Welsh Section D
THE WELSH COB
The height should exceed 137.2 cm (13.2 hands)
Section D of the Stud Book
Detailed Description of Sections C (also applicable to Section D of the Stud Book)
General Character
Strong, hardy and active, with pony character and as much substance as possible
Colour
Any colour, except piebald and skewbald
Head
Full of quality and pony character. A coarse head and Roman nose are most objectionable
Eyes
Bold, prominent, and set widely apart
Ears
Neat and well set
Neck
Lengthy and well carried. Moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions
Shoulders
Strong but well laid back
Forelegs
Set square and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearms. Knees well developed with an abundance of bone below them. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped. Hoofs dense. When in the rough, a moderate quantity of silky feather is not objected to, but coarse, wiry hair is a definite objection.
Middlepiece
Back and loins, muscular, strong, and well-coupled. Deep through the heart and well-ribbed up.
Hind Quarters
Lengthy and strong. Ragged or drooping quarters are objectionable. Tail well-set on.
Hind Legs
Second thighs, strong and muscular. Hocks, large, flat, and clean, with points prominent, turning neither inward nor outwards. The hind legs must not be too bent, and the hock not set behind a line falling from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped. Hoofs dense.
Action
Free, true and forcible. The knee should be bent and the whole foreleg should be extended straight from the shoulder and as far forward as possible in the trot. Hocks flexed under the body with straight and powerful leverage.
History
From references in early Welsh literature, it appears that the Welsh Cob had been established and was recognised as a breed by the 15th Century. They were the used as draft horse and family transport, because of their strength and endurance capabilities throughout the ensuing centuries up to the advent of motor cars and tractors. From the inception of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society Stud Book in 1901, the description of the Welsh Cob has changed little, although the upper and lower height limits have varied, from a minimum of 14.2hh to a maximum of 15.2hh and by 1950 this had been refined to a minimum height of 13.2hh and no upper height limit. More recently, as the demand for horses as draft animals and as transport declined, the Welsh Cob's aptitude as a family equine has been realised - quiet enough for the younger members of the family to ride, but equally capable of carrying an adult and being used for a variety of performance tasks.
Uses
Aptly described as the 'best ride and drive animal in the World', the Welsh Cob has become famous for its courage, tractability and endurance. The Breed Characteristics of a deep body, strong limbs and straight, free and powerful action mean that the Welsh Cob is a very versatile animal and is popular as a hunter, in harness and in performance spheres equally. In recent years, Welsh Cobs have had great success in the international driving world, and indeed their full potential has now been recognised all over the world.
Examples of the Breed
