Considered one of the most beautiful ponies in the world, the Welsh has a long and still unknown history. Rustic and versatile, this pony is appreciated by children and adults whether for leisure or competition riding. Originally from Wales, the Welsh is now present all over the world. Discover all the details of this unique breed.
Breed History
Originally from Great Britain, and more precisely from Wales, the history of the Welsh goes back to the period of Julius Caesar when the Celtic pony was crossed with Purebred Arabian and Barbs. The physical characteristics of the modern Welsh are said to have been brought by a famous stallion by the name of Dyoll Starlight.
In the 16th century, Henry VIII decided to slaughter all mares measuring less than 1m30. Some of them go to the Welsh mountains to take refuge. It is in this context that the Welsh pony was born.
Arrived in France in the 1965s, the Welsh pony lent its blood to many breeds (New Forest, British saddle pony…) to improve them.
Physical peculiarities
Its head: the head is small and thin with a broad forehead, small pointed ears and large eyes. The chamfer is often concave.
Its neckline: the neckline is long and thin.
His body: the shoulders are inclined, the withers are present. The tail is set high on the croup.
Its limbs: the limbs are strong. The hooves are round and hard.
His coat: the coat of a Welsh pony can be of all colors. Only the piebald dress is not admitted by the Stud-Book of the breed.
His gaits: the gaits of the Welsh pony are frank, fast and untied.
The physical details of the Welsh depend on the section to which it belongs. However, all Welsh have common physical characteristics. Ultimately, the Welsh pony is a miniature Arabian Thoroughbred.
Use
The Welsh pony is an extremely versatile equine that is capable of being ridden in all equestrian disciplines. Popular in driving, it has pleasing gaits and an ideal jumping stroke for the obstacle. Benefiting from sure footing, he is also a very good outdoor and eventing horse.
Thanks to the different sections that make up the breed, the Welsh is suitable for both children and adults. Intelligent and kind, the Welsh is a pony that is very present in equestrian centers and riding schools.
Famous Welsh horses
Born in 1894, Dyoll Starlight is one of the most famous Welsh ponies in the world. This famous stallion has indeed won numerous prizes and championships. Likewise, it has given birth to many quality products.
Breeding
In 1902, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society created the Stud-Book for the breed.
In France, the French Pony and Cob Welsh Association has set up several sections to which the Welsh must correspond. These are sections A (Welsh Mountain), B (Welsh Pony), C and D (Welsh cobs) and K (part Bred Welsh). To belong to this last section, a pony or horse must have at least 12.5% Welsh blood.
Although Welsh breeding is done everywhere in France, it is particularly developed in Haute Normandie, Midi-Pyrénées, in the Center region and in Pays de la Loire.
