Welsh Pony (Section B)

Intro

All sections of Welsh types come from Wales and the Welsh Pony registers under Section B of their studbook. This pony breed is a larger version of the Welsh Mountain Pony which was the foundation for the breed. They are classified as riding ponies.

Origins

This pony was created by breeding local mountain ponies with Hackney blood and that of a small Thoroughbred stallion named Merlin. Because of Merlin’s strong influence over the Welsh Pony, they can be called Merlins.

During various points over the years Section B of the welsh studbook has been opened to half-breeds which has helped to produce a lighter and taller pony.

4 Welsh Pony Types

Based on the blood of the mountain type, 3 other types have emerged.

Section A – Which is the mountain pony and they may not exceed 12 hands.
Section B – A slightly larger animal that stands 12 – 13.2 hands
Section C – A pony of cob type and a more robust animal standing up to 13.2 hands
Section D – The Welsh Cob which is a horse type standing taller than 13.2 hands

According to the DAD-IS, Welsh Ponies are at risk and as of 2021 there were only 503 left.

Features

Height cannot exceed 13.2 hands

Physique

Head is small and handsome with straight or slightly concave profile
Eyes are large
Ears are small and pricked
Neck is shapely and arched
Back is short and straight
Chest is deep and broad
Shoulder is long and sloping
Legs are sturdy with broad joints
Hooves are round and tough