History
and Origin of the Breed
Welsh Pony
The original home of the Welsh Mountain Pony was in the hills and
valleys of Wales. It was there before the Romans. Its 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 also to flourish.
Led by proud stallions, bands of mares and their foals roamed in a
semi-wild state, climbing mountains, leaping ravines, and running over rough terrain. This
sort of existence insured perpetuation of the breed through only the most hardy of stock. Hence, the
development of a pony with a remarkable soundness of body, a tremendous endurance, and a
high degree of native intelligence.
Even an edict of Henry VIII (1509-1547) that all horses under 15
hands be destroyed did not eliminate the Welsh. Hiding in desolate areas where his
persecutors were reluctant or unable to go, it continued to live and reproduce, preserving
for mankind a distinctive strain of pony that today has generated enthusiasm among
breeders and pony lovers all over the world.
Down through the years, the Welsh pony has served many masters.
There is evidence to support the belief that it pulled chariots in vast sport arenas. It
has worked in coal mines, on ranches, and on postmens routes. It has been pampered
by royalty and served on the farms of the poor.
That the Welsh pony carries a trace of Arabian blood seems beyond
doubt. It is likely that the "Arab-like" appearance has been in place since the
Roman occupation. Arabian type horses accompanied the Romans from the African campaigns
and were abandoned in the United Kingdom when the Romans withdrew in 410 AD. Also, some
discreet infusion of Thoroughbred, Eastern and Hackney blood may have occurred from that
date. The Welsh Pony, however, has maintained its own dominant physical characteristics
over the years, demonstrating that the Welsh crosses well with many other breeds, and this
is, to some breeders, an important aspect of its unusual versatility. The breeders of both
fine light horses and smaller ponies have successfully crossed with the Welsh Pony. 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 ponies and cobs derives a wide variety of dividends from his efforts.
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society was founded in Wales in 1901 and their first
studbook was published in 1902. The original classification for Welsh ponies was Section
A, the Welsh Mountain Pony. With a great need for childrens riding ponies Section B,
the Welsh Pony, was added in 1931. With Section A ponies as its foundation, the breed
standard for Section B is the same as for Section A but more particularly the
Section B pony shall be described as a riding pony, with quality, riding action, adequate
bone and substance, hardiness and constitution and with pony character.
Welsh Cob
Over the years, evidence has been found indicating that native breeds
in Wales have existed prior to 1600 BC. Even Julius Caesar, upon his traveling to Britain
in 55 BC, 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 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.
Originally in the first British Stud Books (1902), the
Welsh registry listed the Welsh Pony of Cob Type as Section B (12:2hh to 13:2hh), and the
Welsh Cob as Section C (13:2hh to 14:2hh) and Section D (14:2hh to 15:2hh). In 1907, the
upper height limit for the Section D was removed. In 1931, all Sections of Cobs were
combined and labeled "C." This encompassed all sizes of Cobs. In 1949, the Cob
Sections were changed to the current standards - Section C as 13:2hh and under, the
Section D being over 13:2hh without an upper limit.
Growth
of Welsh Ponies in America
American breeders imported Welsh Ponies as early as the 1880s.
George E. Brown of Aurora, Illinois appears to have been one of the first real Welsh
enthusiasts, importing a large number of animals between 1884 and 1910. Principally
through his efforts and those of John Alexander, The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America
was formed and certification for the establishment of a breed registry was issued by the
U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1907.
It was the concern of early importers and breeders that a
"purity of the breed" be maintained, and this subject was regularly discussed
with the Welsh and English breeders who had established their own registry a few years
earlier. Mr. Brown summarized this in a report to the members of the American Society:
"With a correct standard fixed and uniformly adhered to, nothing can block the
advancement of Welsh to front rank in their classes."
Interest in the Welsh Pony took a drop during the depression years,
but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly those in the East,
participation in shows and fairs continued. Beginning in the mid-1950s, "many new
members joined the Society, more ponies were imported, and interest spread
enormously."
By the close of 1957, a total of 2,881 Welsh had been registered,
and the surging growth of the breed began to require annual publication of the StudBook.
Over the next few decades, the Welsh became the fastest growing
breed of pony in America. Registered Welsh spread throughout the 50 states and Canada with over 500 new owners recorded annually.
Today, over 34,000 Welsh ponies have been registered in
America. Each of these are descended directly and entirely from animals registered with
the Welsh Pony and Cob Society in Wales. Although the numbers of the Welsh Pony of Cob
Type and the Welsh Cob are relatively small in the United States compared to their cousins
the Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) and the Welsh Pony (Section B), their numbers are
increasing yearly with new foals born and importation from the UK.
