So your family is planning to get a Welsh pony? And you know almost nothing about raising it? Here, we will provide you with the full Welsh Pony guide that will help you get to know this friendly animal.

Welsh Pony Background

Most people mistake them to a young horse while it has a different appearance. For instance, a pony has thicker hair, shorter legs, rounder body, shorter necks, and wider, stronger bones.

Before the Romans, this type of ponies was found in western Britain, throughout the hills of Wales, which is why it’s called the “Welsh Pony.” Winters are severe there, the shelter was nothing but some bare trees, and vegetation was nothing but sparse, yet this beautiful animal managed to survive and flourish.

The Welsh pony also improved a strong constitution and adapted itself to the human needs and his environment. This means it became friendly and learned how to react when treated well by the people it loves.

Yes! It loves people! You also can trust it and depend on its body stamina as it can bear almost the worst circumstances. 

Why Pet a Welsh Pony

People usually like to pet animals that can actually react and obey, and that is what the Welsh pony does. It has a nice personality with an even temper and a gentle spirit. It’s also constantly alert, intelligent, and full of the willingness to show respect to its master, whether young or adult.

Also, because of its small stature, the Welsh pony is easy to pet, especially for children. Moreover, the Welsh pony requires less diligence in its care and often tends to be more independent than the other types of horses, which makes raising it much easier.

Grooming Your Pet

The Welsh pony is usually easy to groom, and you can always seize the opportunity and use the grooming session to bond with it. In fact, regular grooming helps the skin of your pet to remain clean and healthy.

Of the main grooming tools that you might use are a curry comb, mane comb, body finishing brush, dandy brush, shedding blade, and tail brush. Remove excess hair and any dirt throughout your pony’s coat to keep it beautiful.

While you groom and clean your pony’s body, you can also focus and use these tools to examine every part of its body to check for injuries and infections, especially within the hooves.

Care And Feeding

Whether you keep your pet pony indoors or barn, a daily turnout is really significant, and since this type of horse was bred to be social and kept outdoors, it’s best to keep them with a company.

Usually, grass hay or alfalfa is good for your pony friend, but it would be great if you add some additional vitamins and mineral supplements, especially if it’s being trained.  

Training and Activities

A Welsh Pony is always a great choice for riding pleasure as it has the good nature and characteristics of a sports animal. For instance, the Welsh Pony would do great on both the jumping field and dressage arena.

In addition, this pony makes a powerful harness horse and enjoys many disciplines such as driving and hunting even if it competes against full-sized horses.   

Common Health Problems

By nature, this pony is disease resistant and hardy, but its owner must be careful as it may be prone to laminitis, which means that carbohydrates and sugar consumption should be monitored.

Also, take care of your Welsh pony when you give it a chance to graze on hay or rich grass.