A YOUNG Pembrokeshire rider and her horse have made their mark on the equestrian world with a stunning performance at one of the UK’s top shows.

Seventeen-year-old Chloe Owen and her five-year-old horse, Tarr Dauntless – better known as Rodney – took top honours at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Rising Star finals at London’s Excel.

The pair, the youngest competitors in their class, not only won their category but also claimed the prestigious hunter championship. Their performance was hailed as “sublime” and “faultless” by leading equestrian magazine Horse & Hound.

Chloe, an A-level student at Haverfordwest High, has an unbreakable bond with Rodney, having helped raise him after his mother tragically died when he was a foal.

Rodney was bred by Chloe’s parents, Charles and Charlotte Owen of St Brides. His bloodline traces back to the first Holsteiner imported by the Hunter Improvement Society more than 50 years ago, a lineage carefully maintained by Chloe’s family.

However, Rodney’s early life was fraught with tragedy. His mother was attacked by a badger when he was just a few days old, suffering severe injuries that left her in a full plaster cast for three months before she succumbed to colic.

Charlotte said: “It was horrific. We bottle-fed Rodney, but his mum couldn’t play with him, so Chloe took over. They have such a lovely relationship – he’s a proper softie.”

The pair have had a remarkable debut season in the show ring, winning five out of seven championship titles, including Supreme Horse at the Pembrokeshire County Show.

“The London show in December was the first time Rodney had ever left Wales,” said Charlotte. “The furthest he’d travelled before was the Royal Welsh! But he just took everything in his stride.”

“I’ve never had a horse with a temperament like his—he’s so professional and so special. I knew from when he was a yearling that there was something different about him.”

Proud mum Charlotte added: “There were a lot of happy tears shed that day in London. There’s a very exciting future ahead for Chloe and Rodney—their first year together has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will be looking to build on their solid start to the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference as they travel north to face Caernarfon Town on Saturday.

Recent form and last encounter

The Bluebirds come into this fixture following a hard-fought goalless draw against Penybont last weekend at the SDM Glass Stadium. Meanwhile, Caernarfon Town picked up a strong 3-1 victory away at Bala Town last Friday, with TNS loanee Josh Lock netting twice and Adam Davies adding another to extend their winning streak.

The sides last met in October, playing out a 0-0 draw in front of the Sgorio cameras at LHP Stadium in Carmarthen. Earlier in the season, Haverfordwest secured a 2-1 victory at the Carling Oval, with a late goal from Owain Jones sealing the win after Ben Ahmun’s opener had been cancelled out by Matty Jones.

League standings

Tony Pennock’s men currently occupy third place in the standings, sitting seven points behind second-placed Penybont and seven points ahead of Caernarfon Town in fourth. A win on Saturday would strengthen their grip on a top-three finish.

Caernarfon Town – At a glance

• Founded: 1937
• Ground: Carling Oval
• Manager: Richard Davies
• Captain: Darren Thomas

Recent meetings between the sides

• October 26, 2024: Haverfordwest County 0-0 Caernarfon Town
• August 17, 2024: Caernarfon Town 1-2 Haverfordwest County
• December 16, 2023: Caernarfon Town 0-1 Haverfordwest County
• August 26, 2023: Haverfordwest County 1-1 Caernarfon Town
• March 25, 2023: Haverfordwest County 2-2 Caernarfon Town

Form guide

• Caernarfon Town: L L W W W
• Haverfordwest County: W W D W D

Key player to watch

Josh Lock – The Caernarfon Town forward has been in fine form, scoring twice in their recent win against Bala Town. The Bluebirds’ defence will need to keep a close eye on him.

Match officials

• Referee: Alex Livesey
• Assistants: Martin Roberts, Chimezirim Iwueke
• Fourth official: Nick Pratt
• Observer: Kevin Parry

Kick-off at the Carling Oval is set for 2:30pm. Haverfordwest County will be hoping to return home with three points as they continue their push in the Championship Conference.

A TEAM of Pembrokeshire rowers has finally embarked on their gruelling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic after being held back by rough weather for over a week.

Team Cruising Free—comprising Sophie Pierce from Johnston, Miyah Periam from Milford Haven, Polly Zipperlen from Llangwm, and Janine Williams from Neyland—departed from Lanzarote on Saturday, February 1, as part of the 2025 Atlantic Dash.

The first few hours at sea proved punishing, with towering waves and relentless seasickness making the transition to life on the water anything but smooth. However, in a message to supporters, the rowers reassured everyone that they were adjusting and settling into a rhythm.

Making history on the waves

The four-woman crew is one of only four teams competing in this year’s Atlantic Dash and is rowing in aid of three charities: Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Emily’s Entourage—a charity supporting research into cystic fibrosis.

For team member Sophie, the challenge is particularly personal. As someone living with cystic fibrosis, she hopes to become the first person with the condition to row the Atlantic. Meanwhile, 70-year-old Janine is aiming to set her own record as the oldest woman to complete the crossing.

Speaking before their departure, Sophie shared the team’s mix of excitement and nerves. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, so we’re focusing on taking it step by step rather than thinking about the entire journey to Antigua in one go.”

A tough start at sea

Once underway, the rowers quickly felt the brutal reality of their mission. Sophie described the opening stretch as exhausting, with the team rowing in two-hour shifts.

“The waves are huge, and we’re all shattered,” she said in a voice note home. “We’re covered in bruises, and I managed to smack my rib with an oar in the swell, so that’s sore. Miyah has been really seasick, but she’s finally managed to eat, which is a good sign. Polly’s also struggling with seasickness, but we’re pushing through.”

Despite the challenges, the team remains positive, helped by favourable wind and swell conditions that are carrying them in the right direction.

Community support driving them forward

The rowers have expressed immense gratitude for the backing they’ve received, particularly from their lead sponsor, Bluestone, as well as Dale Sailing, which supplied new solar panels to ensure their boat was fully prepared for the crossing.

Sophie also highlighted the camaraderie among the Atlantic Dash teams, describing the past month as a time of mutual support and encouragement.

Team Cruising Free is documenting their journey via Facebook, where supporters can follow their progress across the Atlantic.