Welsh Pony Description

Horses have been living side by side with humans for several thousand years. Their power was used in field work, in transportation of goods, and even in wars. But not all animals were considered suitable for difficult trials. One of these is the Welsh pony.

Welsh pony

It has long been a sight of small horses did not give people a reason to use them in agricultural work.This breed was used to study horseback riding. As history shows, the life of the Welsh ponies was also a difficult period, due to their compact size they worked alongside people in coal mines.

Historical Facts

Welsh Pony – An ancient breed of horses. There are no reliable facts about its exact origin. In some sources, the Welsh mountain pony was mentioned as a descendant of the Celtic horses. In other horses they were considered their ancestors. They lived in the cold, humid conditions of the highlands of Britain, which made them adapted to harsh winters.

According to historians, the first accurate references to miniature horses appeared back in the 55th century BC. The supreme commanders of the troops of the Roman Empire, traveling around Europe, saw small but strong horses. They dragged large chariots.They attracted special attention even of Julius Caesar. The majestic image of animals was so “ingrained” in the head of the emperor that he ordered his servants to bring several cob and pony to the Roman stable. It was this period that became the main one in the revival of the ancient Welsh breed.

The selection work of the Romans on mixing different breeds gave its result. The appearance of the Welsh mountain pony has become similar to other popular breeds. Crossbreeding also affected the physical abilities of animals: they became stronger and more resilient and could be used not only for horseback riding or transportation, but also for any other purpose. The history of the pets made them the most magnificent. But, despite the centuries-old “mixing of blood”, the main characteristics of the Welsh pony were not lost.

This breed is high-quality and universal, which is why these horses are used as breeding horses in breeding works.

Features of the classification of Welsh ponies

Wales pony received official recognition as a separate breed of horse only at the beginning of the 20th century. It was during this period that these miniature horses were entered into the pedigree book of the Welsh Society of Ponies and Cobes. Breeders of that time determined the involvement of each horse in cobs and ponies according to its external data. When determining the type (A, B, C, D), the growth was taken into account:

• A – up to 122 cm;
• B – up to 137 cm.;
• C – 122-137 cm (with a more massive appearance than horses that are of type B);
• D – 137 cm or more.

Welsh ponies, which belonged to sectors A and B, were given the title of pony. C and D are koby. Of these, Welsh ponies and type B and C kobes were used to study riding on small children. Today, not all horse breeders take such a separation of the breed: due to various features of keeping and breeding, the usual Welsh riding pony requires a different, modified classification.

Experts are of the opinion that 3 types of horses of this breed should be used. A smaller, older horse is a mountain type, domesticated individuals are considered original, and large ones belong to cob. But British breeders now use their own studbook. According to them, types A and B are suitable for children riding, type C – for sports competitions, as well as trips in a harness. Every child can learn to ride and ride this type of horse. Section D is universally applicable.

Description of the breed

For all types of Welsh (Welsh) mountain ponies, the following are considered to be common external characteristics:

• massive head;
• bulging eyes;
• swollen nostrils;
• small ears;
• strong back and developed limbs;
• high-set tail.

The coloring of the Welsh mountain ponies can be different.The most common are gray, brown, bay and red animals. Experts say that the quality of the breed itself is determined by its uniformity. Two-tone Welsh ponies have little in common with wild Welsh horses.

These horses are very beautiful, have a lush mane and fleshy croup. Their miniature external data allows them to be used for teaching children to ride a horse. Many parents, giving their child to the sports section, prefer training in the Welsh pony. In addition to their endurance, these animals are captivating in that they are patient and calm.

Features of the individual types of Welsh horses

Problems with Welsh ponies that relate to section A, both in adults and in children, does not happen. These animals are very flexible, but have a peculiar temperament and mind. Such a horse is ideal for young children. Due to its quick wit and calmness, this breed is considered an ideal option for horseback riding. In addition to its small stature, the horse can be classified as type A according to such external features:

• the head is small;
• the ears are pointed;
• the forehead is wide;
• the neck is elongated, fixed on the “obliquely” set shoulders;
• the legs are massive, widely set;
• the hooves are round.

The Welsh pony breed of Section A is distinguished by its graceful forward movement when walking. The animal freely and quickly picks hooves.When moving to a lynx, the joints bend quickly and well. But such horses are rarely used for sports during races and jumps. They are the best training horses.

The Welsh pony of section B is distinguished from smaller individuals by its longer legs. Such horses are used in various shows, as well as in sports competitions. They are more jumping, agile and hardy. In addition, such representatives of the Welsh (Welsh) pony breed have been used for several centuries in the valleys of Britain for livestock grazing. These horses feel great in harness, in running and jumping. The more massive body inherent in this section makes these horses able to deal with any difficulties and obstacles. In addition, they are often used for teaching children.

Peculiarities of type D cob

Welsh pony breeds are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and endurance.The largest individuals are not inferior in their physical characteristics even to Arabian horses. The only difference is growth. Elongated massive legs do not prevent the animal from moving quickly and overcoming obstacles. In addition, the movement of the paws of the Welsh (Welsh) breed pony of section D is very similar to that of the Arabian horses. Its front legs on all gaiters extend far ahead from their shoulder joints.

According to experts, such ponies are the best athletes. Welsh miniature horses are used in various driving competitions.

Today, the meaning of the Welsh pony community’s studbook has undergone great changes.In addition to their versatility in any work and horseback riding, these horses have become good high-class athletes. The strength, speed and endurance of these animals are increasingly becoming an example of an ideal pony for breeders.

Welsh mountain ponies, whose height exceeds 137 cm, have a more wayward character. This is due to the capabilities of the horses. Energy and increased stamina do not pass without a trace. During competitions or hard work, the character of the Welsh pony may change. In the usual state, these animals are kind and complaisant, but it is worthwhile to “get down to business,” and they immediately become stubborn. Despite this, such a horse does not lose its performance.

Some interesting facts

A lot is known about Welsh ponies. They are known as strong, hardy horses with a complaisant character. In addition, breeders do not get tired of repeating the fact that their blood is ideal for crosses. Constant crossings lead to ever new results, hundreds of breeds of half-blood Welsh.

In Wales, even a special registry for such horses has been set up. And even those individuals that have only 25% pure rock blood show excellent results in sports.

Conclusion

Half-blood ponies have gained the most popularity in the USA. At the end of the XIX century, the famous horse breeder D.E. Brown, began to breed these horses. His labors were successful.Thanks to his efforts, as well as to other people who were interested in Welsh mountain ponies, a community of lovers of Welsh horses opened at the beginning of the 20th century.

In addition, the sharp popularity of pure and half-blooded animals spread to countries of other continents. They adapted to any climatic conditions, so they can be found not only in Europe or America, but also in the states of North Africa.