stormy) foaled 1937 grey mare also came to Lampasas in 1955. Wentworth
Stormy Petrel's pedigree is very simple and very inbred. Wentworth Greyshot
was by Wentworth Springlight (Dyoll Starlight x Lady Greylight) out of Lady
Greylight whose grandsire was Dyoll Starlight. Wentworth Grey Stormy was by
Wentworth Springlight out of Lady Greylight! Mr. Goodrich considered
Wentworth Stormy Petrel his top mare and top producing mare in 1958. Her
daughter Clan Puffin 1937 (10514) (Clan Dubail x) also came to this country
along with her half sister Clan Girl 1924 (10513) out of Wentworth Glynda.
Clan Dubail (2110) was a Coed Coch Glyndwr son out of Wentworth Grey Dapples
(Craven Cyrus x Wentworth Spotless). A Craven Cyrus (King Cyrus (Arab) x
Irfon Iron Twilight) daughter also came to this country being Highland Gem
2008 (9178) (x Welsh Homage) who traces to Cob breeding on the dam line
through Ceitho Welsh Comet who can be found not only in Cob pedigrees but
also Section B breeding. |
Perhaps the most famous of the Coed Coch Glyndwr get imported by
Robert Goodrich was Wentworth Glynda (780 F.S.II) (Tan- Y -Bwlch Penllyn).
Wentworth Glynda was bred by Lady Wentworth who owned among other Welsh
greats Dyoll Starlight. Wentworth Glynda and her dam Tan- Y -Bwlch Pen llyn
(Tan- Y -Bwlch Berwyn x Tan- Y -Bwlch Penwen) were owned by Mr. Goodrich's
good friend A.R. McNaught (Clan Stud). Wentworth Glynda's half sister Clan
Peata (781 F.S.II) (Duhonw Emperor x Tan- Y -Bwlch Penllyn) was also
purchased and considered by Robert Goodrich as one of his better mares.
Duhonw Emperor (Caer Beris King Cole x Beauty) traces to old Grove breeding
(Grove Sprite II) and Dyoll Starlight through Henallt Blackie. Clan Peata's
half sister by Duhonw Emperor, Wee Tinsel 1942 (9439) (x Llwyn Tinsigl) was
also purchased. The dam line of this pony goes directly back to Dyoll
Starlight.
Even though Wentworth Glynda was a Section B pony by current British
standards, she produced some of the best Section A ponies that this country
has seen. While in the United Kingdom Glynda produced four foals, two of
which Robert Goodrich purchased (Clan Glomadh and Clan Girl). While at the
Texas Stud she produced 9 foals mostly by Revel Gold. In 1966 Glynda
went to Coleman Cowan's Double C Farm where she went on to have another 5
foals. Her last foal was produced in her 28th year for a total of 19 foals
in 25 years! Her American "children" include such famous ponies as Texas
Gold, CC Fury, CC Glenda, CC Fancy Nancy and CC Dainty Doll who has produced
so many lovely ponies for Jim Cloe's farm. The blood of Wentworth Glynda can
still be found at the Texas Stud through her great-grandson Western Pride. |
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TEXAS FLINT (Texas
Bright Light x Texas Easter Dawn) Champion in-hand and Over fences
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* TWYFORD MISCHIEF (Dinarth Greylight
x Twyford Mistletoe) |
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If you were to pick a "favorite" stallion that was
imported to the Texas Stud. I would certainly pick Clan Glomadh 1927 (2109) (Criban Pledge x Wentworth Glynda). I saw him for the
first time when he was n his early thirties at the Tylwyth Pony Farm. I had
seen his grandson Clan Dash 10350 (3265) (Clan Tony x Clan Dot (Clan Glomadh
x Wentworth Grey Dapples)) in his twenties and had been greatly impressed
but seeing Clan Glomadh for the first time was truly an experience! Of all
the Welsh ponies that I have seen, I have never seen a pony with a better
loin. top line and four very solid underpinnings! Robert Goodrich's opinions
upon seeing him as a four year old "Criban head, pretty, good jaw. prominent
eye, dish face, ears short. Good legs and bone. Good thigh and gaskins with
GOOD movement. BACK-SHORTEST ALIVE (Me). Disposition_ Bit Mc. THIS." Even in
his 30's Glomadh was still a fireball but he didn't seem to try to bite
anyone (temperance of age) but all the fire. presence and movement was still
there! The list of famous Glomadh "children" include such as Western Glow,
Texas Glamyr, Texas Easter Dawn, Texas Mayfair. Texas Ruth and Texas Squire
