The Welsh Pony
Native Pony of Wales
The Welsh pony is a term that is applied to 4 types of pony native to Wales.
These are:
- The Welsh Mountain pony known as a Section A which stands to a height that does not exceed 12 hands
- The Welsh pony which stands to a height of 13.2 hands and is known as a Section B.
- The Welsh Cob pony, which stands to a height not exceeding 13.2 hands, is heavier and more cob-like in appearance than either Welsh Mountain or Welsh pony. The Welsh Cob pony is also known as a Section C
- The Welsh Cob is the largest of the 4 breeds standing to a height of at least 13.2 hands and is known as a Section D
All 4 types of Welsh pony are suitable as mounts for children and adults. They also make superb driving ponies as well as being quite capable in the jumping ring. With a reputation for intelligence and even temperament, Welsh ponies are easy to train and adapt well for use in the 'in hand' show classes where the ponies are shown in the ring with a very young rider on their back, led with a leading rein.
Welsh Ponies Escape Henry's Enforced Cull
During the reign of King Henry VIII the breed was in danger of dying out. The King wanted to improve the stature and strength of the English War horse in order that it could carry a knight in full armour so he decreed that no stallion under 15 hands or mare under 13 hands should be used for breeding. As a result many smaller horses were destroyed. Had it not been for a small feral population living in the remote Welsh Mountains the breeds could have become extinct.
The Welsh pony breeds have proved invaluable to the Welsh farming industry as they could be used as small draught animals, plough animals as well as broken to the cart and saddle. The ponies were also used in the mining industry although they were not the most numerous breed in use.
All 4 breeds of Welsh pony are sure of foot. They have sound feet and dense bone. Sections A and B can be distinguished from the heavier Sections C and D not only by their size but they have larger eyes, small heads and dished faces which makes them resemble a smaller version of the Arab, a breed that was brought back by the Crusaders. Welsh ponies can be any colour except appaloosa (spotted).
The Welsh pony can still be seen in its natural state roaming in the Carneddau Mountains in Snowdonia which maintains a small feral population.
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society was formed in 1901 and the first stud book produced a year later. However it was almost 50 years (1949) before the various sections were recognised. The current patron of the Society is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Sources:
Observer Book of Horses and Ponies by R.H Summerhays
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society
Welsh Mountain Pony
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