Breed of the Moment: Welsh Pony and Cob

Welsh Mountain Pony, Barnhill Bollinger, for sale on Horsezone (photo: Agile Photography)

Welsh Ponies and Cobs are popular today across the country, with the ponies excelling as children's mounts and the cobs doing well in all disciplines.  They are highly successful in the show ring, at pony club and in performance events including carriage driving, plus they love to jump!  With their sweet faces and character-filled personalities (what about those gorgeous tiny ears?), Welsh Ponies are one of the most popular of the native British breeds and the most common in Australia.  We find out more about this breed and discover there's a lot of history and ability behind those adorable little faces!

Characteristics:  Welsh ponies and Welsh cobs have small heads with large eyes, sloped shoulders, short backs and strong hindquarters. The forelegs are straight and the cannon bone short. The tail is high-set. The breed ranges from 11 hands (44 inches, 112 cm) for the smallest ponies to over 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm) for the tallest cobs. The most common colours are black, brown, grey, chestnut and bay, however, there are also duns and palominos. Refer to The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia for more details on acceptable colours.

They are reputed to be trustworthy, of a good disposition with even temperaments and friendly characters, but spirited and with great endurance, they have bold movement and are known for their stamina, soundness, and high level of intelligence, which usually makes them easy to train.

Fantastic lead rein/children's Welsh Mountain Pony for sale on Horsezone

 

History:  Evidence suggests that a native Welsh-type of pony existed before 1600 BC. The original Welsh Mountain Pony is thought to have evolved from the prehistoric Celtic pony. Welsh ponies were primarily developed in Wales and their wild ancestors existed in the British Isles prior to the arrival of the Roman Empire. 

They developed into a hardy breed due to the harsh climate, limited shelter and sparse food sources of their native country. At some point in their development, the Welsh breeds had some Arabian blood added, although this did not take away the physical characteristics that make the breed unique.

The Welsh Cob existed as a type as early as the Middle Ages and mentions of such animals can be found in medieval Welsh literature. During this time period they were known for their speed, jumping ability and carrying capacity. Before the introduction of large, "coldblood" draft horse breeds, they were used for farm work and timbering. In 1485 the Welsh Militia, riding local animals presumed to be ancestors of the modern Welsh Cob, assisted Henry Tudor in gaining the English throne. During the 15th century, similar small horses were also used to lead war horses, known as destriers.

Welsh Mountain Pony mare, Snowdon Vale Miss Prisy (pictured with her foal) for sale on Horsezone.

On the upland farms of Wales, Welsh ponies and cobs would often have to do everything from ploughing a field to carrying a farmer to market or driving a family to services on Sunday. When coal mining became important to the economy of England, many Welsh ponies were harnessed for use in mines, above and below ground.

After adding more Arabian blood and that of other breeds, including the Thoroughbred and Hackney, in the 18th and 19th century - before the car was developed - the speediest mode of transportation in Wales was the Welsh Cob.

In 1901 English and Welsh breeders established a breed registry, called the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, and the first stud book was published in 1902. It was decided that the Welsh Stud Book should be separated into sections divided by type and height. Welsh Ponies were originally only classified as Section A, but in 1931, with the rising demand for riding ponies for children, Section B was added. In the first stud books, the Section B was the Welsh Pony of Cob Type, and the Welsh Cob was Section C and Section D. The upper height limit for Section D Cobs was removed in 1907 and in 1931 Sections C and D were combined as simply Section C. The current standards of Cobs as Sections C and D were finalized in 1949.

 

Woranora Minstrel, Multi Supreme Champion Welsh A Stallion, listed in Stallion Services on Horsezone

The Sections (as defined by The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia)

Section A

Welsh Mountain Pony

Height – not to exceed 12 hh (122 cm)
Centuries of ‘survival of the fittest’, has ensured a sound constitution and great intelligence. Combined with the legendary Welsh temperament this makes the Welsh Mountain Pony an ideal child’s pony of today.  Welsh Mountain Ponies also make wonderful harness ponies and feature prominently in awards nationally. Acknowledged as one of the most beautiful of pony breeds in the World.

