Description of the Welsh Pony and Cob

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Description Of The Welsh Pony and Cob The Welsh Breed includes four distinct sections ranging in size from 11 hands high to over 15. For those new to the breed, this may seem rather confusing so let us explain! The Welsh Mountain Pony, also called the "Section A", is the foundation of the other sections of the Welsh breed. The Mountain Pony is known for his commanding presence, his striking head, and his exceptional substance and bone. The Mountain Pony covers the ground in a meaningful way--with exceptional flexion, free movement and agility. The spectacular action of the Mountain Pony is a product of his evolution rather than his training or shoeing. Even in Roman times, these ponies were singled out for their exceptional good looks, athleticism and usefulness. Julius Caesar is said to have exported native British ponies to Rome for chariot racing. He had seen these small, sturdy ponies in action during his campaigns in Brittania when tribes led by Celtic princes (and princesses like Boudica) wrought havoc among the occupying Romans. Centuries later, still renowned for their toughness as well as their beauty, some Mountain Ponies worked as pit ponies in mines throughout the world well into this century. Mountain Ponies cannot exceed 12.2 hands.

Criccieth Carreg

Section A Criccieth Carreg (Penvalmark X Eden Willow)

At the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells at the Glanusk show in 1998. He was Supreme Champion of the show and advanced after winning the premium for Llanafan and Llanwrthwl. Photo by Hal Westbrook.

The Welsh Riding Pony (Section B), a taller pony standing 12.2 to 14.2 hands, is the most recent addition to the breed. The conformation and movement of many prize-winning animals of this section differs dramatically from the other three sections in that many top Section B's tend toward a fineness not typical of Sections A, C or D. An influx of Arab and Thoroughbred blood in the 19th century increased the size of some native ponies who formed the foundation of this section and fostered the light elegance and "riding pony" character for which it is famous. Combining the quality of the Mountain Pony with a reaching, more subdued riding action and impeccable manners, the Section B is the archtypal riding and "hunter" pony.

Rhoson Pingu

Section B *Rhoson Pingu (Downland Rembrandt X Penwoood Santa Monica)

Supreme Champion of the 1998 AWE Spring Fling. Photo by Heidi Kellams.

The Welsh Cob (Section D) and Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C) are traditional "larger versions" of the Mountain Pony. The origin of the Cob is well documented, beginning in Medieval times when the knight's combat horse or destrier was led from battle to battle by a squire mounted on a smaller horse called a rouncy. The destrier was a "great horse" along the lines of the Shire horse of today so the rouncy had to be a horse capable of trotting in step with a much larger animal. Additionally, should the destrier be injured in battle, the knight was likely to kick one of his squires off a rouncy and use the smaller horse to rejoin the fray. Needless to say, the rouncy was one tough, utilitarian animal, capable of tremendous agility while bearing a heavy load and enduring the most austere conditions. For several hundred years, the Cob was the horse of choice for the British Army's mounted infantry and light cavalry troops. The Cob could do it all--pull an artilery piece or ambulance carriage, cover great distances on very little keep, or carry its rider into the battle. This description fits Cobs today; they are recognized as top competitors in Dressage, Show Jumping and Competitive Driving.

Lascaux Local Hero

Section C Synod Rum Punch (Synod William X Tydi Rosemary)

Shown by Len Bigley at the 1998 Glanusk Show in Wales. He placed 3rd in his class but redemed himself by being named Supreme Champion in his next two shows. Photo by Hal Westbrook.

The Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C) is described as a stronger counterpart to the Mountain Pony but not exceeding 13.2 hands and with a heavier, "Cob" body type. The Welsh Cob (Section D) is at least 13.2 hands and has no upper height limit, though most average under 15 hands.