ONE BREED – DIFFERENT SECTIONS

Welsh Ponies and Cobs are well-known for their friendly personalities and even temperaments; they are extremely intelligent and easily trained. They originated in the mountainous region of Wales with a lineage that predates the Roman Empire. The Welsh Breed encompasses four distinct types, referred to as Sections, which are divided by height and pedigree.  Section A, the Welsh Mountain Pony (under 12.2 hands), is often used as a child’s mounts but also excels in all areas of driving. Section B, the Welsh Pony (under 14.2 hands), serves as a mount for older children and small adults and excels in the hunter ring.  Section C, The Welsh Pony of Cob Type (under 13.2 hands), is the rarest of the four sections but is extremely versatile as it possesses the best attributes from both the pony and the cob.  Section D, the Welsh Cob (exceeds 13.2 hands with no upper limit), is making a name for itself in the Dressage and Eventing disciplines.

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 45,000 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.