Entertainment

The importance of the horse in Welsh history

Published

2 years 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

Journey to an enchanted world of love, magic and destiny

Published

31 seconds ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CLASSIC fairy tale will be brought to life at the Torch Theatre this June as Ballet Cymru presents a fresh take on Sleeping Beauty.

The production, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, tells the timeless story of a young princess placed under a curse and drawn into an enchanted sleep, in a tale where good and evil collide.

Ballet Cymru’s version explores themes of love, acceptance and what it means to be different, combining innovative choreography, exceptional dancing, distinctive costumes and immersive projections.

Audiences are invited to step into the woods and join Ballet Cymru as it celebrates its 40th anniversary with a magical production performed by some of Wales’ most breathtaking dancers.

The performance will also feature pre-recorded audio description in both Welsh and English.

Anwen Francis, from the Torch Theatre Marketing Team, said: “We are all familiar with the story of Sleeping Beauty, where the young princess falls into an enchanted sleep only to be woken by true love’s kiss.

“With Ballet Cymru celebrating its special birthday, we can’t wait to invite them, and our audiences, to the Torch to be part of this incredible milestone and celebration.”

Ballet Cymru’s Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, June 3, at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £19, £18 concessions and £11 for under-eights. Book online at torchtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

History, quests and castle adventures this half-term at Carew Castle

Published

15 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES can look forward to a packed programme of history, hands-on activities and outdoor adventure at Carew Castle this May half-term.

From treasure hunts and medieval encampments to herbs, bats and siege engines, the programme offers plenty of ways to explore the Castle’s history and grounds in a fun and memorable way.

Running daily throughout the holiday, Time Traveller’s Quest invites visitors to step into the past on a self-led treasure hunt through the ages. Using a smart phone, families can journey from the Iron Age to the medieval and Elizabethan eras, and even into World War II, uncovering secrets hidden within the Castle walls.

The activity costs £2.50 per child, with normal admission fees applying.

Medieval action

From Sunday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 26, Bowlore: Legends of Bow and Blade returns with its medieval encampment, bringing sword fighting, archery and armour displays to the Castle grounds.

Visitors can take part in Sword School, try Have-a-Go Archery and handle authentic medieval weapons. Normal admission fees apply, with a small cash charge for some activities.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 2:30pm, visitors can watch the launch of the Giant Trebuchet, one of the Castle’s most dramatic demonstrations.

The huge medieval catapult once hurled stones at fortified walls with devastating force, offering a glimpse into the power and ingenuity of siege warfare.

Bats, herbs and family quests

Later that evening, Carew Castle will host a Night Bat Walk at 8:45pm, giving visitors the chance to discover the wildlife that emerges after dark.

Led by an expert guide and using bat detectors, the walk will explore why the Castle grounds are such an important haven for bats. Tickets cost £10 per person, spaces are limited and booking is essential.

For children who enjoy nature and crafts, Hooray for Herbs! takes place on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Families can enjoy a short tour of the herb beds before gathering ingredients to make toothpaste, lemon balm tea and a traditional nosegay. The activity is free with normal Castle admission.

There is more hands-on fun on May 28 and 29, with Weapons and Armour drop-in sessions from 10:30am to 11:30am, where visitors can try on armour, lift a battle shield and long sword, and learn a few sword-fighting moves.

Later in the day, at 3:00pm, families can join Find the Key!, a guided quest to hunt for the one key that will unlock the treasure chest. Both activities are included free with normal admission.

Creative fun

The half-term programme ends on Saturday, May 30, when Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings takes over the Castle’s atmospheric undercroft.

Children can decorate their own crowns, swords, flags, mirrors and shields to take home, with prices starting from £2 per item. No booking is needed.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, said: “There’s a fantastic mix of activities at Carew Castle this half-term, from medieval action and family quests to nature experiences and creative crafts.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy time together, explore the Castle and discover something new.”

Visitors are advised that Carew Castle will close early on Saturday, May 23 for a private wedding. Last admission will be at 1:00pm and the Castle will close at 1:30pm. Carew Tidal Mill, the Gift Shop and Nest Tearoom will remain open as usual.

Nest Tearoom will also be open during the half-term holiday, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and Fairtrade coffee.

Some events have limited spaces or must be booked in advance. Further information is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Entertainment

The Hidden Risks of Fast-Paced Casino Games

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Staff Writer

Casino games are inherently risky, no matter what style of game or the speed of play. However, fast-paced casino games are often considered riskier because people tend to place a higher number of bets, have less self-control, and find them more engaging which can increase the amount of time spent gaming.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the risks of fast-paced casino games and what options are available out there to encourage slower, more thoughtful gameplay.

The Risks of High Speed Gaming

Reduced Control

When gambling slowly, there’s more opportunity to place thoughtful and strategic bets. Whereas when playing at speed, it’s easy to make more impulsive decisions. It may also be harder to stop gambling during fast games, increasing the time spent on gambling, and therefore the amount of money placed on bets.

Increased Enjoyment

A lot of people gamble because they find it thrilling. A fast paced game can add to that, making gambling even more enjoyable and desirable. While this may sound like a good thing, the enhanced enjoyment can make it harder to step away when needed.

How to Manage the Risks

While there are risks, they can be managed. Here are just some of the ways to handle the risks that come with high speed gaming.

Set Strict Limits

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and fail to realise how much time or money you’ve spent while playing. One of the most effective ways to ensure you keep your spending to a minimum is to set yourself time limits – and actually stick to them. This way you can maintain control over how much time and money you’re putting into gambling.

Consider Using Bank Blocks

Most banks allow you to block all gambling transactions, preventing you from spending any money on these platforms.

Turn Off Auto-Fill

A great way to slow down is to turn off auto-fill, whether that be for payment cards or passwords. This can help prevent impulsive decisions and keep your gambling to a more manageable level.

Always Gamble Responsibly

Most casino sites, such as MrQ Casino, have a wide range of games, including those that are fast paced and highly engaging. But it’s important to remember that while they can be fun, they do pose a significant risk and it’s crucial to keep safe and responsible gambling in mind at all times.