Brecon paradriver Emily Ham and her Welsh cob Alfie have been celebrated in the annual Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) Performance Awards.

Alfie, registered as Beechwood Bracken and bred by S.P. Taplin in 2001, achieved top marks in two competitive categories.

Alfie took first place in the Eventing category and first in Versatility Horse or Pony, scoring the highest points in both sections based on 2025 competition results. His success in national and regional three-phase driving trials helped him claim the overall top spot against other driven and ridden entries in this highly competitive category. He also earned second place for participation in training days and camps.

Standing at 14.2 hands, Alfie is a versatile ridden pony suitable for all the family, though Emily focuses on driving. He also placed second overall among all Welsh Section D ponies in the awards.

Emily was also delighted to receive the Driver of the Year award.

"It means so much to me and I am especially delighted that Alfie has been recognised and rewarded for his great success by the Society, as he is a real ambassador for the Welsh Section D,” she said.

“He is always enthusiastic and dependable. That he achieved all this aged 24 was incredible! He acts and competes like a horse half his age.

“Last year he was picked for the British Paradriving team and won his second international bronze medal at a World Championship, repeating his success of the previous Worlds in 2023. He is a delight to drive and a cheeky character with a great personality so we have great fun together."

Emily and Alfie have already qualified for the 2026 National Indoor Driving Trials Championships in April, and will be hoping for a repeat of their win at the 2025 Indoor Championships.