Welsh D, are they prone to certain issues?

[Boots*McGruber]

Some of these comments are hilarious Mine is athletic, intelligent, versatile and has a very busy brain. He needs lots of exercise & variety in his work otherwise he creates his own entertainment. If you don’t mind a bit of a spook, he’s a wonderful hack and super with traffic. He has a fab jump and does a lovely dressage test. On the ground, on one hoof he comes to call, loads and travels like a pro, good for the farrier etc. On the other he unties himself, jumps out of his field and will pick up and play with anything left within reach; he’s 10 now! . Has good feet but does have mild hock arthritis which could be in part due to conformation & his extravagant Welshie action. There’s never a dull moment but I think the world of him.

 

[Boots*McGruber]

… & as others have said, they do have the ability to teleport!

 

[dougpeg]

I adore my welsh mare. She may be stressy and prone to drama but she is the most willing and dependable horse I've ever known.
A huge and somewhat contrary character.
I love her dearly

 

[SpeedyPony]

I love a welshie, they are opinionated though and as others have said can be a bit like marmite. If you haven't owned one before, I'd recommend riding a few before making that decision, as if you don't 'get' them the wheels can come off quite spectacularly. If you do understand them, they'll be some of the best horses (ponies) you own IMO.

 

[McFluff]

I LOVE my D. He’s an older stamp of a Welsh. He’s intelligent, learns quickly, has an amazing can do attitude, does everything with a big grin, and is stunning. He also overthinks, and is genuine, so doesn’t respond well to being forced. But work with him, give him time to think, and he tries so hard for you.
He does have a spook, mainly for his entertainment, and somehow keeps you with him. Dragon mode is funny, well I find it funny anyway, lots of snorting and looking beautiful. Kind soul, lovely with people, horses, dogs and cats.
However, as much as I love him, I can see he’s not for everyone. He picks up on nervous energy (not in good way!). And he doesn’t like riders who ‘insist’ (to be fair, I’m not sure they like him!).
I have had an ex-racer, loved her too, but my Welsh is safer and easier to keep and manage.
I’m not aware of any specific health issues, and know many who worked well into their 20’s.

 

[smiggy]

Hysterical is a very good description.
My b is very forward and athletic and also very hysterical and completely illogical. Mounting blocks in the school for example, you can get on and he will stand like a rock, first couple of laps, no problem , third lap it’s now a dragon, every block in any school once the plot is lost as well, there’s no going back !
My c is overall less illogical but prone to moments of teleportation both ridden and on the ground. My foot has been squished many times where she is standing quietly tied up being groomed and something comes round the corner and she jumps out of her skin.yesterday for example , she worked beautifully in the school then I had a near death experience when I was leading her back in and something spooked her and she teleported past me at 100 miles an hour, with about 1 cm between us.
Sense of humour definitely required
Oh and you won’t be bored

 

[millitiger]

I always find these threads funny as my Welsh D is not like 99% of those described.

He is calm and brave and the kindest pony I have ever met. He is like a lovely big Labrador!
He is very intelligent and loves learning new things.
He is very forward thinking and a real "yes" man, always wanting to go and do what I ask and I imagine could be quick thinking for people used to a more dull brain.

He is only 3 but honestly worlds apart from what is described here.
All of the people who come into contact with him, love him and all knowledgeable Welshy people say he is a very old fashioned type.

The things I have noticed they can be prone to-.
Straight hindlegs
Not a lot of room for a saddle
Built a bit downhill

The only issue I have with mine is, he can tell when the electric fence is losing charge and then he just pushes it over at a post and moves field himself I think that speaks of his intelligence though!
I have bought a solar energiser in the hope of thwarting his patient plans of waiting for the battery to run down!

 

[sbloom]

I've not seen anyone suggest how you change hindleg angulation? (pasterns steep too, though worse in some types than others). If looking to purchase I'd just be looking for something more on the moderate side confo wise hence I mentioned it.

And for sure much of it congenital ie conformational, but angles can and do change. The hocks probably change the least but changing palmar angle in the foot, and helping the horse use the pelvis better (many Welshies would end up rotated forwards) does indeed change the angles behind. Improving posture requires both these changes, and will lead to less downhill (the ribcage or withers are of course not at a fixed height between the shoulders) and less downhill can even mean more space for a saddle, certainly fewer issues trying to fit a saddle in balance.

