| one of a breed of small, sturdy ponies raised originally in Wales. |

Welsh pony
breed of small horse popular as a child's or an adult's mount. A hardy breed that developed in the Welsh mountains, the Welsh pony was originally used in coal mines. A saddle type was developed by introducing Thoroughbred and Arabian blood. Welsh ponies are about 12 hands (48 inches, or 122 cm) tall and weigh about 500 pounds (225 kg; see ). Coat colour is usually black. They are refined and intelligent, with considerable spirit and good disposition. The Hackney pony (see ) was established by crossing Welsh pony mares with Hackney stallions.
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