The Felinfach-based Welsh Pony and Cob Society has been rocked by a bitter dispute which could see nine trustees replaced.

The Cambrian News understands that at least five per cent of the membership has signed a petition calling for a general meeting to discuss a number of specific proposals, which include concerns that there are too many trustees from Ceredigion.

The petition is due to be discussed at a general meeting in Builth Wells this Wednesday.

While the association itself urges members to reject the proposals, a former president, who is also a breeder, supports them.

Long-standing member Elizabeth French, who keeps Welsh ponies in Chippenham, Wiltshire, said: “Unless there’s a change, I don’t see a way forward. We need new trustees, and a forward-thinking way.”

She claimed the body needed ‘fairer representation’ and that there were too many ‘trustees from the same area’ which could lead to ‘mistrust’.

Other members have expressed dissatisfaction at what they claim is a lack of trustee experience as well as a lack of transparency.

There is also unrest about disciplinary cases and the use of DNA testing on mares.

However, former president and lifetime member, Ifor Lloyd, of Derwen Stud, Pennant, near Llanon, supports the trustees.

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now