The Welsh Section Pony Breed | Equestrian Breeds Reference

The Welsh Section Pony ...

Wales has a rich heritage of native ponies and the Welsh Pony Stud Book is divided into four sections.

The Welsh Mountain Pony (Sec.A) was produced by the Arab crossed with the Celtic Pony.
The Welsh Mountain Pony was crossed with a small Thoroughbred called Merlin to produce the Welsh Pony.
The Welsh Pony (Section C) and the Welsh Cob (Section D) differ only in size and were probably the result of crosses of the Welsh Mountain Pony with Spanish horses and possibly the now extinct Old Welsh Carthorse.

Welsh Section A – Mountain Pony

The Section A Welsh Pony is also known as the Welsh Mountain pony. An animal of great beauty and refinement, he has the substance, stamina and soundness of his ancestors. Well known for their friendly personalities and even temperaments, they are extremely intelligent and easily trained. Both the Section A and Section B ponies are characterized by the following traits. A large, bold eye, tiny head, short back, strong quarters, high set on tail, fine hair, hocks that do not turn in, laid back shoulder, straight foreleg and short cannon bone. The Section A pony may not exceed 12.2hh and can be any color except piebald or skewbald.

Origin: Wales.
Colour: any solid colour.
Height: up to 12 hands.
Conformation: small concave head, bold eyes, and a wide forehead. Crested neck, sloping shoulder, short back and legs, round dense hooves, and high set tail.
Character: intelligent, spirited, kind.
Uses: riding, breeding, driving

Welsh Section B – Pony

With all the physical and personality characteristics of the Section A, this section of the Welsh Pony was originally added to meet the demand for a larger riding type pony. Section B ponies do not exceed 14.2hh but have no lower height limit. They are well known for their elegant movement and athletic ability but still retain the substance and hardiness of their foundation, the Section A.

Origin: Wales.
Colour: any solid colour.
Height: up to 13.2 hands.
Conformation: very similar to Section A but taller, lighter build.
Character: intelligence, spirited, kind.
Uses: riding.

Welsh Section C – Pony of Cob type

The Section C is also known as the Welsh Pony of Cob Type. They may not exceed 13.2hh and may be any color except piebald or skewbald. Both sections of Welsh Cobs are characterized as being Strong, hardy and active with pony character and as much substance as possible. Bold eyes, strong laid back shoulders, dense hooves, a moderate quantity of silky feather, lengthy hindquarters, and powerful hocks.

Origin: Wales.
Colour: any solid colour.
Height: up to 13.2 hands.
Conformation: very similar to Section A but taller, lighter build.
Character: intelligence, spirited, kind.
Uses: riding.

Welsh Section D – Pony Cob

The Section D (Welsh Cob) exceeds 13.2hh with no upper limit on height. A strong and powerful animal, both the Sections C and D, have gentle natures and are extremely hardy. An ideal mount or driving animal for many adults and children. The Section D has become a popular choice for dressage, combined training and combined driving.

Origin: Wales.
Colour: any solid colour.
Height: no upper limits.
Conformation: bold, prominent eyes, broad head,, strong limbs, heard wearing joints, abundance of flat bone.
Character: courageous, powerful, agile.
Uses: riding, driving.

Todays Welsh Ponies and Cobs can be found competing in nearly every discipline, including ; Hunter Classes, Driving, Dressage, Combined Training, Combined Driving, English & Western Pleasure and also heavy harness.

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