Welsh Pony (Section B)

Overview

The Welsh Pony is Section B of the Welsh Stud Book. The breed description applies everything said of the Section A, but describes the Section B in particular as a riding pony with quality, riding action, adequate bone and substance, hardiness and constitution, and pony character.

History

The Section B descends from the hardy Welsh Mountain Pony, and the influence of Arabian and Thoroughbred blood can still be seen. It was first bred for carrying, as a mount for hill shepherds, and was originally limited to 12.2 hh. The limit was later raised to 13.2 hh.

In 1930 the Stud Book description changed, and the breed began to develop into the riding type seen today. After the Second World War, a Foundation Register let judges pass ponies of unknown breeding that matched the ideal type. Many of those mares carried Arabian, Thoroughbred or riding pony blood, which crossed well with the Welsh Mountain Pony and built the base of the modern breed.

Breed standard

• Height: not exceeding 137.2 cm (13.2 hh).
• Colour: any colour, except piebald and skewbald.
• Type: the Section A description applies, with the emphasis on riding type while keeping adequate bone and substance.

Temperament and uses

Section Bs compete in showing (in hand and ridden), jumping, dressage, eventing and cross-country, and are also driven. The breed society calls them the ideal family pony for many disciplines. Crossed with other breeds they produce riding ponies, hunter ponies and sports ponies. They are found worldwide, especially in Europe, the USA and Australia.

Health and management

Native ponies evolved to live on sparse grazing. Research at the Royal Veterinary College notes that ponies tend to be more insulin resistant than horses, which makes them more prone to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). This trait is genetic, probably an adaptation to harsh environments, and on richer grazing it leads to obesity, EMS and a higher risk of laminitis. World Horse Welfare names obesity as the biggest risk factor for EMS, and says insulin testing is a valuable way to assess the risk of laminitis and EMS in native breeds. Keep an eye on weight and body condition, and ask your vet about testing.

Conservation

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust placed the Welsh Pony (Section B) on the At Risk list of its Watchlist in 2024, using registration data from the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. According to the society, breeding mares fell to under 400 between 2009 and 2023, less than half the 2009 number, and the effective population size fell from 1,061 to 413. It is the first Welsh breed to be classed as at risk since the Welsh Mountain "hill pony", about 25 years earlier.