to. mention just a few. His half sister Wentworth Silver Trill 1940 (10216)
(Criban Pledge x Wentworth Silver Toy) was also a granddaughter of Wentworth
Silver Cream. |
About 8 years ago I saw a picture in an old Welsh Pony
Society of America Yearbook of an incredibly curly haired black pony that
intrigued me. The picture definitely didn't do the pony "justice" but the
lovely head and tiny ears showed what a "Welshman" he was. On a visit to
Texas and Louisiana a few years later, I got to see the products of
this stallion. I was able to go through three fairly sizeable pony herds and
pick out his get! While at the Goodrich Ranch I got to see his lesser
"carbon copy" being TSEW Sir Robert or "Robby" as he was known, the childhood mount of several
of Robert Goodrich's grandchildren. In February of 1958, Robert
Goodrich saw this yearling and gave him a "stamp of approval" with all parts
of the pony being at least ""OK" but under disposition he states "Very
gentle and a nice pony". This pony is Hartmoor Rhymer 2900 (2553) (Gredington
Ffafryn x Criban Sonnet). Robert Goodrich had purchased this pony's mother,
grandmother and grandsire! |
Several mares that came to the Goodrich Ranch do not
fit neatly into the family groups that Mr. Goodrich imported but proved to
be important ponies. Revel Glamour Girl 2012 (97I3)(Square Flashlight x
Revel Glamour) was a grey mare foaled in 1948. Square Flashlight was by Bowdler Bright Boy
(Bowdler Brightlight grandson) out of Square Brilliant (Grove King Cole II
granddaughter). Revel Glamour traces back to old Forest breeding and Criban
Chief. Her "aunt" I guess you would say was Square Flight 1938 (9118) (Bowdler
Bright Boy x Square Berilliant) was imported in 1955. Her picture appears
in Vol. V of the Welsh Pony Society of America Studbook on page 278. One of
the most expensive ponies that Mr. Goodrich purchased was Ankerwycke Criban
Snowdon 1933 (9555) (Criban Atom x Ankerwycke Snowdon ) a black mare who
traces to the "colorful"' family of Snowdon Arian II who came over in foal
to Criban Victor (Texas Mountaineer). Notes in Mr. Goodrich's notebooks say
"Next time mate to Revel Gold for palomino." |
Two daughters of Revel Revolt (1760) (Llwyn Tomtit Revel Dawn) came to
this country. Llwyn Tomtit was a grandson of one of the most beautiful Dyoll
Starlight grandsons being Kilhendre Celtic Silverlight (953) who was by
Bledfa Shooting Star (73). More about this beautiful pony can be found in
Wynne Davies' Welsh Ponies and Cobs. Cui Ringlet 2905 (10291)(x Criban Ruth)
combined the best of the old Criban blood that traces back to Criban Shot
(1276) who can be found in many American pedigrees. Her daughter Cui Choice
2904 (9604) (Eryri Eryl x) also came to this country. Her half sister Cui
Rachel 1925 (10511) (x Criban Rachel) was more than a "Half-sister" since
Criban Ruth was out of Criban Rachel! Another mare of this "family" was
Revel Bright Dawn 2013 (9243)(Revel Look-out x Revel Dawn) being a half
sister to Revel Revolt. Revel Bright Dawn produced the stallion Texas Celtic
by Owain Glyndwr. |
Other mares of this old Criban breeding include Criban White Wings 2207
(9197)(Criban Grey Grit x Criban White Jane). Her daughter. Sian Gwalchmai
2206 (10496) (Cwmowen Commander x Criban White Wings) was another mare of
great beauty who proved to be a good producer for Robert Goodrich. A double
Criban Grey Grit granddaughter bares mentioning in this family being Criban
Lyric 2913 (9628) (Criban D Day x Criban Footlight). Criban Grey Chip 2910
(9898)(Criban Priority x Criban Red Chip) is also a Criban Grey Grit
granddaughter. Criban Blue Print 2912 (11191) (Ceulan Revolt x Criban White
Paper) "fits" into several families since she is a granddaughter of Coed
Coch Glyndwr and Criban Priority plus great granddaughter of Bolgoed Squire! |
As you may have already noted, ponies of Texas Stud
were a close knit group of with a few out crosses. Perhaps a page of Robert
Goodrich's last diary will sum up some of his ideas. |
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"Could replace Frolic & Gold"
"Should analyze foals in 1958 and sell some mares."