 

[dorsetladette]

I have never really had anything not welsh. I grew up on a welsh stud and showing yard. So I was bred into it. I've ridden and cared for many different breeds but for me anything that isn't welsh is frankly boring. some days I'd give anything for boring - when it's peeing down and Robin won't step in the puddle by the gate or Ben has decided his rug is touching him in the wrong place.
But you have to love their commitment to you once you have them onside. They will put so much trust in you and do anything asked of them (in robin's case as long as he doesn't have to get his feet wet).

You do really have to 'get' them. Like others have said you get lots of different types, so you need to do your research.

You'll find they need to be ridden forwards and uphill or they will be heavy on the forehand as they can be built a little bum high/downhill and they have a lot of shoulder and front end to lean with. They a so quick to learn that the bad habits can be picked up as quickly as the good.

They get bored easily and will find there own entertainment if not kept amused. I have a 3 year old who's current party trick is to stand on the bottom rail on the fence. My now 4 yr old C used yo climb the gate. The D stallion my parents had would push the back of his stable out (those concrete panel type stables) if he wasn't first out of his stable in a morning. Literally sit his huge bum on the join in the back of his stable until it made a noise and everyone came running. He'd them walk smugly across the yard to the turn out pen. He ended up on the main yard with the liveries so he could see what was going on to keep him occupied. But he would jump the moon if my mum asked him and run through fire for her. He was a pain in the backside for anyone else though.

Most are not for the faint hearted, but if it works and they trust you you'll have a partner in crime for life.

 

[Celtic Fringe]

Mine was clever, brave, incredibly sure footed (was barefoot for over 15 years), had a huge amount of stamina and could move really well - when he felt like it. I got him when he was 14 or 15 and although his conformation wasn't amazing he was in ridden work until his mid- late 20s. As others have said Weshies are incredibly loyal once you have then on your side and he was 100% my horse. I always joke that he took care of the pace and I looked after the directions but this was absolutely true so were a good partnership. He was the most single minded creature (human or animal) that I have ever met so it was a matter of working with him firmly but tactfully. He was definitely the boss of the herd although he was the smallest horse by far. He loved children and foals and you could put a toddler on his back and he would look after them. Someone who could ride (or thought they could) was an entirely different matter - he would test them fairly thoroughly! He only needed extra feed when he was quite old and his teeth were pretty much worn out but he held weight well on soaked mashes. He hated being in a stable so always lived out.
I'd say choose carefully with the help of someone who knows what you are looking for and knows the breed. Invest in a saddle that fits the horse AND you really well so you are both as comfortably as possible - it makes a difference when you get those occasional big spooks. Mine was very suspicious of everything but never spooked without good reason.

 

[Ratface]

I stabled next to a Welsh A. A spoilt brat, much like its tiny rider. I rode a Welsh D for a friend. He had terrified her with his naughtiness. I had The Teleporter In Chief, Ryazan, at the time and was wise to the pre-teleport signals. We got on very well, but I never trusted him entirely. Always had my little finger under the Jesus handle. Friend sold him to the local Riding For The Disabled Club, where he got on very well. He stayed there until he was pts at 28, due to eventually unmanageable hock arthritis.

 

[conniegirl]

Mine is a section C but he is amazing and I love him to bits. I trust him like nothing else but yes he has his Dragon moments.

I will happily pop my toddler on him for a walk and trot, but when I take him out for a hack he likes to Piaffe sideways because I wont let him canter everywhere.
He will hack past massive combine harvesters (within a couple of meters), ignore an RAF fly past that brushes the top of the trees over the top of us, heck even the hot air balloon barely warranted a snort. But I've hit the deck before when I've cantered round a corner and a daffodil has had the temerity to flower since the last time we passed that spot.

He is incredibly intelligent, he gets bored easily and will make his own entertainment but everyone on the yard loves him .

 

[Glitter's fun]

Where I'm coming from -- I've never owned a horse or pony that wasn't a chestnut mare with at least 1/2 Welsh blood. I've never bought a youngster as I don't have good facilities. I'm old now & riding a non-Welsh share for some years so all my opinions might be out of date.


