The Welshes of Wales
By CDS Horses
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10th Sep 2010 •
3,767 views
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4 comments
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I have always had a love for Welsh Ponies, and being born and still living in Wales, origin of the ‘Welshies’, I do often feel so lucky we are literally surrounded in them.
There are so many qualities in the Welsh Pony breed that make them such superstars in the pony world. Their four breed sections make them extra able to turn their hooves to anything – showing, jumping, eventing, dressage, driving....the list goes on. The flexibility of their height range make them ideal for small children up to full grown adults and the elderly. And when I say elderly, yes, they are the true family pony/horse. Many people hunt their Welsh Cobs around this area, and several are also doing top level show jumping. The perfect lead rein mount and Pony Club Pony. When showing Welsh Ponies and Cobs, they have their own sections to show in, just like the Arabs/Part-bred Arabs usually do, or a whole show just for the particular breed.
There are many Welsh Ponies I know at the Welsh stables I visit often. It's always nice to have had the chance to witness so many Welshes teach total beginners and take care of their riders and at the same time, having fun. Many were born at the stables, and from my experience, they all seem to share the trait of a wonderful, spirited nature.
I have always admired how substantial and hardy the Welsh Pony breed is, and the temperament they show towards everyone and everything plus their astounding intelligence. A while back in February, a few friends of mine and I went on a rather tiring walk through some of Wales’ most beautiful mountains – the Brecon Beacons. There, even though it was my first time, it was no surprise that I got to meet some true feral Welshes of the mountains. Just remind me to bring a better camera next time.
They had no care in the world that humans were near and there were cars all about - they only wanted to eat grass and wander around. It was surprising to me they let us get so close mother, father and foal. They were beautiful, had the exact same traits as a ponies I know except maybe a bit broader. I also really admire these Welsh Ponies for managing to somehow survive in minus degrees Celsius through the typical Welsh wind and rain. The day before our trip, there were 60mph winds and the rain was lashing down up in the mountains. And there they were, looking as right as rain.
Here in Wales, temperatures can get down to minus 3 degrees celcius (28-45 Fahrenheit) in winter and that day, although it wasn't as low as minuses in temperature, surely wasn’t warm either. They live on rather poor grazing, and believe it or not, the Welsh Mountain Ponies are now considered a 'rare breed', with only around 800 breeding mares left in Wales.
Welsh Ponies are the type that are usually good do-ers and generally easy keepers. They can live out all year throughout their lives without a problem (though it is a probably good idea to throw a rug on them in winters here). Most can easily live with little hard feed and good quality hay and grass, making them a popular choice as a perfect all rounder and family horse/pony because of their general low maintenance. |
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halfbrokehorses
one of my ponies is part welsh
nice article :)
one of my ponies is part welsh
nice article :)
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Sep 10, 2010
• 2,775 views
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Mystic Magic
When I was little I owned a beautiful Grey welsh mountain pony mare called Rosie, she was the sweetest kindest matured pony ever. We sold her to a wonderful home 10 years ago which had 3 girls and they have all ridden her and even though all of them have out grown her they have still kept her because she is so special.
When I was little I owned a beautiful Grey welsh mountain pony mare called Rosie, she was the sweetest kindest matured pony ever. We sold her to a wonderful home 10 years ago which had 3 girls and they have all ridden her and even though all of them have out grown her they have still kept her because she is so special.
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Sep 10, 2010
• 2,846 views
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Pintie
Chip is a Welsh Pony Section C ^_^
Chip is a Welsh Pony Section C ^_^
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Sep 11, 2010
• 2,732 views
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Seven Sins
cute picture, great article
cute picture, great article
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56 days ago
• 2,728 views
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