Types
of Welsh Ponies and Cobs
Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
(Height: not exceeding 12hh)
The centuries of harsh conditions the Welsh Mountain
Pony has endured has ensured the sound constitution, iron hard limbs and great
intelligence which, combined with the legendary Welsh temperament, makes the ideal
childs pony of today. They can be seen 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 or too straight. The neck should be of a good length and well carried with
shoulders sloping back to a clearly defined wither. The limbs must be set square with good
flat bone and round dense hooves. The tail set high and gaily carried. Action must be
straight both in front and behind, quick and free with hocks well flexed.
Welsh Pony (Section B)
(Height: not exceeding 13.2hh)
The 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 quality with substance.
For generations these ponies were the hill farmers 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, and the temperament of
their Welsh Mountain Pony forebears make the Welsh Pony second to none in whatever field
his young rider may choose. Today the hold their own among top class riding ponies both in
performance competition and in the show ring.
Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)
(Height: not exceeding 13.2hh (Wales); 14.2hh (US))
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is the stronger counterpart of the Welsh
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 hard
they are ideal for so many purposes both for adults and children.
Like all the Welsh Breeds they are natural jumpers and they also
excel in harness there are in fact few things that they cannot be used for.
Welsh Pony Cob (Section D)
(Height: exceeding 13.2hh)
The general character of the Welsh Cob 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 knees should be bent and then
the whole foreleg extended from the shoulders and as far forward as possible in all paces,
with the hocks well flexed, producing powerful leverage.
The Welsh Cob is a good hunter and a most competent performer in all
competitive sports, in recent years they have had great success in the International
driving world. Their abilities in all spheres are now fully recognized throughout the
world.
The Welsh Part-Bred
Although the animals entered in all four sections of the StudBook vary
in size and substance, all show evidence of their common ancestor, the Welsh Mountain
Pony. The best inherit the strong constitution, good bone, courage, activity and equable
temperament that has led to their worldwide renown.
It is therefore not surprising that they are in such
demand for crossing with other breeds, and there is a Welsh Part-Bred Register for horses,
cobs and ponies whose breeding shows not less than 25% of Registered Welsh blood. The
large Welsh Part-bred has proved an enormous value in most equine disciplines show
jumping, eventing, dressage and driving.
Significant
Welsh Cobs and Ponies
Welsh Mountain Ponies (Section A)
The famous gray stallion, DYOLL STARLIGHT
(foaled 16th May 1894), bred by Mr H Meuric Lloyd (Dyoll is Lloyd read
backwards), the Lloyds of Danyrallt and Cynghordy being one of the oldest Welsh families.
DYOLL STARLIGHT began a dynasty of siring beautiful ponies. Amongst his sons and daughters
were GREYLIGHT (exported to Australia), BWLCH QUICKSILVER (owned by Mrs. Pennell), BLEDDFA
SHOOTING STAR, GROVE KING COLE, GROVE STAR OF HOPE, LADY STARLIGHT etc. DYOLL STARLIGHT
had a magnificent show ring record, winning first prizes each year at the Royal Show from
1898 to 1901. When he was retired in 1912 (aged 18) he was placed at the Royal Welsh Show
and awarded a silver medal. Mr Lloyds health began to fail in 1919 (he died in 1922)
and STARLIGHT went to spend the rest of his days with Lady Wentworth at the Crabbet Park
Arab Stud, where he sired the noted WENTWORTH SPRINGLIGHT amongst others of note. It was a
condition of sale that STARLIGHT should not be sold from Crabbet but it is thought that he
was sold with mares to Spain about 1925, and died there at the age of 35 years.
Another stallion to have had a tremendous influence on the Welsh
Mountain Pony was COED COCH GLYNDWR (foaled 1935, died 1959),
who had two strains of DYOLL STARLIGHT on his dams side.
Welsh Ponies (Section B)
The two most influential stallions to this lighter type of
pony were CRAVEN CYRUS and TANYBWLCH
BERWYN.
CRAVEN CYRUS (foaled in 1927) by KING CYRUS (Arab) out of IRFON LADY
TWILIGHT (foaled 1913) by DYOLL STARLIGHT. The most influential present day line of this
family via DOWNLAND LOVE IN THE MIST (STAR SUPREME x CRAVEN SPRIGHTLY TWILIGHT); STAR
SUPREME being a son of LADY CYRUS (foaled 1941) daughter of CRAVEN CYRUS. STAR SUPREME and
LADY CYRUS were bred by Mr A.L. Williams of Blanetwrch where CRAVEN CYRUS spend his last
days.