This was the last of the diaries that were kept that I saw. |
1958 Top
Mares
1. Stormy
2. Dylis
3; Girl
4. Glynda
5. Puffin
6. Sian
7. Sonnet
8. Tina
9. Tlws
10. Trill
Fillies 1956
1. Carbon Copy
2. Gee Gee
3. Jewel
4. Silver Lady
1957
1. Ruth
2. Jennifer
3. Violet
4. Sappo
5. Blue Print
6. Mayfair |
Top Producing
1. Bright Dawn
2. Copy
3. Rachel
4. Snowcream
5. Tinsel
6. Touchstone
7. Vine
8. White Pool
9. White Wings
10. Lyric
Top 2yr.+ year
1. Carbon Copy
2. Jewel \
3. Sian's yearling
4. Vine's yearling
7. Blackberry
8. Amanda
9. Choice
10. Daisy
11. Punkin
12. Dove
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WESTERN SUGAR PLUM |
CLAN DILYS with colt by .Owain
Glyndwr |
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Winning Get of Sire Entry of .Clan
Glomadh at the 1971 Louisiana State Fair. Left to
right are WESTERN GLOW, TEXAS GLAMYR, TEXAS TANGO.
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The Goodrich Ranch is still very alive and producing
some lovely Welsh ponies. Gavin Garrett continues much of the ranch's
breeding principles under the Western prefix. The breeding of part-bred
Welsh Quarter Horses from the days of Robert Goodrich's Quarter Horse herd
also continues. Gavin's son David has continued not only his interest in the
ranch but also Welsh ponies under the prefix TSEW. In talking to
David I not only felt a tremendous interest in his family "roots" but also
in the Welsh ponies. Without the interest and time of both Gavin Garrett and
his son David, this article would have been impossible. I clearly remember
walking out to one of the stallion traps with David and a plain crossbred
Quarter Horse gelding followed us. David turned to the gelding and said "See
he is covered with ticks. He is a ranch hand's mount. None of the Welsh
ponies have ticks. Even our part- Welsh Quarter Horses don't have ticks."
The pride in his voice seemed to echo all that we had seen. |
Currently the Goodrich Ranch’s standing three
stallions. The only non-pure Goodrich Ranch imported stallion to stand at
the ranch is Allen Arabie 26771 (Texas Brightlight x Pickwick Alison) with
the dam line including the blood of Marsh Silver Cities who was a Daffodil
grandson. Western Pride 20991 (Western Glow x Revel May Flower) is by the
AHSA Champion Western Glow. Western Glow has an interesting but sad story.
Western Glow was purchased by Cherry and sadly before she could pick him up
some of the "Hired hands" accidentally gelded the wrong pen of ponies
including Western Glow. Western Glow is by Clan Glomadh out of Texas Gee Gee
2126 (Bwlch Stanley x Revel Glamour Girl) thus intensifying not only the
blood of Coed Coch Glyndwr but also the best of old Criban blood. Revel May
Flower 2009 (9789)(Revel Hailstone x Revel Snowflake II) was sired by Revel
Hailstone who was by Coed Coch Glyndwr out of Touchstone of Sansaw. The dam
line includes such ponies as Criban Chief, Llwyn Tomtit and very old Forest
breeding. His daughter Western Blanco (x Texas Gee Gee) is the kind of mare
that my "pony counting" husband said "Wow! Is she for sale?"! Western Sugar
Plum 19763 (Western Glow x Texas Gee Gee) was one of the loveliest mares in
the broodmare band. Western Sir David 20992 (Revel Gold x Texas Gee Gee)
also stands at stud and I was very taken not only by his type but beautiful
dun color. His son Western Hawk (x Western Blanco) is a gelding of "stallion
material" that could "wow" any show ring in the United States ! |
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Allison Mountain, Gavin Garrett and
Mary Lou Badger at the Texas Stud in Lampasas, TX in November 1984
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WESTERN PRIDE |
WESTERN SIR DAVID |
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After spending hours with the pedigrees of the ponies
of the Texas Stud. studying pictures and seeing many of the ponies in the
flesh, I definitely had a sense of bitterness. Why did Robert Goodrich die
so young? So many of his ideas could have changed the history of Welsh
ponies in the United States . There are so many questions I would have loved
to ask him that haunt the back of my mind. Who would he have bred Texas Ruth
to? Who did he intend to replace Revel Gold and Revel Frolic with? Would he
have been thrilled with Texas Flair? Would he have started to breed Section
B ponies? How would Robert Goodrich feel about a "stranger" such as myself
reading his personal diaries on his beloved ponies? |
Time changes all things. Even though Cherry and I
never met Robert Goodrich (he died in 1959), we "know" him. Cherry. my
husband and I spent three short hours pouring over his notebooks while
driving around the ranch that he created. David Garrett (his grandson)
couldn't come with us because there had been an outbreak of illness in the
cattle. Robert Goodrich would have understood. We could feel Robert
Goodrich not only in the ponies that we saw but in the land around us. One
man's dream has stopped time. |
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