There are four distinct kinds of Welsh Ponies and Cobs. They are registered in their breed soceity's stud book under the sections A, B, C and D. Although they vary quite a bit in looks and size, they all derive from the smallest one, the Welsh Mountain Pony. The Welsh Mountain Pony has been bred in the wild hills of Wales since the Celtic times. As far back as the Romans, people improved the breed by crossing them with Arabians, Barbs, Thoroughbreds and other Asian breeds. Two ponies in particular, Dyoll Starlight and his great-great grandson, Coed Coch Glydwr, are considered to be the founders of the modern refined Section A Welsh Mountain Pony.
With the centuries of harsh conditions the Welsh Mountain Pony has endured, the sound condition, iron hard limbs and great intelligence combined with the legandary Welsh temperment makes it an ideal child's pony. It's head is small with neat pointed ears, big bold eyes and a wide forehead. It sometimes shows an Arabian-like profile. The neck is muscular and arched, and the sloping shoulder gives gives a free-striding movement. The legs are fine but sturdy, with dense, hard little feet. The deep, compact little body has lots of heart and lung room for such a small pony. They are not over 12hh.
The Welsh Pony is similar to the Welsh Mountain Pony with a few minor differences. They have all the qualities of a great riding pony, such as greater slope to the shoulder and length in the neck. It's stride is longer and lower and it has a natural jumping ability. Today they hold their own among top class riding ponies both in performance competition and in the show ring. They do not exceed 13.2hh.
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is the stronger counterpart of the Welsh Pony, but with Cob blood. They are based on the Welsh Mountain Pony, but more Cob, Hackney and Spanish influence has created a sturdier, stockier and slightly chunkier version of the Section B. They are ideal as harness and hunting ponies, suited to every job around the farm and have even been used as pack ponies in the North Wales slate mines. These ponies are very good jumpers also and are excellent for trail rides. Their true worth as a multi-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 for both adults and children. There are few things they cannot be used for. Their height is not over 13.2hh in Wales, and not over 14.2 hh in the US.
The Welsh Cob's handsome head shows quality and strength but has a definite pony air about it. The eyes are dark, bold and intelligent. The forehead is wide, the ears are neat and well set and the nostrils are large and wide. It was established by adding more Barb, Spanish, hackney and light carriage horses to the smaller types. This chunky, medium-sized horse has all the strength, hardiness and quick wits of a pony. Today Welsh Cobs are the world's most famous ride and drive breed, with lots of power and a spectacular high-stepping trot. When crossed with the Thoroughbred they make a fantastic all-around performance horse. They are 13.2hh and over, with no limits, being mainly around 14.2hh - 15.2hh.
