The Ionos Stud

The Ionos Stud has been a registered stud since 1958. Founded by Mr Dan Hughes of Cyffionos, Caerwedros, near Newquay in West Wales, Ionos Sue 12084 (Vol XLI) was the first Ionos mare registered who foaled in 1951. She was a Dun mare by the Sire Cardi Llwyd (1665) and out of the Dam 9151 Werndriw Fanny (Vol XXXII) by Blaenwain True Britton 1351.

One of the better known mares to come out of the Ionos Stud was Ionos Polly 15053 (Vol XLVI) who foaled in 1962 by the Sire Meiarth Royal Eiddwen and out of 12085 Ionos Pws (Vol XLI) by Caradog Llwyd 2069. Bought by the Llanarth Stud she was re-registered as a Section C. She was the female champion Section C at the Royal of England Show in 1977 and was later in her career champion Section C under saddle at Lampeter Summer Show. She was then sold to the Gwarcoed Stud where she remained until the end of her days.

Later the stud moved to Penffin, in Glynarthen and for a short period used the prefix Penffin before returning to use the Ionos prefix once again.

In his retirement from farming, the family moved to Sarnau - however, the stud continued with a few selected mares. Sadly, Mr Hughes passed away suddenly in 1999 at the age of 84, having never missed the Royal Welsh not even after having a hip replacement operation! (that was the only year we all beat him to the grandstand in the morning).

His love of the breed has clearly filtered through the family. His eldest daughter Bethan has a small section C stud (Ucheldir Stud) in Bryngwyn near Newcastle Emlyn and now his son and grandson have the Ionos stud located in the Vale of Glamorgan.

They currently have 12 Welsh Cobs, a number of which retain the Ionos bloodlines, and endeavour to maintain the high standard of quality and temprament which the founder of the stud achieved in producing.