Entertainment

The importance of the horse in Welsh history

Published

11 months ago

September 4, 2024

It is estimated that there are over 400 breeds of horses in the world. While many are bred for racing and beauty, some are alive just for their hardiness and ability to work. In Wales, some of the toughest of these were named pit ponies and are a symbol of the industrial heritage of the country. In this article, we discuss the importance of the horse in Pembrokeshire and Welsh history.

The pit pony

From the 18th to the mid-20th century, the pit pony was a staple of Welsh mining. These horses, ponies or mules were used to work underground and have been recorded as being used as far back as 1750. This horse would generally work an eight-hour shift each day. They would haul coal in tubs, living on a diet of hay and any scraps the miners fed them. In some instances, they were even stabled underground.

This horse came from a range of breeds. Welsh horses were the most common, but Shetlands, Devons and Dartmoor breeds were also used. Even larger horses like Cleveland Bays were used in some instances.

Way outside Pembrokeshire, but worth a visit nonetheless, is Sultan the Pit Pony. Resting in Caerphilly, from the ground it seems like a formation of small hillocks. Yet from far away, the Sultan takes shape and is a fantastic earthen sculpture to commemorate the pit ponies.

Ffos Las

Ffos Las racecourse is a fitting tribute to the country’s link between the horse and its industrial heritage. The track was the first National Hunt racecourse built in the United Kingdom for 80 years when it opened in 2009. Previously, it had been the site of an open-cast coal mine, that was left without a purpose once mining there had ceased.

Racing has now become bigger than ever, and Ffos Las is one of the few courses that is based in Wales. Recent developments in communications, such as the ability to watch races through streaming technology, have increased popularity and Ffos Las is thriving. Even the ability to participate in racehorse ownership has been made much easier, due to online syndicates. They allow racehorse ownership for attractive entry prices, providing all the information members need to follow their horses to Ffos Las and beyond. Thus, the industry is in a boom period and Ffos Las is one of many UK courses at the forefront of this.

The horses that built the henge

To the northeast of Pembrokeshire in Eglwyswrw is Carn Goedog. For many, it may look like quite an unremarkable rocky outcrop in the Welsh wilderness. Yet modern methods of analysis have managed to trace it as the place where the materials for the famous Stonehenge were mined. This is believed to have happened around 2500 BC. Weighing two to five tonnes each, it is unlikely these stones would have been moved without the help of Welsh horses.

In the age of petrol and electric transportation, the horse may not play as important a part in the economic structure of the country as it once did. Yet it remains a strong image, a metaphor for Welsh work ethic and spirit. Wherever the Welsh work hard and maintain their identity, the horse will be there to guide them.

Entertainment

DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

Published

6 days ago

July 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025

AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.

From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.

A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.

Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

Entertainment

Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

Published

7 days ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.

A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.

“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”

Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”

During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.

She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.

“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.

As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.

“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”

Entertainment

Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

Published

1 week ago

July 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday

THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.

Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.

Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”

Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.

The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.

Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.

“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.

No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.