Question 1

Where do Welsh ponies come from?

Accepted Answer

Welsh Ponies are native ponies to Great Britain. They developed naturally in the hills and mountains of Wales and have been recognized as a breed since before the time of King Henry VIII.

Question 2

What is their general temperament?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies are intelligent and calm with strong curiosity traits. They are generally non-reactive in new situations as they think before they act. But they are very athletic and will respond willingly with strength and speed when asked. They are very food orientated so respond quickly to positive reinforcement training techniques.

Question 3

What are some of their bad traits?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies sometimes need restricted grazing. They will eat as much as a big horse, given the opportunity and this can cause health problems. Ponies are intelligent and realize that fences are for testing. Quality fencing is a must as your pony will check regularly to see if an opportunity has happened for them to reach some of that greener grass on the other side.

Question 4

Are they a good option for kids?  If yes, what age ranges?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies make excellent mounts for children. They have a calm, patience demeanor and are generally non-reactive in new situations. They also come in a variety of sizes so that a small adult can ride and train them for the use of younger children. Welsh ponies also have a long life span and many are still being ridden in their late 20’s making them ideal for the youngest rider. Northern Twilight Welsh ponies have been used by children as young as 3 (on a lead line), competitively by kids as young as 5 and ridden by adults. Since Welsh ponies come in a range of sizes it is easy to keep kids mounted on a Welsh or Welsh cross into their teens.

Question 5

Do they make good lesson ponies?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies are often used as lesson ponies but not all ponies are suitable for this demanding job.

Question 6

Are they are performance breed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Welsh ponies excel in the hunter/jumper arena and in the fast growing sport of Combined Driving. They have tremendous endurance and strength in a small package. Many of the smaller Section A ponies are capable of free jumping their own height.

Question 7

Do they make good driving ponies? If yes, at a mature age how much can they pull?

Accepted Answer

Most Welsh ponies make excellent candidates for driving ponies either competitively, for pleasure and for jobs around the farm like harrowing the arena or hauling in firewood. A  Welsh pony can pull up to twice its weight. A 12 hand Section A Welsh pony will weigh approximately 600 lbs so will be able to pull up to 1200 lbs.

Question 8

In your opinion, at what age can they be put under saddle?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies can be started under saddle, like any other equine, around 3 years of age. The challenge is to find a small but experienced rider to undertake this job. My ponies are all started in harness as 2 and 3 yr olds and then go into under saddle work as 3 and 4 yr olds.

Question 9

How are they on their own in a stabled setting?

Accepted Answer

Welsh ponies adapt well to living in the barn and are seldom herd bound.

Question 10

On average, how old do they live until?

Accepted Answer

Many Welsh ponies are still being ridden and used after the age of 25. Many live to be 30 or more. I have had ponies that lived to be 34 and 35 years. The oldest Welsh pony I know of is JAB Lucky Nugget who passed away in 2020 at the age of 37! Nugget is now represented in my breeding program through the Section A stallion Jade Light Solar Nugget.

Question 11

What does “top of the line pony hunter” mean?

Accepted Answer

Top of the line means that the pony is right at the cut off for their height class. i.e. 12.2 hands for a Small Pony Hunter. This is advantageous in competition because then you are riding the biggest pony allowed for that height of jumps.

Question 12

What are the benefits to owning a welsh pony?

Accepted Answer

Owning a Welsh pony teaches life skills such as communication, empathy for animals and people. Being involved in the local equestrian community with your pony encourages long term friendships from outside your regular peer group. It gives a new sense of enjoyment to being outside and being in sync with the natural world. It is always a great way to stay physically active riding, driving or just taking care of your pony.

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