If you happen to’re on the hunt to purchase a Welsh part D to trip and compete, then this information is for you.

What’s a Welsh part D?

The Welsh part D — or the Welsh cob — is the most important of the Welsh breeds. The breed has no higher top restrict however should exceed 13.2hh to make sure it’s actually a piece D and never a piece C. Whereas there isn’t any most top requirement, it’s fascinating that the part D retains pony character and true Welsh kind.

The part D could be any color, besides piebald and skewbald. Gray colouring is extra uncommon than in different kinds of Welsh ponies, however white markings are frequent.

A Welsh cob’s motion must be: “Free, true and forcible. The knee must be bent and the entire foreleg must be prolonged straight from the shoulder and as far ahead as doable within the trot. Hocks flexed below the physique with straight and highly effective leverage.”

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) supplies the next conformation normal for each the Welsh C and the D:

Common character: Robust, hardy and lively, with pony character and as a lot substance as doable
Head: Filled with high quality and pony character. A rough head and Roman nostril are most objectionable
Eyes: Daring, distinguished and set extensively aside
Ears: Neat and nicely set
Neck: Prolonged and nicely carried. Reasonably lean within the case of mares, however inclined to be cresty within the case of mature stallions
Shoulders: Robust however nicely laid again
Forelegs: Set sq. and never tied in on the elbows. Lengthy, robust forearms. Knees nicely developed with an abundance of bone under them. Pasterns of proportionate slope and size. Toes well-shaped. Hooves dense. When within the tough, a average amount of silky feather will not be objected to however coarse, wiry hair is a particular objection.
Middlepiece: Again and loins, muscular, robust and well-coupled. Deep by means of the guts and well-ribbed up.
Hindquarters: Prolonged and powerful. Ragged or drooping quarters are objectionable. Tail well-set on.
Hind legs: Second thighs, robust and muscular. Hocks, giant, flat and clear, with factors distinguished, turning neither inward nor outwards. The hind legs should not be too bent and the hock not set behind a line falling from the purpose of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and size. Toes well-shaped. Hooves dense.

The WPCS counsel that the part D has been aptly described as “the most effective trip and drive animal on the earth”.

“The overall character is the embodiment of power, hardiness and agility. The Welsh Cob is an efficient hunter and a most competent performer in all aggressive sports activities. In recent times they’ve had nice success within the worldwide driving world. Their talents in all spheres are actually totally recognised all through the world.”

What can I do with a Welsh part D?

Welsh part Ds are a breed that you can see in most disciplines within the UK and throughout the globe. Welsh part Ds are widespread displaying animals, with stand-alone lessons at main finals corresponding to Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS). They compete within the giant breeds class towards different native breeds, or in particular Welsh part C and D lessons.

The breed is widespread as they’ll carry most adults and taller riders however possess native pony traits which means they’re usually hardy. They will fare nicely in dressage because of their motion, and the extra athletic varieties even have a presence in working hunter lessons, eventing, present leaping and out looking. Some Welsh part Ds have additionally competed efficiently in driving and so they also can make good all-rounders and non-competitive rides. The in-hand displaying scene is equally nicely supported, with many breeders showcasing their home-bred inventory at breed reveals, on the county present circuit and past.

In the end, the best job for every pony will depend on its kind, character traits and pure expertise in particular areas.

Is it the fitting breed for me?

Aimee Devane is a number one native pony producer who has ridden many profitable Welsh part Ds. Her first high pony was the gelding Pentrepiod The Choose however she has since ridden many stars, together with the late Aleanto Bon A Parte and Steppers Relight My Hearth, ridden champion on the Royal Welsh in 2023.

“They’re my favorite breed,” Aimee confirms. “However, I’d not say a Welsh cob is the breed for a simple life within the sense they are often extra hot-headed and usually do want stimulation and consistency to get the most effective out of them, particularly within the early levels of coaching. This doesn’t imply harmful, however it’s essential have your whits about you. Clearly, upbringing has lots to do with how they take to ridden work, and also you do discover extra laid again examples. If you happen to discover the fitting pony for you, although, they’re superb animals to work with and prepare.”

What ought to I search for in a Welsh part D?

“I like an old school kind; I’m in search of a real pony of cob kind and my desire for the present ring is for one thing that stands between 14hh and 14.2hh, ideally no larger,” Aimee says. “I’m in search of a pony that has a pleasant size of rein in addition to good bone, feather and toes. You’ll be able to add topline, however you can not add limb, feather or foot.

“I’d search for one thing with an uphill entrance as that is normally an indicator of how they’ll ultimately trip. Plenty of cobs don’t have essentially the most pure canter, so in the event that they’re extra uphill they’re more likely to discover that tempo simpler. They are often later maturers, although, and the canter can come as they get stronger. There are just a few 4 and five-year-olds who’ve a stable temperament and mind, however you’ll normally begin to get the perfect out of a Welsh part D when it’s six or seven.

“Motion smart, I like a little bit of knee motion that comes up and out from the shoulder. I like a pony that covers the bottom; we don’t desire a pony that daisy-cuts. A Welsh cob ought to arguably be one of many greatest movers in a hoop of natives, nevertheless it’s vital that we’re getting the true motion with out dashing or pushing the horse out of its pure rhythm.”

How a lot ought to I anticipate to pay?

Like with any horse or pony, the value will rely upon a number of elements together with the market on the time in addition to the person animal’s temperament, age, high quality, competitors document and breeding.

“Welsh cobs are very helpful as they’ll take a taller rider,” Aimee says. “I’d at all times discover a Welsh part D simpler to promote than a Welsh part C of equal high quality. Plus, a Welsh part D with type within the present ring is more likely to have the flexibility to go and achieve one other self-discipline, particularly dressage because of their motion.”

“The value I’d pay for a pony will depend on high quality,” Aimee provides. “You will discover unbroken ponies for £1,500, and ponies for £8,000, nevertheless it does rely upon how a lot potential the animal has. For the highest finish I’d need one thing particular that has all of it; bone, feather, motion and flare. A center of the highway pony that has potential in the fitting arms could possibly be priced at between £5,000 and £6,000. Clearly, after being backed and skilled the costs improve. Prime ridden ponies can go from wherever between £10,000 and £15,000, usually extra.”

I’ve purchased a pony, now what?

It’s time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, one thing that’s strongly advisable. It’s vital to let the vet know previous to the vetting what you plan to make use of the horse for to allow them to assess it accordingly. If you happen to inform the vet that you really want the horse for the present ring, they need to hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which may affect its future profession, even when they don’t affect its soundness or efficiency.

“As a consequence of my expertise I usually purchase ponies with out a vetting, and I additionally purchase them unseen if sourcing from breeders or from distributors I belief,” Aimee says. “Each pony could have a job, too, even when it’s not within the present ring or in competitors.”

For extra data, you may learn H&H’s final information to purchasing a horse.

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H&H displaying editor

Born and raised within the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the displaying scene. She has certified and competed ponies on the Royal Worldwide, Horse of the 12 months Present and Olympia and has first-hand information of the present points within the displaying world in addition to the horses, ponies and riders who compete within the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place because the main equestrian publication for each displaying experiences and present displaying information within the UK.