The Section B Riding Ponies cannot exceed 14.2 hands and have no lower height limit. These ponies offer lovely refined frames and sweeping movement in a larger pony package. Much of the same refinement is seen in their faces as in the Section A. This pony is very athletic and is often ridden by children and smaller adults.

The Section C Cob does not exceed 13.2 hands and offers a more substantial body type. Full of pony character with pretty dished pony heads and full of substance, they are a strong and active pony. These ponies are suited for small adults and older children.

The largest of the Welsh are the Section D Cobs who stand a minimum of 13.2 hands with no upper limit. These large cobs are usually ridden by teens and adults. They display thick gorgeous manes, tails and offer a beautiful ground covering trot on their larger frames.

Also, recognized by the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America are registered Welsh Ponies of all sections who are crossed with other breeds. Some of the most popular are the crosses with the Thoroughbred, Arabian and Quarter Horse. These pairings result in registered half Welsh Ponies who often excel in many disciplines.

The Welsh Breed is known for their trainability and a kind temperament. They are often ridden or driven by all the members of the family. Welsh Ponies compete successfully at all levels in just about every ridden and driving discipline. Team Welsh successfully won the Battle of the Breeds at Spruce Meadows, showcasing their versatility against much larger breeds. If you are looking for the best of everything consider the Welsh Breed. With so much to offer you will find that once you own this pony, you are always going to want to have one in your barn.

Early History of the Welsh Pony in Oregon

As early as 1912, two ponies, a mare, #71 Longmynd Lucy, and a stallion, #92 Roscoe, were brought to Central Point, Oregon by G.E. Aiken. These ponies were purchased from George E. Brown, Aurora, Illinois. Both had been imported from Wales. No foals were ever registered from these ponies and there is no trace of what happened to them. Thirty-four years passed before more Welsh made it to Oregon. Shoreacres Flash and Shoreacres

Sunbeam were from the R.C.Tway herd in Kentucky. They were purchased by Zoe Bauernfeind, Silver Star Pony Ranch, the first Welsh breeder west of The Rockies. The next breeder, Loren Kerr, purchased his first ponies in 1952. Early breeders, George North, Clement Sparks, Paul Berger, James Brown, Gail Caswell (and others) followed. The Welsh Pony World listed 21 Breeders in its September 1958 issue. In December of that year the Oregon Welsh and Hackney Pony Club was formed. Many fairs and Horse Shows held Welsh Halter and Driving classes and the popularity of the Welsh Pony was on the increase.

The demise of this club probably came in the early 1960's when the market for horses and ponies fell to an all time low. Only those who truly loved and realized the value of the Welsh pony, kept their best ponies and waited! It was heart breaking for those who worked so hard to build their herds. Many nice ponies went to the auction, most were sold without papers and good ponies just disappeared.

Those that held on for the “return” eventually were rewarded. In 1969, the Oregon Welsh Pony Society was for formed. In 1971, the first all Welsh show was held with 11 ponies. Twenty years later (1992), OWPS held the American Nationals with 150 ponies.

In the past few years our shows have been averaging about 95-100 ponies. At the American Nationals held in 2001, 171 Welsh Ponies and Cobs showed the great versatility and beauty of this breed. At one time within the past few years, Oregon was the third highest in Welsh population.