It is vital that the Welsh breeds are maintained in a pure form to enable future generations to enjoy this legacy of beautiful horses and ponies. The semi-feral Welsh Mountain Pony is thought by many to be the basis of the Welsh Stud Book, which incluces Welsh Section A & B ponies and Section C & D ponies and cobs.

The Welsh Mountain pony faces ever-increasing threats to survival on its native heath and needs support. Widely acknowledged as the World's most beautiful pony, it is essential that the traditional hill breeding of these Mountain Ponies continues. The Welsh Pony & Cob Society exists to protect these treasured native breeds (see below for contact details).

The Section A is the Welsh Mountain Pony and Section B is the Welsh Pony. Section A's are hardy, spirited and pony-like and do not exceed 12 h.h. (121.9 cms). Section B's are similar, but larger — up to 13.2 h.h. (137.2 cms) — and with more riding pony qualities.

Section A: The Welsh Mountain Pony
Bred in the mountains and wild regions of Wales for many generations, their acknowledged beauty does not mean they are merely a 'pretty toy' — centuries of 'survival of the fittest' has ensured the sound constitution, iron hard limbs and great intelligence which, combined with the legendary Welsh
temperament, makes the ideal child's 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 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 quick, free and straight from the shoulder, knees and hocks well flexed with straight and powerful leverage well under the body.The height should not exceed 12 h.h. (121.9 cms).

Section B: The Welsh Pony
The general description of the Section A Welsh Mountain Pony can be applied to the Section B Welsh Pony, with greater emphasis being placed on riding pony qualities whilst 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 they hold their own among our top class riding ponies both in performance competitions and in the show ring. The height should not exceed 13.2 h.h. (137.2 cms).

The Welsh Section A

The Welsh Section B

The Welsh Section C is the Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Section D is the Welsh Cob. The main difference is size: Section C's do not exceed 13.2 h.h. (137.2 cms) while Section D's are larger.

Section C: The Welsh Pony of Cob Type
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type, Section C, is the stronger counterpart of the Welsh Pony, but with Cob blood. Their true worth as a dual purpose animal has been fully realised in recent years, and their numbers have increased accordingly. Active, surefooted and hardy, 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. The height should not exceed 13.2 h.h. (137.2 cms).

Section D: The Welsh Cob
Aptly described as "the best ride and drive animal in the World", the Welsh Cob has been evolved throughout many centuries for his courage, tractability and powers of endurance. The general character 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 as far 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 recognised throughout the world.The height should exceed 13.2 h.h. (137 cms): no upper limit.

Founded in 1901 The Welsh Pony & Cob Society is the largest of Britain's Native Breed Societies. The Society's membership is worldwide, reflecting the popularity and versatility of Welsh Ponies and Cobs. More information about the breed can be found through the links to the right.

Welsh Pony & Cob Society
Address: 6 Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1HP, UK

email [email protected]
www.wpcs.uk.com

Telephone 01970 617501 (International: +44 1970 617501)
Fax 01970 625401 (International: +44 1970 625401)