Experts believe that the origins of Welsh cobs existed prior to 1600 BC. The original Welsh Mountain Pony is thought to have evolved from the prehistoric Celtic pony. Welsh ponies were primarily developed in Wales and their ancestors existed prior to the arrival of the Romans. Herds of undomesticated ponies would wander the mountainous and moorland terrains of Wales. In this harsh and sometimes bitter environment with little shelter and fodder, they developed into an exceptionally hardy breed. At some point in their development, the breed had some Arabian blood added, though this did not take away the physical characteristics that make this breed so unique. In 1901, the first registry for the ponies was established in the United Kingdom, and in 1907 a further registry was established in the United States. Interest in the breed declined during the Great Depression, but revived in the 1950s.During its history, the Welsh Pony has had lots of uses, including as a cavalry horse, a pit pony, welsh slate mining and as a working animal on farms.
Origins of the Welsh Cob existed in the middle ages, and are described in medieval Welsh literature. They were quick, first-rate jumpers and could bear heavy loads and because of this were used on the upland farms of Wales, and would do everything from ploughing fields, carrying product to market and transporting the family to and from the local village and chapel services on Sunday. When coal and welsh slate mining grew to become important to the economy of Wales and England, lots of Welsh ponies were harnessed for use in mines, above and below ground.
Today the breed registries for the Welsh pony has four sections, chiefly distinguished by height, but also by slight variations in type as follows: the Welsh mountain pony, the Welsh pony, the Welsh pony of cob type, and the Welsh Cob. The great thing with the breed is that as well as being very hardy, they are recognized for their excellent nature and as a consequence are a popular children's pony. In the present day the breed is used by horse and pony lovers, both for pleasure riding and in show competitions, taking part in numerous equestrian disciplines. The Welsh Cob crosses well with many other breeds and has influenced the development of many British and American horse and pony breeds.
Wales is home to many welsh pony and cob studs, which tend to be manned by enthusiastic and passionate owners and staff who are fully commited to the preservation and development of the breed. There are many shows where the breeder’s passion is displayed by the turnout of magnificent looking ponies which are in great condition and a credit to the origins of the breed. When in Wales, the delight of seeing these animals wandering the farms and pastures in their natural environment warms the heart and gratitude must go to the enthusiasts who continue to preserve the breed.
Visit http://www.horseandponyshopuk.com and see a web page devoted to a traditional welsh cob stud. http://www.horseandponyshopuk.com/photo_album.
Origins of the Welsh Cob existed in the middle ages, and are described in medieval Welsh literature. They were quick, first-rate jumpers and could bear heavy loads and because of this were used on the upland farms of Wales, and would do everything from ploughing fields, carrying product to market and transporting the family to and from the local village and chapel services on Sunday. When coal and welsh slate mining grew to become important to the economy of Wales and England, lots of Welsh ponies were harnessed for use in mines, above and below ground.
Today the breed registries for the Welsh pony has four sections, chiefly distinguished by height, but also by slight variations in type as follows: the Welsh mountain pony, the Welsh pony, the Welsh pony of cob type, and the Welsh Cob. The great thing with the breed is that as well as being very hardy, they are recognized for their excellent nature and as a consequence are a popular children's pony. In the present day the breed is used by horse and pony lovers, both for pleasure riding and in show competitions, taking part in numerous equestrian disciplines. The Welsh Cob crosses well with many other breeds and has influenced the development of many British and American horse and pony breeds.
Wales is home to many welsh pony and cob studs, which tend to be manned by enthusiastic and passionate owners and staff who are fully commited to the preservation and development of the breed. There are many shows where the breeder’s passion is displayed by the turnout of magnificent looking ponies which are in great condition and a credit to the origins of the breed. When in Wales, the delight of seeing these animals wandering the farms and pastures in their natural environment warms the heart and gratitude must go to the enthusiasts who continue to preserve the breed.
Visit http://www.horseandponyshopuk.com and see a web page devoted to a traditional welsh cob stud. http://www.horseandponyshopuk.com/photo_album.
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