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[ INDEX ] Equine Type: Horse Breed: Welsh Pony and Cob (Welsh) [ PREV ] [ NEXT ]
The Welsh Pony and Cob, or 'Welsh' for short, is a breed which originated in Wales (in the UK.) This colorful and popular breed is famous for its studbook, which is divided into four sections: three unique types of ponies, and one type of cob.
Originally, there was only one type of Welsh pony, which is known today as the Welsh Mountain Pony. This small pony, which is descended from Celtic ponies, has roamed the wilderness of Wales thousands of years ago. Its appearance, especially when it comes to its head, resembles that of a small Arabian horse. This led to the theory that when the Romans arrived at Wales, they crossed local ponies with Oriental horses who were likely Arabians, meaning that the Welsh Mountain Pony was influenced by the Arabian breed. Today, this small Welsh Mountain Pony, also known as 'Welsh Section A,' comprises one subtype of the Welsh breed.
Many centuries later, some of the Welsh Mountain Ponies were crossed with Hackney horses. Then, by the end of the 19th century, the resulting horses were crossed with a Thoroughbred stallion called Merlin. This resulted in ponies who had the general appearance of the Welsh Mountain Pony, but were taller and lighter. These ponies are classified as 'Welsh Ponies' and 'Welsh Section B,' although they are nicknamed 'Merlins' after the Thoroughbred stallion.
The Welsh Ponies of Cob Type, also known as 'Welsh Section C,' were created when Welsh Mountain Ponies were crossed with cobs and Andalusian horses. Their overall conformation resembles that of a cob, but within the size range of a pony, though Welsh Ponies of Cob Type are larger and stronger than the two smaller Welsh ponies.
Finally, there is the Welsh Cob, also known as 'Welsh Section D,' which is not necessarily related to the three subtypes described above. Cobs had roamed Wales since the Middle Ages, and maybe even earlier. Since they were strong enough to work in farms, and lighter than larger draft breeds, Welsh Cobs became popular among the Welsh farmers. Even though that Welsh Cobs were a type of their own, and did not descend from Welsh Mountain Ponies, it was decided to include them in the same studbook as the Welsh Mountain Pony, due of their Welsh origin. Welsh Cobs are the tallest subtype of the Welsh breed, as they can reach up to 16.1hh.
Today, Welsh ponies and cobs are generally used as children's mounts and for driving, trekking, and show-jumping, though different subtypes are used for different purposes.
Welsh ponies and cobs come in all colors except for pearl, dominant white, champagne, mushroom, leopard, tobiano, and frame-overo. They can have a sabino or splashed-white coat. Their general height range is 10hh to 16.1hh, though each subtype have its own height range.
(For more info about the subtypes of the Welsh breed, see the 'Welsh Mountain Pony,' 'Welsh Pony,' 'Welsh Pony of Cob Type,' and 'Welsh Cob.')
Originally, there was only one type of Welsh pony, which is known today as the Welsh Mountain Pony. This small pony, which is descended from Celtic ponies, has roamed the wilderness of Wales thousands of years ago. Its appearance, especially when it comes to its head, resembles that of a small Arabian horse. This led to the theory that when the Romans arrived at Wales, they crossed local ponies with Oriental horses who were likely Arabians, meaning that the Welsh Mountain Pony was influenced by the Arabian breed. Today, this small Welsh Mountain Pony, also known as 'Welsh Section A,' comprises one subtype of the Welsh breed.
Many centuries later, some of the Welsh Mountain Ponies were crossed with Hackney horses. Then, by the end of the 19th century, the resulting horses were crossed with a Thoroughbred stallion called Merlin. This resulted in ponies who had the general appearance of the Welsh Mountain Pony, but were taller and lighter. These ponies are classified as 'Welsh Ponies' and 'Welsh Section B,' although they are nicknamed 'Merlins' after the Thoroughbred stallion.
The Welsh Ponies of Cob Type, also known as 'Welsh Section C,' were created when Welsh Mountain Ponies were crossed with cobs and Andalusian horses. Their overall conformation resembles that of a cob, but within the size range of a pony, though Welsh Ponies of Cob Type are larger and stronger than the two smaller Welsh ponies.
Finally, there is the Welsh Cob, also known as 'Welsh Section D,' which is not necessarily related to the three subtypes described above. Cobs had roamed Wales since the Middle Ages, and maybe even earlier. Since they were strong enough to work in farms, and lighter than larger draft breeds, Welsh Cobs became popular among the Welsh farmers. Even though that Welsh Cobs were a type of their own, and did not descend from Welsh Mountain Ponies, it was decided to include them in the same studbook as the Welsh Mountain Pony, due of their Welsh origin. Welsh Cobs are the tallest subtype of the Welsh breed, as they can reach up to 16.1hh.
Today, Welsh ponies and cobs are generally used as children's mounts and for driving, trekking, and show-jumping, though different subtypes are used for different purposes.
Welsh ponies and cobs come in all colors except for pearl, dominant white, champagne, mushroom, leopard, tobiano, and frame-overo. They can have a sabino or splashed-white coat. Their general height range is 10hh to 16.1hh, though each subtype have its own height range.
(For more info about the subtypes of the Welsh breed, see the 'Welsh Mountain Pony,' 'Welsh Pony,' 'Welsh Pony of Cob Type,' and 'Welsh Cob.')
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