The newly-appointed general manager of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, Jan Pearce, of Penllyne Court, St. Clears - a leading figure in the equestrian world, mostly involving the Welsh breeds, heads off to Canada next week where she will be judging over three days at the 89th Royal Winter Fair in Toronto - the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world.

This event, it is said, is where Canadian and international breeders, growers and exhibitors are declared champions and where hundreds of thousands of attendees come to learn, compete, shop and have a great time with friends and family.

A daughter of Blodwen and the late Haydn Williams, she was born and brought up at Thornton, near Milford Haven, and has strong farming roots. She graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a masters degree in strategic management, before taking up an appointment with the Ministry of Justice covering the area of the Dyfed-Powys constabulary. She then gained promotion within the corporate services to a UK wide appointment which she held until recently.

Her passion for the outdoor life and the countryside has never left her, and and some 30 years ago, she realised a childhood dream when, with her ex-PC husband, Alan, they set-up the Glyncoch stud and began breeding Section A, Welsh Mountain ponies which have, over the years, earned the couple a large number of fantastic wins, not least the female championship at the Royal Welsh Show and many other similarly highly-prestigious events.

A very popular figure amongst the equine fraternity, Jan says with justifiable pride: “The real thrill that gets your adrenaline going is by achieving a top award with a pony that you know you have bred yourself.”

Essentially working as a team -now with their son, Adrian - the Pearce’s have also turned their attention to breeding top quality award winning Welsh Cobs, both Sections D and C. Adrian also holds down a full-time job with Meadow Livestock Suppliers.

In addition to her role as a winning breeder and exhibitor of Welsh ponies, Jan is a member of the WPCS judges panel and has responded to judge show classes in all parts of the British Isles, on the continent and even in Australia. She officiated over two days at this year’s Royal Welsh which included one particular class with almost 100 entries.