Because we often get asked about them:
EARLY HISTORY & HERITAGE of Welsh Ponies:
The original 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 and 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. Hence, the development of a pony with a remarkable soundness of body, tremendous endurance and a high degree of native intelligence. Down through the years, the Welsh pony and cob has served many masters. On the upland farms of Wales, Welsh Cobs would often have to do everything from plowing a field to carrying a farmer to market or driving a family to church on Sunday. Welsh ponies have been pampered by royalty and served on the farms of the poor. That the Welsh pony carries a trace of Arabian blood seems beyond a doubt. However, he has maintained his own dominant physical characteristics over the years. It has been demonstrated that Welsh crosses well with many other breeds, and this is, to breeders, an important aspect of his unusual versatility.
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society was founded in 1901 in Wales. All Welsh ponies and cobs found in the United States are descended entirely from animals registered with The Welsh Pony & Cob Society in the UK.
GROWTH OF THE BREED IN AMERICA
While Welsh ponies were imported to America as early as the 1880’s, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was not established as a breed registry until 1907. Interest in the breed dropped during the depression years, but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly those in the East, participation in shows and fairs continued. By the 1950’s the numbers of members grew, more ponies were imported and interest increased dramatically. Over the next few decades Welsh became the fastest growing breed in America. Registered Welsh ponies and cobs can be found in every state and also in Canada. To date, over 45,000 Welsh ponies and cobs have been registered.
USES OF THE VERSATILE WELSH PONY
The Welsh breed is ideal for the growing child and has the spirit and endurance to challenge an adult. Today Welsh ponies and cobs can be found competing in nearly every discipline…hunters, driving, dressage, combined training, combined driving, English & Western pleasure and heavy harness.
* Provided by the WPCSA
Our Gold Medal Wind Chase Welsh Ponies have successfully competed though out North America and are the current 2015 Pony Team National Combined Driving Champions for the United States Equestrian Federation. They also hold a silver medal from 2013 and a bronze meadal from 2012. As you can see they are impressive and can make any special occasion truly magical. They will always arrive braided and groomed to perfection.
We are the only carriage company in the entire state of Florida (with the exception of Disney World) that offers this unique one-of-a-kind turnout! Call today to check the availability of this magical team for your special event! 772-285-3480.