Existing as a type rather than an independent breed from as early as 1600 BC, the Welsh Pony or Welsh Cob is believed to descend from the similarly conformed Celtic Pony of prehistoric times.
A number of other equines have contributed to the bloodline of the Welsh Cob, including the Thoroughbred, Hackney Horse, Yorkshire Coach Horse and the Norfolk Roadster. The breed was developed in Wales and has existed there for centuries, utilised in a number of ways from ploughing to transportation and timbering. Due to the wide variation that emerged, the Welsh Cob breed is now divided into four types or sections.
Section A, otherwise known as the Welsh Mountain Pony, is a compact horse boasting a height between 12-12.2 hands. Thought of as the ‘founding horse,’ the Section A Welsh Cob is refined and exceptionally strong, primarily used for driving and leisure riding.
Section B is a slightly larger horse (a height of up to 13.2 hands is permissible) with a lighter build. Possessing the traits of its Thoroughbred and Hackney Horse influence, the Section B is commonly seen in leisure riding as children’s ponies and in competition capacities.
Section C is a heavier horse whose conformation is heavily influenced by the Hackney, Norfolk Trotter and the Yorkshire Coach Horse. Hardy and cob-like, with feathered legs and capabilities in competition driving and jumping, the Section C is a popular mount with heavier boning much like the Section D.
Section D is the largest horse within the registry for Welsh Cob, boasting an average height of over 13.2 hands. Traditionally used for transportation as a postal horse and in the coal pits, the Section D is a strong animal with well conformed legs and a deep chest. Successful in driving, harness and hunting capacities, the Section D can easily be ridden by both children and adults.
The Carneddau Mountains in Wales’ Snowdonia are home to roughly 180 semi-feral Welsh Cob horses.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Welsh - Laddie](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/23066_ae105524867ca5e6aa6aba9d0e8323c8.jpg)
From Powys, United Kingdom
Adore this mare. Perfect horse in every way.
From Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Once you're owed a welsh pony, nothing else we do :) x
From Surrey, United Kingdom
Merlin is a Welsh Section D now rising 7yrs, I've owned him from 12mths & he's just the best. Merlin is stubborn at times but he always tries his heart out, we have a great bond & I wouldn't be without him :-)
From Wiltshire, United Kingdom
I adopted a rescued section D 3 years ago, she was a handful to start with but has settled down beautifully now. Love her to bits.
From United Kingdom
Couldn't wish for a better horse, perfect all rounder and very capable , I adore him
From Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Once you've owned a Welsh you won't go back.
From Cheshire, United Kingdom
Billy are section A is a amazing little pony which I bought when my children were young so he's grown with them . He's such a cutie and great with kids but he's retired now so just one of the family . I also purchased Sam for my younger daughter but he was a little strong to be honest but we wouldn't change him , he's done shows with my girls and done well also they have been showing billy for lot of years , I would say welsh ponies are great all round .
From United Kingdom
Love my sec b, he's a lovey cheeky but sweet personality. As an Arabian owner I have to say how amazing to see the influence of the Arab in this breed, he at times looks like a mini Arab and is a strong bodied boy. Wonderful addition to our family and I can't wait to break him to ride, many adventures await us.
From Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
My section D can be a quirky little boy at times but you just can’t help falling in love with these gorgeous horses
From North somerset, United Kingdom
Fiery welsh dragon at times , quirky and full of character. A brave heart , kind eye and gorgeous
From Derbyshire, United Kingdom
My part bred Welsh is fantastic wouldn't be without her
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
Dillon is ridden by my daughter. He is a very typical Welsh Section D cob - stubborn, can be very stubborn but very lovable, forward and full of fun.
From aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
feisty little pony - unfortunately has bad sweet itch and been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, lovable all the same
From Berkshire, United Kingdom
My black beauty. Full of spirit yet still wants to be a baby at times
From Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Adore this pony! The kindest and most sensitive breed with the ability to love you back as you love them! Our section B boy is perfect in every way if not a little speedy sometimes !
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
Tricky, fun, exciting affectionate and faithful, not for the faint hearted but you learn a lot about horsemanship and yourself - wouldn't have it any other way!
From Leicestershire, United Kingdom
love him to bits,he has a massive personality and is very inquisitive,for a 3 Yr old he's very level headed and brave beyond believe,he will leave the field on his own leaving his friends behind without bother,and while everything is jumping around at scary nothingness he just plods on 🤣 i definitely wouldn't buy another breed now
From United Kingdom
Caitie is a sec D x Warmblood. She was a neurotic mess when I got her, but after 3 years she's now my horse of a lifetime. Typical Welsh mare, opinionated, cranky at times, easily bored and full of fire. But she is the most loyal, loving, funny and caring mare, she loves to play and would follow me to the end of the earth.
If you get a Welsh D, you'll need to have the patience of a Saint, but couldn't get a better breed xxx