Waterford Welsh Cobs

The Welsh Cob is an ancient breed descended from the native mountain ponies of Wales. Reference to the Cob is found in mediaeval literature describing an animal "fleet of foot, a good jumper, a good swimmer and able to carry a substantial weight on his back." The Cob was utilized in war times throughout the ages as well as in industry and transportation.

Photo: V. J. Zabek

The Welsh Cob is popular in North America and in Europe as a superlative ride and driving animal. As combined driving animals they are unrivaled. In Europe, it is not uncommon to see purebred Cobs and Half-Cobs in upper level dressage competition. Thoroughbred-Cob crosses are frequently seen in horse trials and in the hunting field. As trekking and endurance mounts they offer surefootedness and hardiness.

At shows the Cob classes draw vocal crowds who enjoy seeing them demonstrate their extravagant action in hand.

The Welsh Cob may be any color except piebald or skewbalds. Bays, blacks and chestnuts are most common. The Section D Cob ranges from 13.2 hands with no upper height limit though 14.1-15 hands is most common. The general character is one of strength and hardiness coupled with quality and character. The head should be full of pony character with prominent eyes and neat, well set ears. A long head or roman nose are highly objectionable. The shoulder should be strong but well laid back. The forelegs should be set square with long strong forearms. The cannon bones should possess an abundance of flat bone and should not be overly long. The feet should be well shape and proportionate to the animals body weight.

The back and loins should be muscular and well coupled. The ideal Cob has a very deep girth with the same depth from wither to belly as from belly to the ground. The hindquarters should be strong with the tail set on well. A drooping tail or sloping hindquarter is highly objectionable. the second thigh should be strong and muscular the hocks should be well developed and clean.

The action should be 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. The hocks flexed under the body with straight and powerful leverage. Low action or daisy cutting is contrary to breed type.

The Welsh Cob made its first modern day appearance in North American about thirty years ago. There is considerable speculation that British troops brought Cobs to the eastern United States. Many Morgan breeders believe that Figure, Justin Morgan's stallion was indeed a Welsh Cob, possessing the hardiness and versatility for which both breeds are known.