Horse Breeds - The Welsh CobOne of the most versatile of Horse Breeds is the Welsh Pony or Cob and divided into 4 "sections" or height ranges.
The first 2 sections - A and B are typically referred to as Welsh Ponies and are covered in a separate Breed profile. The larger members of this horse breed are known as Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Welsh Cob (Section C and D respectively) of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society's breed classification. HEIGHT Welsh Cob Section C - upper height limit 13.2hh (134cm at the shoulder) Welsh Cob Section D - no shorter than 13.2hh - usually around 14hh - 15.2hh but there is no formal upper height limit. APPEARANCE The Welsh Cob is stocky and well muscled with a powerful chest and a distinctive full neck. They have a small neat head, slightly dished with large eyes and small ears. Welsh Cobs have powerful hindquarters, a deep girth area and can easily carry the weight of a man. They have feather to the legs and an abundant mane and tail which is kept naturally long and flowing for showing classes. Welsh Cobs have extravagant trotting action. COLOUR Both of these horse breeds tend to be solid colours such as Black, Bay and Chestnut . They can also be Grey (more common for Section C's than D's). Roan and Palomino are also seen, but colouring such as Piebald and Skewbald or appaloosa are not permitted under pure-breed registration. White leg markings also known as stockings are common, as are white facial markings such as a blaze, snip or star. Click on this link for quick guide to
Horse Markings.
The Welsh Cob is very straightforward, easy to train and willing to work, characteristics typical of native horse breeds. Their kind nature provides a reliable and genuine mount for all members of the family. They are commonly known as "good doers" which means they survive well on a simple forage diet and are easy to maintain, although with too much good grass and not enough exercise they are prone to excessive weight gain. HISTORY OF THE BREED The origins of the Welsh Cob date back to Roman times when Arab horses left behind mixed with the native Celtic ponies. Generations of living in the unforgiving hills and mountains of Wales made the Cob hardy, with great stamina and the ability to survive on very little good quality grazing. They were used by farmers for shepherding and transporting goods as they adapted very well to harness. This enabled them to be used for family events such as outings to Church once a week. Historically, most cobs would therefore have served a dual purpose or trained as ride and drive. Some of the smaller examples of the breed served as pit ponies to the burgeoning mining industry in the early part of the 19th and even as recently as the early 20th centuries.
WHAT ARE THEY GOOD AT? These days, the Welsh cob is a popular attraction at Horse Shows across the Country with both in hand and ridden classes attracting fierce competition. Wales is still home to the majority of the Welsh Cob studs but these noble and beautiful horses are exported as far as Australia and America and Europe, such is their public appeal. Cobs are easily capable of carrying an adult for a full day's hunting a couple of times a week but also enjoy hunter trials, one day events and even dressage. DID YOU KNOW THAT? The most prized accolade for a Welsh Cob Breeder is to win the Championship at the Annual Royal Welsh Show held at Builth Wells in Mid Wales. Breeders travel from many far away lands to the four day Show which draws crowds in excess of 70,000 daily, many of whom come specifically to see the Welsh Section D Stallion class held traditionally on the Wednesday of the Show. It is well worth a visit just to experience the magnificent sight of thirty or so beautiful proud stallions hurtling around the arena - simply breathtaking! Stand close enough to the side of the arena and the earth really moves!
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