Twelve Welsh ponies and cobs have been exported

A stud farm owner from Carmarthenshire has just completed a highly unusual export contract to New Zealand.

Alan Pearce, owner of Glyncoch Stud, near St Clears, has helped transport 12 Welsh ponies and cobs to the other side of the world.

Their looks and excellent temperament mean the animals are ideal for youngsters learning to ride and many enthusiasts own them to show.

Welsh ponies and cobs have a huge following in many countries and interest is growing.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society has around 7,500 members in the UK but there are also organisations in America, Canada, South Africa and mainland Europe.

They are very popular and are bred all over the world but you've always got to come home to find the fine blood lines Alan Pearce

But it is the first time Mr Pearce has exported ponies as far as New Zealand.

"Because of the various sections and different sizes they suit all types of people," he said.

"They are very popular and are bred all over the world but you've always got to come home to find the fine blood lines."

The 12 ponies completed the 30 hour journey to New Zealand on a cargo plane.

Mr Pearce said it was very rare for so many to be exported so far at the same time and he was sure they would create a stir amongst breeders in the country.

Alan Pearce with one of his ponies

"They will be highly sought after," he added.

He is hoping the contract, which was made possible with the help of the Wales Trade International (WTI) initiative ExportAssist, will be the first of many.

Nicole Heaton, export development counsellor for WTI in Pembrokeshire, helped steer Mr Pearce through the maze of paperwork and legal requirements necessary to secure the deal.

"Our journey was a very long one, and involved landing in three countries prior to New Zealand," added Mr Pearce.

"Sorting out the essential requirements is a daunting process without expert help."

A total of �8.6m, partly funded by Objective One, is to be devoted to a three-year programme of practical guidance from WTI.

It is aimed at businesses who have yet to make their first export sales, and at those who are already exporting, but wish to expand their activities.

"We are here to provide practical, hands-on help to enable small and medium-sized businesses, such as the Glyncoch Stud to develop their commercial potential overseas," said Ms Heaton.