Info on Welsh Ponies in North America

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Info on Welsh Ponies in North America

Early History and Heritage about the Welsh Mountain Pony and Welsh Pony & Cob
The Orginal home of the welsh mountain pony was in the hills and valleys of Wales. He was there
before the Romans.His lot was not an easy one winters were severe.Vegetation was sparse.Shelter most often was an isolated valley or a clump of bare trees.Yet the welsh pony managed not only to survive, but to flourish.
Led by proud stallions, bands of mares and their foals roamed in a semi wild state, climbing mountains, leaping ravines, running over rough terrain.This sort of existince insured the perpetuation of the breed through only the most hardy of stock.Hence the development of a pony with remarkable
soundness of body, a temendous endurance and a high degree of native intelligence.
Even an edict of Henry VIII that all horses under 15hh be destroyed did not eliminate the welsh.
Hiding in desolate areas where his persecutors were reluctant or undable to go, he continued to live and reproduce, preserving for mankind a distinctive strain of pony that today has generated enthusiams among breeders and pony lovers all over the world.
Down through the years, the welsh pony has served many a master.There is evidence to support the belief that he pulled chariots in vast sports arenas.He has worked in coal mines, on ranches, and on postmans routes.The welsh pony has adapted himself to the whims and needs of humans as easily as to his enviorment. He loves people. He responds well to proper treatment and discipline.He can be trusted.He is an ideal pony for a growing child, and he has the spirit and intelligence to challenge and adult.
Because of his heritage, the welsh pony is not bothered by the somewhat extreme variations of climate and terrain encountered in the United States.That the welsh pony carries a trace of Arabian blood seems beyond a doubt, however he has maitained his own dominant physical charachteristics
over the years.It has been demonstrated that the welsh crosses well with many other breeds, and thsi is to some breeders an important aspect of his unusual versatility.
One of the most noted welsh breeders wrote: "The blood of the Welsh Mountain Pony of perfect type can improve any other blood with whichs it is mixed."This is a very strong statement to make, but I have ample opportunity to prove it. The purbred welsh pony of today is an animal of great beauty and refinement.He has proud aristocratic bearing. Yet he has the substance, the stamina and the soundness of body and wind which are charachteristic of animals that have lived close to nature.
The Purebred Welsh of today has a friendly personality and an even temperament. He is extremely intelligent and constantly alert. He has spirit, but this spirit is combined with gentleness and a willingness to obey.He does not resent discipline and shows respect for his master, young or old, who shows respect for him.
For those unacquainted with welsh, the first sight of a small herd perhaps grazing in a hollow near a stream, is something to be remebered..."They are startled at your approach." For one second they stand with heads erect, nostrils distended, ears pricked and tails held high. Than they are off flying over the rocks and rough ground, sure-footed and beautiful, their manes and tails tossed in the wind.
In selecting the one we want, we shall look for the great bold eye, the tiny head the short back, strong quarters, high set of tail,fine hair, hocks that do not turn in, the laid back shoulder, the straight foreleg, and the short so very short cannon bone.
The pure welsh may be any color,black,gray,bay,roan,creme or chesnut.He can never be piebald or skewbald.Although essential points of conformation can be listed and should be considered, it is a combination of desirable physical charachteristics,plus a ponys highly individual personality,plus ones own preference for colorwhich makes a pony exactly the right pony for any one person.One of the great thrills of breeding welsh ponies is the chance or calculated mating of two animals, so compatible and complimentary, that they produce a near perfect specimen.This is the challenge.And the goal with carefully chosen welsh stockl, is not unattainable.
Welsh ponies were imported by American breeders as early as the 1880's George E Brown of Aurora, Illinois appears to have been one of the first real welsh enthusiasts, importing a large number of animals between 1884 and 1910. Principally through his efforts and those of John Alexander, The welsh Pony & Cob society was formed and certification for the establishment of a breed registry was issued by the U.S. department of Agriculture on July 30,1907.
By 1913 a total of 574 welsh had been registered, and the owner breeder list showed applications coming from Vermont,Ohio,Kentucky,Virginia,Texas,Oregon,Iowa,Massachusetts,New York City, and Canada.The popularity of the welsh was spreading, and his great versatility was already becoming apparent, not only because he was adapting himself well to any geographical area, but because he was being put to many uses, both by children and adults.
It was a concern of early importers and breeders that a "purity of the breed" be maintained and this subject was regularly discussed with welsh and English breeders who had established their own registry in 1901.Mr Brown summarized his views in this way in a report to members of the American Society: "With a correct standard fixexd and uniformly adhered too, nothing can block the advancement of welsh to front rank in their classes." He called the Welsh "The Grandest Little Horse Yet to be Produced."
Interest in the welsh pony took a drop during the depression years, but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly those in the east, participation in shows and fairs continued.Beginning in the mid-50's, many new members joined the society, more ponies were imported, interest spread enormously, breeding classes increased in size and number, and a start was made in drawing up a panel of approved judges.By the close of 1957, a total of 2881 welsh had been registered, and the surging growth of the breed began to require annual publication of the stud book.Over the past couple of decades, the welsh has been the fastest growing breed of pony in America.An average of more than 500 new owners is recorded annually. Registered Welsh may now be found throughout the 50 states and Canada.However large numbers of people have yet had the good fortune to see a truly outstanding welsh pony in a natural setting of a grassy valley, in a trotting race, or with a blue ribbon at a show or fair. Todays welsh pony is a quality animal of unusual verstility and wide use.To see him is to admire him and love him and love him. To own him and enjoy his companionship is a privilege that certainly will be enjoyed by more and more people in the years ahead.
The welsh pony combines the most admirable qualities of the smaller pony and the light horse, and his uses exceed both. In temperament he may be so quiet as to be suitable for the very young, or , he may be more spirited and active, thus ideal for the growing youngster and teenager.He is being used increasingly in 4-H and FFA and Pony Club, and is shown successfully at fairs and shows by youngsters.He is the first choice of the family wanting a "Childs Pony" that is friendly and responsive and dependable.Because of his inherent quality,intelligence and beauty, the Welsh Pony is also a favorites of adults who can show him with pride regardless of the competition.Because of his great natural action, speed and endurance he is unsurpassed in the rapidly growing field of racing.