The absolute hit this year were the 97 registered Welsh-A yearling fillies and 87 Welsh A filly and colt foals. The classes for 4-year-old and older Welsh A geldings and mares were well populated with 82 ponies taking part. Not only were the pony numbers greatly increased in comparison with other years - the number of cattle and sheep were measurably better than those registered in 2002. The crowds were spoiled for choice with 4 rings to choose from, instead of the 3 rings previously simultaneously judged. The self confidence of the Welsh farmer as we know and love it came through in the short and sweet commentary from Mr Gibbon, successful farmer from Cartreglas Farm in Welsh St. Donats near Cowbridge "we are proud of the show!" New and old fans of the Welsh pony and Welsh Cob renewed and made their acquaintance around the main and horsering and in the International Pavilion - as always a flair of traditional Royalty and elegance granted through the presence of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie.

They braved mud and rain to meet Royal Welsh Show organisers and officials. Ignoring the downpours, and keeping their matching umbrellas firmly closed in their hands, Prince Edward and his pregnant wife Sophie were greeted by a sea of smiles as they crossed not a red carpet but a fresh layer of woodchippings into the cattle ring. Looking every inch a royal as she walked across the ring Sophie and her husband smilded at the mass of visitors and looked undeterred by the pouring rain. Dressed in a navy blue suit with matching handbag and turquoise blouse, the countess stopped to talk warmly with officials. Crowds of visitors lined the edge of the ring to get a glimpse of the royals as they were led through the crowd by this years`s show president Mr Robin Price and the honourable Shan Legge-Bourke. One youngster who was asked by the royal couple about her work with young farmers said it had been "a privilege" to talk to them..."

Welsh Ds
Peter Jones of the Menai Stud judged the Welsh cob classes. The highly decorated 16-year-old Gwenllan Sali by Menai Sparkling Comet was the star attraction. She had previously battled and won of the strong competition of the 3-year-old Trevallion Gwyneth as best cob mare and as Welsh cob champion.

The best Welsh cob stallion was the impressionable class champion of the 4-7-year-old cob stallions Malnor Forest King who won ahead of the champion of the 8-year-old and older cob stallions, Brynmelys Cracker.

Welsh Bs/Cs
Richard Miller and Meirion Davies Eyarth Windflower outshone all of the competition as champion of the Welsh B overall, ahead of Thornberry Morwenna. The greatest surprise of all within this section was the l-year-old Lemonshill Top Note whose success as champion in the yearlings class was followed by his success as youngstock champion of the Welsh B ponies shown! In addition he was champion of the Welsh B stallions, ahead of Len Bigleys` Champion of the previous year Douthwaite Signwriter. Champion of the Welsh Cs was Tyngwndwn Daylight followed by Reserve champion Hafodyrynys Welsh Crusader.