The Welsh pony originates from Wales where ponies have existed since before 1600BCE. Historically they have been used on farms as working animals, as postal horses, and as cavalry, and later pit ponies. In the Middle Ages, Henry VIII ordered that stallions under 15 hands and mares under 13 be destroyed to improve the breed for use as war horses. This was later repealed by Elizabeth I as it was hard for poorer lands to grow enough food to support them.
Arabian horses left over from the Romans and later from the Crusades have mixed into the breed. Later other breeds have been added including the Thorough bred, & Hackney and the stud book for the breed was established in 1901. Nowadays they are often used for recreational riding and driving, as well as showing and jumping. They are also a popular breed for children as a riding pony.
The breed is known for its hardiness as well as their good temperament, intelligence, and free-moving gait, and is split into 4 different sections: A - Welsh Mountain Pony, B - Welsh Pony, C - Welsh pony cob type, & D - Welsh Cob. Welsh ponies have also been used in the development of other breeds of horse and pony such as the Morgan horse.
The Welsh pony is characterised by a small head with larger eyes with short backs and sloping shoulders, and range from 11 to 16 hands. They may be any solid colour with black, grey, chestnut, and bay being the most commonly seen. The breed is also considered friendly and trustworthy, with great endurance.
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