Horse Illustrated Magazine

Welsh Pony and Cob History

The wild wind-swept hills and valleys in Wales developed the characteristics of the Welsh Pony and Cob. Through the years, they lent their use to hill farmers and shepherds, landowners and deliverymen. In 1901, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society was established in Wales. Since the original wild pony had evolved into different looking animals, to establish a standard for each type the studbook was divided into sections A, B, C and D.

Welsh Pony and Cob Characteristics

The Welsh Mountain Pony, section A is the smallest at 12 hands high and the only one still living semi-feral in Wales. The Welsh Pony, section B, is a fancy child’s show pony at 13.2 hands high, found in hunter, pony classes and driving. The Welsh Pony of Cob Type, section C is 13.2 hands high and was traditionally used in the slate mines and farms. Today, it is ridden in hunter/jumpers, under saddle classes and harness. The stocky Welsh Cob, section D is 13.2 hands high and up and was once used on farms. It’s now found in the hunting field, under saddle and in competitive carriage driving. The legs are lightly feathered.

Welsh ponies and cobs come in all colors, including roan and palomino but not pinto.

For more information:

• The Welsh Pony and Cob Society (Wales), www.wpcs.uk.com;
• The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America, www.welshpony.org

Further Reading:

• Young Rider Breed Spotlight: The Welsh Pony and Cob
• Welsh Ponies Do It All