A native pony, originating on the hills of Wales, the beautiful Welsh breed is unique in that it has four Sections within one breed: the Welsh Mountain Pony (A); the Welsh Pony of Riding Type (B); the Welsh Pony of Cob Type (C); and the Welsh Cob (D).

BREED DESCRIPTION
The Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
The Welsh Pony (Section B)
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)
The Welsh Cob (Section D)
The Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
Height: Not to exceed 12.2 hh

Photos to consider: Clan Pip, Pendock Legend, Blackhill Picolo, Bengad Day Lili, Coed Coch Bari,  Flydon mare and foal, Heathside Flashman, Maestir Odyssey,

Click on photo for larger viewThe Welsh Mountain Pony needs little introduction. Bred in the mountains and wild regions of Wales for many generations, their acknowledged beauty does not mean they are merely a pretty toy. Centuries of survival of the fittest has ensured the sound constitution, iron hard limbs and great intelligence, which, combined with the legendary Welsh temperament makes the ideal child’s pony of today. They can seen be ridden and driven all over the world – equally at home in the cold of Canada and Sweden or the heat of Africa and Australia.

The head of the Mountain Pony should be small, with neat pointed ears, big bold eyes and a wide forehead.

The jaw should be clean cut, tapering to a small muzzle, the silhouette may be concave or dished, but never convex.

The neck should be of good length and well carried with shoulders sloping back to a clearly defined wither.

The limbs must be set square with good bone and round dense hooves, the tail is set high and carried gaily.

Action must be straight, both in front and behind, quick and free, with hocks well flexed.

 

The Welsh Pony (Section B)
Height: Not exceeding 14.0 hh

Click on photo for larger viewThe general description of the Welsh Mountain Pony can be applied to the Welsh Pony, with greater emphasis being placed on riding pony qualities while still retaining the true Welsh type of quality with substance.

For generations these ponies were the hill farmer’s main means of transport, herding sheep and wild ponies over rough and mountainous country. They had to be hardy, balanced and fast to survive, which ensured that only the best were bred from. These qualities, combined with a natural jumping ability, plus the temperament of their Welsh Mountain Pony fore bearers make the Welsh Pony second to none in whatever field his young rider chooses. Today they hold their own among our top class riding and driving ponies, both in performance competitions and in the show ring.

 

The Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)
Height: Not exceeding 13.2 hh

Click on photo for larger viewThe Welsh Pony of Cob Type is a stronger counterpart of the Welsh Mountain Pony, but with Cob blood.

Their true worth as a dual purpose animal has been fully realized in recent years and their numbers have increased accordingly.

Active, surefooted and hardy, they are ideal for so many purposes both for adults and for children.

Like all the Sections of Welsh they are natural jumpers, and they also excel in harness. They are an ideal family pony, able to serve each member of the family with their many abilities.

 

The Welsh Cob (Section D)
Height: Exceeding 13.2 hh

Click on photo for larger viewAptly described as “the best ride and drive animal in the world”, the Welsh Cob has been recognized throughout many centuries for his courage, tractability and powers of endurance.

The general character is the embodiment of strength, hardiness and agility. The head shows great quality with pony character, bold prominent eyes, a broad forehead and neat, well set ears. The body must be deep on strong limbs with good “hard wearing” joints and an abundance of flat bone. Action must be straight, free and forceful.

The Welsh Cob is a good hunter, and a most competent performer in competitive sports. In recent years they have had great success in International driving. Their abilities in all spheres are now recognized throughout the world.