History

The Welsh Cob is the result of cross-breeding Welsh mountain ponies first with horses brought by the Romans who had settled in Wales, and later with Spanish horses. In the 12th century Giraldus Cambrensis, the Arch-Dean of Brecon wrote that in central Wales there are „the most exquisite horses…..originating from several Spanish thoroughbred steeds.“ The cross-breeding of these horses with mountain mares resulted in Powys horses, the most distinguished horses of the English army from the 12th century on. From this same source also originated ancient Welsh draft horses. The modern Cob is however a true, though substantially larger replica of a mountain pony, perhaps influenced at some time by Norfolk harness horses or traveling horses, Yorkshire carriage horses, and the original hackney type of roadsters.

Foundation Stallions:

In the breed register of Welsh ponies and Cobs we find most often four stallions. These are: Trotting Comet, born in 1840, True Briton, born in 1830, Cymro Llwyd, born in 1850, and Alonzo the Brave, born in 1866. Trotting Comet came from a famous Cardiganshire harness mare and his sire was the blind black horse Flyer, a Welsh draft horse from a Norfolk harness mare. True Briton was the son of Ruler, a Yorkshire carriage horse; his mother was allegedly an Arabian mare named Douse. Cymro Llwyd was a descendant of Crawshay Bailey Araba, a horse raised by the owner of the steelworks from Brecon Beacons, and a harness mare. His color was either Isabel or blonde, and many Cobs apparently inherited from him a cream, blonde, or Isabel color. His most famous living descendant is Llanarth Braint. Alonzo the Brave, who measured 163 cm, came from an old hackney herd, whose predecessors can be followed all the way back to Darley Arabian through the stallions Shales Original and Norfolk Shales.

Utility and sport:

Through the centuries Welsh Cobs have played a very important role in Welsh life, and in harness they were used in agriculture. Cobs were also used extensively by the army, which used them to pull cannons and munitions as well as for riding horses in certain infantry units. They were also in high demand in cities for dairies, bakeries, and other firms that needed to deliver products. Until official stud licenses were established in 1918 so-called „performance tests“ were used. On the basis of these harness tests horses were selected for breeding uses. The most favorite route measured 56 km and round though hilly terrain from Cardiff to Dowlais; the best horse managed the route in under 3 hours. These days Welsh Cobs are both competent draft horses and hunters with natural jumping talent. They are easy to care for, controllable, and very healthy. Cross-breeding with thoroughbreds have resulted in Welsh half-bloods, competition horses for both saddle and harness riding; they excel in this due to their fortitude, versatility, health limbs, and overall physiques.