Early History & Heritage
The original home of the Welsh Mountain Pony was in the hills
and valleys of Wales. He was there before the Romans. His lot was not an easy one...winters
were severe and vegetation was sparse. Shelter, most often was an isolated valley or a clump of
bare trees. Yet the Welsh pony managed not only to survive, but to flourish.
Led by proud stallions, bands of mares and their foals roamed in a semi-wild state climbing
mountains, leaping ravines, running over rough terrain. Hence, the development of a pony with a
remarkable soundness of body, tremendous endurance and a high degree of native intelligence.
Down through the years, the Welsh pony and cob has served many masters. On the upland farms
of Wales, Welsh Cobs would often have to do everything from plowing a field to carrying a
farmer to market or driving a family to church on Sunday. Welsh ponies have been pampered by
royalty and served on the farms of the poor.
That the Welsh pony carries a trace of Arabian blood seems beyond a doubt. However, he
has maintained his own dominant physical characteristics over the years. It has been
demonstrated that Welsh crosses well with many other breeds, and this is, to breeders, an
important aspect of his unusual versatility.
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society was founded in 1901 in Wales. All Welsh ponies and cobs
found in the United States are descended entirely from animals registered with The Welsh Pony
& Cob Society in the UK.
Growth of the Breed in America
While Welsh ponies were imported to America as early as the 1880's, the Welsh Pony and
Cob Society of America was not established as a breed registry until 1907. Interest in the breed
dropped during the depression years, but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly
those in the East, participation in shows and fairs continued. By the 1950's the numbers of
members grew, more ponies were imported and interest increased dramatically. Over the next
few decades Welsh became the fastest growing breed in America. Registered Welsh ponies and
cobs can be found in every state and also in Canada. To date, over 34,000 Welsh ponies and cobs
have been registered.
Uses of the versatile Welsh pony
The Welsh breed is ideal for the growing child and has the spirit and endurance to challenge
an adult. Today Welsh ponies and cobs can be found competing in nearly every
discipline...hunters, driving, dressage, combined training, combined driving, English & Western
pleasure and heavy harness.
The Section A Welsh Pony is also known as the Welsh Mountain pony. An animal of great
beauty and refinement with the substance, stamina and soundness of his ancestors. Well known
for their friendly personalities and even temperaments, they are extremely intelligent and easily
trained. Both the Section A and Section B ponies are characterized by the following traits. A
large, bold eye, tiny head, short back, strong quarters, high set on tail, fine hair, hocks that do not
turn in, laid back shoulder, straight foreleg and short cannon bone. The Section A pony may not
exceed 12.2hh and can be any color except piebald or skewbald.
With all the physical and personality charactistics of the Section A, this section of the Welsh
pony was originally added to meet the demand for a larger riding type pony. Section B ponies do
not exceed 14.2hh but have no lower height limit. They are well known for their elegant
movement and athletic ability but still retain the substance and hardiness of their foundation, the
Another of the native breeds of Wales, the Welsh Cob was part of the string of mounts for the
British knights during the 15th century. A Welsh Cob was used to lead the mighty fighting
horses known as destriers. As the destrier's natural gait was the trot, Welsh Cobs had to cover
great distances matching the war horse stride-for-stride at the trot. To this day, the forceful
ground covering trot of the cob is legendary. Their substance made them popular mounts for
British infantry and for pulling heavy guns and equipment through rugged terrain up until 30 or
40 years ago. Prior to the automobile, the Welsh Cob was the quickest transport for doctors and
businessmen.
The Section C is also known as the Welsh Pony of Cob Type. They may not exceed13.2hh and
may be any color except piebald or skewbald. Both sections of Welsh Cobs are charactized as
being Strong, hardy and active with pony character and as much substance as possible. Bold
eyes, strong laid back shoulders, dense hooves, a moderate quantity of silky feather, lengthy
hindquarters, and powerful hocks.
The Section D cob exceeds 13.2hh with no upper limit on height. A strong and powerful animal,
both the Sections C and D, have gentle natures and are extremely hardy. An ideal mount or
driving animal for many adults and children, the Section D has become a popular choice for
dressage, combined training and combined driving.
All contents copyright © 1999, Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc.
North America.
Photographs and article were obtained from the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America,Inc.
web site with permission.
