About the breed
The Welsh Pony and Cob is a group of four closely-related horse breeds including both pony and cob types, which originated in Wales. Native ponies existed in Wales before 1600 BC, and a Welsh-type cob was known as early as the Middle Ages.
They were influenced by the Arabian horse, and possibly also by the Thoroughbred and the Hackney horse. In 1901, the first stud book for the Welsh breeds was established in the United Kingdom. The four sections within the breed society for the Welsh breeds are primarily distinguished by height, and also by variations in type:
Welsh Mountain (sec A): 121,9 cm (12 h.h.) A x A = A
Welshpony (sec B): 137,2 cm (13.2 h.h.) A x B = B, B x B = B
Welsh Ponies of Cob Type (sec C): 137,2 cm (13.2 h.h.) A x C = C, A x D = C, B x C = C, B x D = C or D*, C x C = C, C x D = C or D* (*depending on height)
Welsh Cob (sec D): 137,2 cm ( 13.2 h.h.) B x D = C or D*, C x D = C or D*, D x D = D
The modern Welsh Pony and Cob breeds are used for many equestrian competitive disciplines, including showing, jumping, and driving, as well as for pleasure riding, trekking and trail riding. The smaller types are popular children's ponies. The Welsh also crosses well with many other breeds and has influenced the development of many British and American horse and pony breeds.