Why We Love Our Paigey (AJS Winter Pageant)—An Australian Riding Pony Welsh Arab Cross With Brains, Beauty, and Cow Sense

Phil Goodwin
Jun 22
2 min read

Some ponies just have “it”—and our Paige (AJS Winter Pageant) is one of those rare finds. At 7 years old and standing at 12.3 hands high, she’s the perfect size and age for a young, enthusiastic rider. But there’s so much more to her than good looks and the right height.

Buckets of Potential (Straight from the Pro)

Ask around and you’ll get the same answer: Paige is special. Our trusted trainer, Leah Van Ewijck, summed it up perfectly—“Paige is an excellent pony with buckets of potential.” Leah doesn’t hand out compliments for nothing, so when she says it, you know it’s real.

Brains, Beauty, and All the Right Moves

Paige is an Australian Riding Pony, a classy cross of Welsh Mountain Pony and Arabian blood. That means she’s not just pretty—she’s sharp, willing, and has enough spunk to make every ride fun, but always safe for Gigi. No dead-heads or plodders here; Paige is the real deal for a young rider wanting to step up.

How Does a Welshy Get Cow Sense?

Now for the surprise: Paige is naturally “cowy.” That’s right—she’s got a knack for reading cattle and loves having a job to do around livestock. So, where does that come from?

Welsh Ponies: Born for the Job

Paige’s Welsh ancestors weren’t always show ponies. Generations back, they were tough little workhorses, handling everything from sheep to cattle on the wild hills of Wales. Those ponies were bred to be quick thinkers, smart problem-solvers, and absolutely fearless—traits that still shine through in Paige today.

A Touch of Arab Brilliance

Add in the Arabian influence and you get even more athleticism and brainpower. It’s a combo that makes Paige not just beautiful, but handy—quick to read a cow, pivot on a dime, and figure things out for herself.

Pedigree Royalty

Paige’s family tree is stacked:

Coed Coch Gwynfyd and Coed Coch Madog—famous for their brains and toughness
Downland and Twyford lines—legendary for movement and versatility
All topped with a sprinkle of Arab intelligence and flair

If you’re wondering why Paige is so versatile, look no further than her pedigree. It’s a who’s-who of pony royalty and working horse legends.

The Dream Team: Gigi and Paige

The best part? Gigi and Paige are both growing together. As they learn to sync up, there’s no doubt they’ll be a seriously talented team. Paige brings the genetics, the cow sense, and the spark; Gigi brings the heart, the drive, and the love. Give them a bit more time together, and watch out—they’ll be the pair everyone’s talking about.