Welsh Mountain Ponies & Welsh Cobs

Early History and Heritage

The original home of the Welsh Mountain pony was in the hills and valleys of Wales. He was there before the Romans. His lot was not an easy one. Winters were severe. Vegetation was sparse. Shelter, most often, was an isolated valley or a clump of bare trees. Yet the Welsh pony managed not only to survive but to flourish.

Over the years, evidence has been found indicating that native breeds in Wales have existed prior to 1600 B.C. Even Julius Caesar, upon his traveling to Britain in 55 B.C., was enthralled by the Britons and their exquisite chariot horses. According to documentation in the 15th century, the Welsh Cob was part of the essential string of mounts for the British knight. A Welsh Cob or “rouncy” was used to lead the mighty fighting horses known as destriers. As the destrier’s natural gait was the trot, the Welsh Cobs had to cover great distances matching the warhorse stride-for-stride at the trot. To this day the forceful and ground covering trot of the Welsh Cob is legendary. During the crusades (1100 – 1500), the Arab stallions brought back to Wales by the Crusaders left their definitive stamp on the Welsh Cob. This blend of the Arab and native type is evidenced by the excellent Cobs of today. The Welsh Cob has made outstanding contributions to man both in war and peace. In war during 1485, Henry Tudor came to the throne of England only with the efforts of the Welsh Militia mounted on their swift and hardy Welsh Cobs.

Up until 30 or 40 years ago, the Welsh Cob was so valuable to the British War Office that premiums were paid to the best stallions. The War Office used the Cobs for the mounted infantry and for pulling heavy guns and equipment through rugged, mountainous terrain not easily surmounted by motorized vehicles.

In peace, the Welsh Cob (prior to motorized vehicles) was the quickest transport for doctors and businessmen. Quite often, the sale of a Cob was dependent on how quickly he could cover a predetermined distance without laboring This also forged the way for many of the famous old trotting matches, such as were used to test the original Morgan Horse. It must be mentioned at this time that a Welsh Cob, possibly left behind by the British in this country, is felt by many to be the founder of the Morgan Breed.

Height Requirements

Section A - Welsh Mountain Pony &
Section B - Welsh Riding Pony

Height:      Section A not to exceed 12:2 hh
                   Section B not to exceed 14:2 hh

The Welsh pony and cob society was founded in Wales in 1901 and their first stud book was published in 1902. The original classification for Welsh ponies was Section A Welsh Mountain pony. With a great need for children's riding ponies, Seciton B The Welsh Pony was added in 1931. With Section A ponies as its foundation, the breed standard for Section B is the same for the Section A but more particulary the Section B pony shall be described as a riding pony, with quality, riding action, adequate bone, substance, hardiness and constitutuion, all with pony character.

Section C - Welsh Ponies of Cob Type &
Section D - Welsh Cobs

Height: Height is the determining factor between sections C and D

            Section C Welsh Pony of Cob Type
                    - not to exceed 13:2 hh
            Section D Welsh Cob
                    - exceeding 13:2 hh with no upper height limit

Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America

The WPCSA offers a show sanctioning program and can provide you with a list of shows nearest you.

Most Welsh breeders have young stock for sale. WPCSA Newsletters and Yearbooks are invaluable tools for locating quality Cobs throughout the country. Those who wish to start breeding Welsh on a limited scale may want to purchase one or more mares and use the services of a top stallion standing in the area. Artificial Insemination is also available.

The Welsh has an unusually high capacity for transmitting his best qualities through carefully selected crosses. Exceptionally good show-type animals are often produced in this way. The breeder of Welsh Cobs derives a wide variety of dividends from his efforts. There are a few personal satisfactions, which can match that of owning and perpetuating such a distinctive breed of animal.

Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 29787 Winchester, VA 22604