Generally they are intelligent, high energy, sure-footed, easily bored and have an impish sense of humour. They need a lot of work and it needs to be interesting and varied.
They don't see why you should be herd leader if you are not doing it as well as they can. They don't see the point of repeating the same exercise again and again.
They can be hard to catch, especially if they're anticipating something boring going on. I had one who was 100% bombproof unless bored - then she would spook very extravagantly at the smallest thing. One was lovely for me but refused to cooperate with my friends. None ever bit, kicked, reared - it was all more what you'd describe as good-humoured liveliness.
If you get a good relationship going they are amazing, loyal, fun, a true partnership of equals.
The easiest was Wee Katy, the "C" . She was a perfect teenagers' pony, agile, versatile, fast with good brakes. If I could clone her she's the one I'd have again.
The D x TB was the easiest in the stable & definitely had a watered down level of opinionatedness (if that's a word!).
I have never had one with any physical issues at all, without exception they were robust, healthy and fitter than me!

My breeding information may well be very out of date.
They used to say to avoid anything with "Nebo" bloodlines because they're bonkers but so many have nebo in them now that you'd have a job avoiding it.
Thorneyside are reputed to be laid back.
Maesmynach are a bit more hard work,
Broughton stud and gateway stud, are good all rounders.
Gwynfaes are small old fashioned type (14hh) & laid back.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you get!

 

[TwyfordM]

I love anything Welsh but agree they are very marmite!

I've had two, the first was absolutely perfect. Good as gold, not spooky. Plod along if you felt nervous, happy to step it up a gear with a rider who wanted to go fast/jump. Confident, forward, his only faults were that he could be bargey on the ground and was strong but fine in a stronger bit, he was ride and drive, big at 15.2hh as well. Adored him

Second I had as a youngster and he was also absolutely faultless, forward but sane. Never bucked/bolted/reared. Very playful too.

They are smart, and if they figure out bucking/rearing/get mistreated or badly trained they can be the worst of the worst. Very opinionated and you have to be firm but fair with them.

 

[Orangehorse]

I have always said that the Welsh breeds are fine, if you have a convenient Welsh mountain to ride them up. They can do a lot of work, and really need a lot of work. Think hunting, eventing, endurance, show jumping.

A plod round the lanes is just an outing.

When people say "cob" they think of something sturdy but quiet, but Welsh cobs are strong and active.
I have known some good ones and some hysterical, dangerous ones.

 

[dougpeg]

I have always said that the Welsh breeds are fine, if you have a convenient Welsh mountain to ride them up.

love this sentence. I too have found a steep hill to be a great training tool

 

[McGrools]

Loving this thread! Hilarious!
I have had a few a’s b’s and a c but never a d. Known a few that were total dickheads tho!
I was giving thought to maybe getting a d youngster to bring on but I think this thread has put me right off!
I love that they have good feet and are easy keepers but can’t be arsed with teleporting at my age! Glad I read this !

 

[Nari]

Had one, have ridden quite a few, and am on my second partbred. My first pony was Welsh Arab, needless to say my parents weren't horsey - my sister gave up and I developed a love of their character!

I agree with everyone who calls them Marmite ponies - and regardless of size most of them are ponies. They're clever, funny, sensitive and will give their heart and soul if they think you're worthy. They've never read a book and you get best results if you bear that in mind and work with them as individuals. Buy one that you see and think "yes, you" not one that you think is ok and will do the job - they thrive on that love and also it will keep you going on the days when you wonder if you can strangle a horse with your bare hands!

I would suggest looking at the bloodlines because there can be a lot of interbreeding and that always carries risks. It's partly why I wentfor a partbred this time, that and the fact that we looked at each other and I just knew he was coming home with me somehow.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I’ve got a Welsh D part-bred. Welsh D x Arab x ID - WHAT WAS I THINKING! He is like a hyper-rhino and the most difficult horse I’ve owned in terms of understanding him. I’m hoping he’ll mature at the moment he behaves like a 3yr old colt rather than a 6yr old gelding.

He’s broken two door chains, two bungee ties and a window in the last few weeks. It’s taken 6 months to get him to lead sensibly and he can be an absolute thug. I can’t give him an inch. He’s bold in some ways but anxious in others. I find him a bit of a conundrum.