Section B

Karanga Riverdance, Welsh B Stallion, listed in Stallion Services on Horsezone

Welsh Pony

Height – not to exceed 13.2 hh (137 cm)
The Welsh Pony has all the great attributes of the Welsh Mountain Pony, with greater emphasis being placed on riding pony qualities. It still retains the excellent temperament and true Welsh type with quality and substance. Welsh Ponies have natural jumping ability and the quality and ability to hold their own amongst the top class riding ponies both in performance competitions and in the show ring.

Section C

Welsh Pony of Cob Type

Height – not to exceed 13.2 hh (137 cm)
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is a stronger counterpart of the Welsh Pony, with Cob blood. It has a wonderful temperament. A great dual purpose animal that is active, sure footed and hardy. Ideal for both adults and children, whether they wish to compete at the highest level or just for pleasure. Like all the Welsh Breeds, they are very versatile, excel in harness and are natural jumpers.

Burrowa Sportsman's Last, Welsh Cob Stallion, listed in Stallion Services on Horsezone

Section D

Welsh Cob

Height – no minimum or maximum height
Aptly described as ‘the best ride and drive animal in the World’, the Welsh Cob has evolved through the centuries and is known for his courage, tractability and powers of endurance. Cobs embody strength, hardiness and agility, with a wonderful temperament. The Welsh Cob is a good hunter and a most competent performer in all equine sports. In recent years the cob has had great success in the International driving world.

• Refer to The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia to view photos of good examples of ponies and cobs from each of the Sections.

 

Welsh Ponies and Cobs In Australia:

The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia states, "Welsh Ponies and Cobs were among the earliest livestock brought to Australia from Britain after the arrival of white settlers in 1788 and although many had known pedigrees, there was no Stud Book in the Colony where their arrival or their descendants could be recorded, and their bloodlines were consequently lost in time.

In 1932 the Australian Pony Stud Book Society was formed for the purpose of officially recording the pedigrees of stud ponies within the Commonwealth.  The first Welsh Ponies and Cobs to be officially recorded arrived in Australia in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s, and in Volume 1 of the Australian Pony Stud Book published in 1936, were listed as Reference Stallions and a Reference Mare.  There was no separate section for the Welsh breeds within the Australian Pony Stud Book and these animals were listed under the title of Australian Ponies until the publication of Stud Book Volume 7 published in 1969.

In September 1969, during the course of the Royal Melbourne Show, a small group of Welsh pony breeders and owners met in a feed locker to discuss the future of the Welsh breeds in Australia and the possibility of forming a Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Australia, so that animals could be recorded in full compliance with the rules of the governing body, the Welsh Pony & Cob Society UK.

Woranora Trademark, Welsh A Stallion, listed in Stallion Services on Horsezone

From that humble beginning rapid progress was made and the first Annual General Meeting as a constituted Society was held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds twelve months later, with the Society recognized by the Welsh Pony & Cob Society UK, and with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria as secretariat.

After some years at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia purchased its own premises in Essendon, Victoria, and established its own office and employed staff. The need for more space necessitated a further move to larger premises, the National Office was re located to 24 Main Street, Pakenham, Victoria where it had remained until April 2009 when it again moved to a much larger premises at Suite 20 / 14 - 17 Hogan Court Pakenham 3810.

The Society has a Patron, a President and a President Elect, a Committee of Management, Regional Promotional Groups and Show Committees who all work under a volunteer status. The Society employs a Chief Officer, National Secretary, Registrar and Office Administration Staff who work from the National Office location. In the 32 years since its foundation the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia has registered approximately 28,000 ponies and cobs and its membership currently stands at over 2800.

The Society regularly publishes Stud Books, an annual journal, a quarterly magazine “Action”, and sponsors many and varied shows, events and competitions Australia wide."

Quick Links

• The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia
   
• Welsh Ponies and Cobs for sale on Horsezone
   
• Welsh Stallions at Stud listed on Horsezone