The Welara Pony
By Doris Codding

History of the Breed

The Welara consists of two breeds, the Arabian horse and the Welsh pony. People have been intentionally crossing these breeds for over 75 years to achieve the Welara pony. Many breeders were so impressed with the offspring that they permanently included breeding Welara to the original Arabian or Welsh program. It is well known that as far back as the early part of this century Lady Judith Wentworth kept fine Welsh ponies at her famed stud, Crabbet Park, in Sussex, England, breeding to her foremost Polish bred stallion Skowronek, and was interested in producing what she termed "The most beautiful pony on the face of the earth". It did not take many years for breeders to recognize the extreme potential that this breed possesses, especially in the show ring. Unfortunately, for many years the breed was handicapped due to the fact that there existed no breed registry to promote it, and to encourage the breeding and improvement of the breed around the world.

Welara Registry

Animals must be between 46" to 60" inches tall. And must be part Arabian and part Welsh, neither part may be less then 1/8 or more then 7/8. On the Welsh side sections A-B-C-D are accepted, sections B-C-D usually are preferred due to size only. Welara stallions at maturity should measure between 14.0 to 15.0 hands, a mature Welara mare should measure between 13¼ to 14¾ hands at the withers.

Foundation Stock

The Welara Registry also maintains a section for Arabian or Welsh sections {A B C D}, and Welara ponies which are too small to meet size requirements for regular registration. Foundation animals are eligible to compete in AWPS sponsored and sanctioned shows and events.

They are an important part of the heritage of the Welara breed. Customarily, select Welsh mares are bred to Arabian stallions, however this is not a rule, Welsh stallions may be crossed with Arabian mares with equally refined offspring. Each of these animals brings his particular qualities to create a uniquely intelligent and versatile animal of extreme beauty.

To learn more about the Welara pony, email the Welara Registry at Welara@ureach.com.

About the Author: Doris Codding

"Its not everyday that a child has the good fortune to be raised in a family that lives on a farm and enjoys the rural farm life! Horses were always the major interest, along with cows and dogs etc. Arabian horses played a big part in all the horses we had as kids. As I got older training in all aspects of ground work have become my major focous! From imprinting to backing and beyond.   I became interested in the Welara pony because of the personality and conformation, which lends itself to being a great friend as well as a show pony! ( And the fact that I don't have to reach up anymore to tack-up or to harness!) I have a small breeding farm which includes, two Arabain mares, a Welara mare, and a QH mare.  At this time I am using several different Welsh stallions to find a cross I like. My goal is to breed the best sport pony I can, give them as much knowlegde as I can, and keep them resonable so more people can enjoy this great pony.    My wish is for everyone to find as much LOVE and JOY in what they do as I have found with my pony friends! "

Hometown: Central Florida Web Page: www.redroadfarm.com Email Address: DHCodding@netscape.net