TANYBWLCH BERWYN (foaled in 1924) by SAHARA (Barb) out of BRYNHIR
BLACK STAR by BLEDDFA SHOOTING STAR. BERWYN is represented via his sons and daughters COED
COCH BERWYNFA, COED COCH ERLEWYN sire of TANFFYNNON TWM SHANCO (a noted sire in
Mid-Wales), COED COCH SIABOD a Royal Welsh Section B Champion before being exported,
TANYBWLCH PENLLYN grand-dam of CLAM PIP, BRYN GWYN grand-dam of TREHARNE TOMBOY etc.
CRIBAN VICTOR (foaled 1944) provided a useful outcross, he was sired by CRIBAN WINSTON
and gained his height from his dam CRIBAN WHALEBONE, of Cob parentage. CRIBAN VICTOR spent
most of his active life at the Gredington Stud and left a great mark on Section B ponies
throughout the Stud Book.
The main expansion of Section B occurred in 1958/1959 when progeny
of FS2 mares were born, i.e. four very influential sires that between them laid a very
firm foundation.
(i) SOLWAY MASTER BRONZE (foaled in 1959)
(ii) BROCHWELL COBWELL (foaled in 1959)
(iii) DOWNLAND DAUPHIN (foaled in 1959)
(iv) CHIRK CARADOG (foaled in 1958) and
his full brother CHIRK CROGAN (foaled in 1959)
Welsh Ponies of Cob Type (Section C)
At the turn of the century when the Stud Book was founded, there
were several good sires between 12 hands and 13 hands 2 inches and these were classified
into Section B of the Welsh Stud Book. Typical among these was KLONDYKE
(foaled 1894), bred and owned by John Thomas of Trerddol in Mid-Wales. KLONDYKE was
purchased by Mr. W.S. Miller for his famed Forest ponies during the years
1906-1910. KLONDYKE was also the sire of TOTAL (foaled 1904), a chestnut stallion and sire
of the Ceulan Studs first pony SEREN CEULAN (foaled 1908) Section C Champion Royal
Welsh Show in 1928, and dam of CEULAN COMET Champion Section C Royal Welsh Shows three
times 1931-1933 before being exported to Australia.
Just after the Second World War, Section C of the Welsh Stud Book
had dwindled to dangerously small numbers. Only three stallions existed; WELSH PATRIOT (foaled in 1939) owned by Mr. A.L. Williams, his
sons, WELSH ECHO (foaled 1944) also owned by Mr. Williams,
and TEIFY BRIGHTLIGHT (foaled 1949) owned by Peter Davies and
Son.
Notable amongst the sires were:
LYN CWMCOED (foaled 1960) by COED COCH MADOG, Section A from PIERCEFIELD LADY LILIAN
(a famous line of Section C ponies), bred and owned by Viscountess Chetwynd.
SYNOD WILLIAM (foaled 1969) bred and owned by Mr and Mrs. Cerdin Jones.
NEBO BRENIN (foaled 1971) who has headed the progeny competition on several occasions,
bred and owned by Mr & Mrs. Geraint Jones.
Welsh Cobs (Section D)
Four sires that have had a tremendous influence on the Welsh Cob
breed are:
TROTTING COMET (foaled 1836), brown, 15 hands 2 inches by FLYER out of a chestnut
Cardiganshire trotting mare about which very little is known.
CYMRO LLWYD (foaled 1850), dun, sired by an imported Arab from a very fast Welsh
trotting mare, he is largely responsible for the many creams and duns gracing our show
rings today. The noted LLANARTH BRAINT has over a dozen lines of CYMRO LLWYD blood in him.
ALONZO THE BRAVE (foaled 1866), bay, 15 hands 3 inches. He was of Hackney
parentage, but the Hackneys of those days were much heavier and hard working than the
present day animal bred for the show ring.
TRUE BRITON (foaled in 1830)(best known affectionately in Wales as "ceffyl du Twm
Masiwn," or the black horse of Tom the mason). TRUE BRITTON was sired by
a Yorkshire Coach horse called RULER, his dam was called DOUSE. Rumour has it that she was
an Arab mare bought from the Gipsies, but her painting by Sawrey Gilpin RA
(1803) tells a different story. She looks a true Welsh Cob, and if she had a
longer tail it could well be a painting of the 1977 Royal Welsh Show Champion mare!
Breed
Organizations
For More Information, Contact:
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society (Wales)
CYMDEITHAS Y MERLOD AR COBIAU
CYMREIG
6, Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
SY23 1HS
Telephone: 01970 617501
FAX: 01970 625401
E Mail: thewelshponycobsociety@ukbusiness.com
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America
PO Box 2977
Winchester, VA 22604-2977
Telephone: (540) 667-6195
Web Site:http://scendtek.com/wpcsa
Information supplied by the Welsh Pony and
Cob Society of Wales and
The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America
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