Are Welsh Cobs Good Mountain Horses?

Also known as Welsh Section Ds, Welsh cobs are the largest of the four breeds indigenous to Wales in the United Kingdom. The breed is believed to date back to the 15th century and was probably developed by the deliberate cross breeding of Spanish horses with the Welsh mountain pony to produce a larger animal suitable for farm and draft work. Today, Welsh cobs are prized across the world for their strength, looks and kind temperament. They make excellent ride and drive ponies, but also excel in other areas, such as jumping.

  1. History of the Breed

    • Welsh mountain ponies have roamed the hills of Wales for centuries. There is archaeological evidence to suggest that during the Roman invasion in 55 B.C. these feral ponies were interbred with the Roman horses, including Arabians. This is apparent today in the fine head and "dished" (concave) face of the modern Welsh mountain pony. Records suggest that the Welsh cob was bred in the 15th century as a farm, draft and military horse, cross breeding the native Welsh pony with larger breeds to produce a strong, tough work horse.

    Advantages as Mountain Horses

    • Welsh cobs are closely related to Welsh mountain ponies, and have a large proportion of native blood. This makes them hardy and able to survive on relatively little food. Although small compared to other breeds such as thoroughbreds and warmbloods, they are very strong in proportion to their size. This makes them suitable for use as shepherd horses on hill farms and other work that requires strength and surefootedness. The Welsh cob grows a long, thick mane and tail and has a quantity of hair (known as "feathers") on its heels and lower legs. In the winter it also grows a thick coat, which all helps to protect it against extreme weather conditions.

    Disadvantages as Mountain Horses

    • Welsh cobs are still relatively large animals compared to their smaller cousin the Welsh mountain pony. The ponies have smaller feet and are more surefooted as a result, and also require far less food as a result of their smaller stature. The Welsh cob has always been a domesticated breed, and has never lived wild like the ponies. As a result, although they are extremely tough in relation to other breeds of their size, cobs will never be as suited for survival in extreme conditions as the Welsh mountain pony.

    Breed Standard

    • According to breed society rules, the Welsh cob should be no smaller than 13.2hh (the abbreviation "hh" stands for "hands high", where a hand is four inches). There is no upper height limit for the breed, but the average Welsh cob stands no more than 15.2hh. The breed is very muscular, with a broad, powerful chest and a full crested neck. The head is comparatively small and should still show the dished profile of its Arabian ancestors. Purebred Welsh cobs are permitted in all colors except piebald and skewbald (white with black or brown patches), but the most common colors are solid colors such as black and bay.