 

[Fransurrey]

I love them when they have been diluted a bit with something else lol

I used to ride a Welsh x Arab. JOGGYJOGGYJOGGYJOGGY! He gave me my first fall, by producing a random full buck at sandstill (I landed in a cowpat - git).

 

[Reacher]

I always find these threads funny as my Welsh D is not like 99% of those described.

He is calm and brave and the kindest pony I have ever met. He is like a lovely big Labrador!
He is very intelligent and loves learning new things.
He is very forward thinking and a real "yes" man, always wanting to go and do what I ask and I imagine could be quick thinking for people used to a more dull brain.

He is only 3 but honestly worlds apart from what is described here.
All of the people who come into contact with him, love him and all knowledgeable Welshy people say he is a very old fashioned type.

The things I have noticed they can be prone to-.
Straight hindlegs
Not a lot of room for a saddle
Built a bit downhill

The only issue I have with mine is, he can tell when the electric fence is losing charge and then he just pushes it over at a post and moves field himself I think that speaks of his intelligence though!
I have bought a solar energiser in the hope of thwarting his patient plans of waiting for the battery to run down!

Likewise, my part welsh x arab (who looks very welsh) is nothing like most of the descriptions.
He does not spook and is good to hack.

He is quite opinionated and is clever.
His only issue is brakes failing when jumping.

He is sound at the age of 20, I just wish I could wave a magic wand and make him 5 again. If I’d read all the descriptions of what a welsh d is supposed to be like I’d have been scared off buying him - and TBH makes me wary about buying another - maybe I’ve just been very lucky?

Are there medical issues they may be prone to?

 

[xTrooperx]

Where I'm coming from -- I've never owned a horse or pony that wasn't a chestnut mare with at least 1/2 Welsh blood. I've never bought a youngster as I don't have good facilities. I'm old now & riding a non-Welsh share for some years so all my opinions might be out of date.


Generally they are intelligent, high energy, sure-footed, easily bored and have an impish sense of humour. They need a lot of work and it needs to be interesting and varied.
They don't see why you should be herd leader if you are not doing it as well as they can. They don't see the point of repeating the same exercise again and again.
They can be hard to catch, especially if they're anticipating something boring going on. I had one who was 100% bombproof unless bored - then she would spook very extravagantly at the smallest thing. One was lovely for me but refused to cooperate with my friends. None ever bit, kicked, reared - it was all more what you'd describe as good-humoured liveliness.
If you get a good relationship going they are amazing, loyal, fun, a true partnership of equals.
The easiest was Wee Katy, the "C" . She was a perfect teenagers' pony, agile, versatile, fast with good brakes. If I could clone her she's the one I'd have again.
The D x TB was the easiest in the stable & definitely had a watered down level of opinionatedness (if that's a word!).
I have never had one with any physical issues at all, without exception they were robust, healthy and fitter than me!

My breeding information may well be very out of date.
They used to say to avoid anything with "Nebo" bloodlines because they're bonkers but so many have nebo in them now that you'd have a job avoiding it.
Thorneyside are reputed to be laid back.
Maesmynach are a bit more hard work,
Broughton stud and gateway stud, are good all rounders.
Gwynfaes are small old fashioned type (14hh) & laid back.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you get!

Was looking in with Maesmynach lines… now wondering if a good idea if more work lol

 

[palo1]

Was looking in with Maesmynach lines… now wondering if a good idea if more work lol

My mare is a Maesmynach: She is an absolute delight and I would love another one! Some of Enchanter's offspring (he is no longer alive) are known to be quirky but potentially talented but many, many Maesmynachs are out competing or being solid citizens and I think they are generally bred to be very trainable. I understand that some of the more showing types/lines are more hysterical lol. The Maesmynach Stud are extremely helpful and welcoming - if you go shopping there you will have a lovely time!

 

[Glitter's fun]

Was looking in with Maesmynach lines… now wondering if a good idea if more work lol

That's very old information. As Palo1 says they don't have the same stallions as in my day. I'd talk to them.

 

[taraj]

All of the above! "one hoof on world domination and one on the panic button". Had for 18yrs and would not change him for the world. once you know them/their little ways and bond they are the best. I prefer him to the tb as he is a little shorter at 15hh and has some width to wrap your legs/arms round and a long mane to hang onto!