365 Days in Horse Country – The Welsh Pony
One of the most popular pony breeds in the world, the Welsh
Pony originally comes from Wales. More
than 2,000 years ago, Welsh Ponies lived in the valleys of this northern European
landscape, braving harsh winters and living off what little plant life grew in
the cold environment. These Ponies lived
almost wild, in herds that were forced to survive on their own with little help
from humans.
When a farmer needed a pony for work, he would capture one from the herd and train it to haul a plow, pull a cart, and be ridden. Welsh Ponies were strong, reliable work ponies that helped farm families stay alive in a land that was tough on those who lived and worked there.
In centuries that followed, different breeds were mixed with the original Welsh Ponies, including the Arabian. Julius Caesar brought Arabian horses to Europe with him after his journey to Africa, and some of these horses found their way to Wales, where they bred with the native ponies. This Arabian blood is noticeable in Today’s Welsh Ponies, particularly in their small, dished faces.
Welsh Ponies come in four different types: Welsh, Welsh Mountain, Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Welsh Cob. Each type has a slightly different history, and its own height and build. They measure between 12.2 to 15 hands, depending on the type. They can be found in every horse colour except pinto and Appaloosa patterns.
Because Welsh Ponies come in different sizes and types, they are popular as show mounts for children. Smaller children prefer the Welsh Mountain Pony while older children may prefer the Welsh Pony Cob.
Michael