Welsh Cob Horses
Ht. 14.2 - 15.2hh
Color: Any solid color, with gray being the most common.
The Welsh Cob is derived from the Welsh Mountain Pony, one of the nine native British breeds and considered by many to be the most beautiful. Influenced by Arabian and Spanish blood, the Welsh Cob is a larger version of the Mountain Pony and shares its sturdy body, refined head and large, prominent eyes. An infusion of Norfolk Roadster gives the Welsh Cob the spectacular trotting action that it's renowned for.
Long before the Romans invaded Great Britain, the Welsh Mountain pony roamed the hills and valleys of Wales. Severe winters, rocky terrain and sparse grazing developed a pony that is hardy, sound, and intelligent. In the twelfth century Crusaders brought back eastern type horses and crossed them with local ponies to establish the Welsh Cob. This new blood gave them greater endurance and a more refined look. Even an edict of Henry VIII in the 1500's that all horses under 15 hands be destroyed did not eliminate the Welsh Pony or Cob. Thriving in desolate areas where his persecutors were reluctant or unable to go, this distinct strain of pony survived.
Throughout history, the Welsh Cob has performed a variety of tasks, doing everything from plowing a field to carrying a farmer to market or driving a family to church on Sunday. Welsh Cobs were favored by the British Army for pulling guns and heavy equipment in the early 1900's for their strength and temperament.
In 1901 the Welsh Pony & Cob Society was founded to preserve the purity of the breed described as the "embodiment of strength and hardiness". They decided to register and record the Welsh Mountain Ponies and the larger Welsh Cob together, dividing them into four sections according to height and type. The Welsh Mountain Pony or Section A ponies are regarded as the foundation of the breed. These ponies are under 12 hands high. Section B ponies are between 12 and 13.2 HH. Welsh C and D are regarded as cob types. Section Cs are up to 13.2 HH and generally have more substantial bone structure than a Section B pony while retaining the refined look of the smaller ponies. Section D Cob types are anything above 13.2 HH but must retain true pony characteristics, especially the quality of its head. This lack of height limit for the Cob is unique among the native British Breeds.
While Welsh ponies were imported to America as early as the 1880's, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was not established as a breed registry until 1907. Over the next few decades Welsh became the fastest growing breed in America. To date, over 45,000 Welsh ponies and cobs have been registered.
Tough, sound, spirited and courageous, today the Welsh Cob is equally at home in the harness as under saddle. They can be found competing in nearly every discipline including hunters, driving, dressage, combined training, combined driving, English & Western pleasure, polo and heavy harness. Agile, sure-footed and responsive, they make an ideal pleasure or trail horse. Their gentle disposition has also made them the perfect partner for disabled riders.
