The
Welsh Mountain Pony needs little introduction. Bred
in the mountains and wild regions of Wales for many
generations, their acknowledged beauty does not mean
they are merely a "pretty toy" - centuries
of "survival of the fittest" has ensured
the sound constitution, iron hard limbs and great
intelligence which, combined with the legendary Welsh
temperament, makes the ideal child's pony of today.
They can be seen ridden and driven all over the world
- equally at home in the cold of Canada and Sweden
or the heat of Africa and Australia.
The
head of the Mountain Pony should be small, with neat
pointed ears, big bold eyes and a a wide forehead.
The jaw should be clean cut, tapering to a small muzzle;
the silhouette may be concave or "dished"
but never convex or too straight.
The neck should
be of a good length and well carried with shoulders
sloping back to a clearly defined wither. The limbs
must be set square with good flat bone and round dense
hooves. The tail set high and gaily carried.
Action must be straight both in front and behind,
quick and free with hocks well flexed.
About the Society
First formed in 1966, for
the purpose of preserving the breed in its
highest form, for keeping a true and correct
record of ponies bred in New Zealand, in the
form of a Stud Book. Patterned on the Welsh
Pony and Cob Society in Wales, its rules are
identical and any purebred pony registered
with the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of New
Zealand must be able to be traced back to
registers in Wales on all sides.
Any enquiries regarding registrations
of ponies must be made to:
The Registrations Officer -
Mrs Sheryl Collins
229 Flag Swamp Road, R D 2
Waikouaiti
The first stud book was published in 1968,
Volume II in 1974, Volume III in 1978, Volume
IV in 1981, Volume V was published in 1986,
Volume VI in 1992, Volume VII in 1997 and Volume VIII in 2004.
These are an accurate register covering sections
A, B, C, D and partbreds in New Zealand.
Further information re: Membership,
Stud Books, Goods for Sale, etc to be made
to:
for membership to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of NZ (pdf file)
The Welsh Pony (Section B)
Height: Not exceeding 13.2 hh. (137.2cm)
The general description of the Welsh Mountain Pony
can be applied to the Welsh Pony, with greater emphasis
being placed on riding pony qualities whilst still
retaining the true Welsh quality with substance.
For generations these ponies were the hill farmers'
main means of transport, herding sheep and wild ponies
over rough and mountainous country. They had to be
hardy, balanced and fast to survive, which ensured
that only the best were bred from. These qualities,
combined with a natural jumping ability, and the temperament
of their Welsh Mountain Pony forebears make the Welsh
Pony second to none in whatever field his young rider
may choose. Today they hold their own among our top
class riding ponies both in performance competitions
and in the show ring.
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type
(Section C)
Height: Not exceeding 13.2 hh. (137.2cm)
The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is the stronger counterpart
of the Welsh Pony, but with cob blood.
Their true worth as a dual purpose animal has been
fully realised in recent years, and their numbers
have increased accordingly. Active, surefooted and
hardy they are ideal for so many purposes both for
adults and children.
Like all the Welsh Breeds they are natural jumpers
and they also excel in harness - there are in fact
few things that they cannot be used for.
The Welsh Cob (Section D)
Height: From 13.2hh. (137.2cm) to no upper height
limit
Aptly described as the "best ride and drive
horse in the World", the Welsh Cob has been evolved
throughout many centuries for his courage, tractability
and powers of endurance.
The general character is the embodiment of strength,
hardiness and agility. The head shows great quality
with pony character. Bold prominent eyes, a broad
forehead and neat, well set ears. The body must be
deep, on strong limbs with good "head wearing"
joints and an abundance of flat bone. Action must
be straight, free and forceful, the knees should be
bent and then the whole foreleg extended from the
shoulders and as far forward as possible at all paces,
with the hocks well flexed, producing powerful leverage.
The Welsh Cob is a good hunter and a most competent
performer in all competitive sports. Their abilities
in all spheres are now fully recognised throughout
the world.
The contents of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of New Zealand website are protected by copyright and no part of the site may be reproduced or adapted in whole or in part without the consent of the WP&CS of NZ
- Website Editor
The
head of the Mountain Pony should be small, with neat
pointed ears, big bold eyes and a a wide forehead.
The jaw should be clean cut, tapering to a small muzzle;
the silhouette may be concave or "dished"
but never convex or too straight. 
