Welsh ponies - Not just for riding school beginners wearing jodhpur boots

From jodhpur boot-wearing pony clubbers to top showing professionals, the Welsh pony is a much loved and very versatile breed. Descended from the Celtic pony, the Welsh mountain pony is believed to have existed in the mountains of Wales for over a thousand years enduring the extreme temperatures and lack of nourishment.

No doubt due to their history, Welsh ponies are extremely hardy and have an intelligence which has made them one of the finest foundations for horse breeding in the world. Coupled with their renown for a kind temperament, they have become an extremely popular children's pony and great all rounder.

With a slightly dished head, the Welsh pony's Arab roots are evident. When the Romans invaded Britain, they brought with them horses of Arabian descent from their African campaigning. When they left Britain in the fifth century most of their horses were turned loose or bartered, resulting in the introduction of Arab blood into British native breeds.

To be successful in showing, the Welsh pony should not exceed 12hh and should have a small head with neat pointed ears, big bold eyes and a wide forehead. The jaw should be clean cut, narrowing to a small muzzle with a good sized and well carried neck and shoulders that slope back to a clearly defined wither. The limbs must be set square and the tail should be set high and carried happily.

Stockier and bigger than the Welsh pony, the Welsh Cob is the stronger counterpart of the Welsh pony. They are surefooted and like all Welsh breeds, are natural jumpers and excel in harness. As with the Welsh pony, the Welsh Cob should have bold prominent eyes, a broad forehead and neat, well set ears. According to some, the wider and greater the eye, the deeper into the pony's heart you will see.

The body of the Welsh Cob should be deep with strong limbs and they should have a straight, free and forceful gait. Despite their stocky size, their agile and impulsive gaits also make them suitable for dressage.

With their incredible versatility, it is easy to see therefore what makes Welsh ponies such a popular breed. Suitable for dressage, jumping, hunting and driving, this breed is like no other and is certainly not limited for use as a riding school pony with beginners clad in jodhpur boot around on their backs.

[Image © bozo z clown via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence]