Welara Pony Breed: History and Characteristics

A Welara looks a lot like a small Arabian, but some have the short, strong necks of ponies, although a Welara's neck may be slightly more arched than a typical pony's neck.

Welsh ponies and Arabians have a lot in common including attitude, endurance, size and beauty. Many equine breeders wondered if an even better breed could be created combining these two. One of these breeders was Lady Wentworth, one of the original champions of the Arabian horse in the UK. She put her champion grey stallion Skowronek to Welsh mares that actually came from Wales.

But breeding the two breeds together so that the offspring would breed true to type would not catch on until 70 years later, and in another country.

Brief History

In the late 1970s, crossing Arabian stallions to Welsh pony mares was catching on in California. A small part of this was due to the success of a lavishly illustrated biographical book featuring just such a cross in Marina & Ruby: Training a Filly with Love (Morrow, 1977). Ruby, the equine star of the book, was a lively yet beautiful black filly.  She was one of the first Welaras (or -- one of the first I'd herd of, really.)

By 1981, the American Welara Pony Society was born. It registers not only Welaras, but half-Welaras (usually crossed with Thoroughbreds), calling them Welara Sport Ponies. Welaras and Wear Sport Ponies are also bred in New Zealand, Australia, Jamacia, France, Germany, Canada and (of course) Great Britain.

General Appearance

A Welara looks a lot like a smallArabian, but some have the short, strong necks of ponies, although a Welara's neck may be slightly more arched than a typical pony's neck. There are some individuals who tend to have more pony-like characteristics than others, but the ideal Welara is long-limbed with excellent hooves and a high-set tail. Since it is allowed for one of the Welara's parent to be a Welsh Cob or Welsh Pony of Cob Type, some may be stockier than others.

Welaras are allowed to come in any color and marking with the exception of Appaloosa patterns. They stand an average of 14 hands high, but can be as small as 11.2 hands or as large as a horse at 15 hands. On occasion, some grow even taller, but they can't be shown as a Welara, although they are allowed to be registered.

Small But Mighty

Welaras weren't just bred for good looks but for athleticism. They compete successfully in many English, Western and harness events. They are particularly noted for their steady jumping ability, tackling jumps set up for Thoroughbreds. And if they happen to bash them down, the Welara often is not bothered and will try again at the next jump.

Welaras are very intelligent animals but need a patient trainer with sense of humor. They also need regular exercise to keep them from getting bored and looking for mischief.

Additional References

• International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds Bonnie Hendricks. University of Oklahoma Press, 1995.
• Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America. Judith Dutson. Storey Publishing, 2005.
• The Official Horse Breeds Standard Book. Fran Lynghaug. Voyageur; 2009.