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Choosing a Welsh Pony or Cob, Showing Welsh, Welsh Breed Standard

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Preservation Breeding the Past & The Future

The WPCS Registration rules read:

10. NON-ACCEPTANCE

The Society shall have the right to decline to accept an application for registration or entry when, in its opinion:

10.1 The application form has not been completed in sufficient detail.

10.2 The name of the animal is unsuitable or objectionable.

10.3 The animal is piebald or skewbald in colour.

See the UK WPCS page for their information on The Excessive White Issue

and how THEY HAVE SOLVED IT, ON PAPER IF NOT ACTUAL CONDUCT!

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society
Cymdeithas y Merlod a'r Cobiau Cymreig

WPCSA - Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America

The excessive white issue was NEVER WAS, and IS NOT, whether a pony or cob is a purebred or not.
THE ISSUE IS whether an animal itself meets the requirements for registration,
excessively white Welsh ponies and pinto Welsh do not. The registration rule states NO PIEBALDS OR SKEWBALDS. Piebalds and Skewbalds ARE pintos.
That is the issue at the WPCSA, and it is obvious that if a WPCS rule, or policy suits the goals of the
 WPCSA Board of Directors and it's Committees, every effort is made to adopt a similar program.
But if a WPCS rule or policy does not suit the direction in which the Board of Directors wishes the WPCSA to go the
BOD appoints a Committee to study the matter,  the resulting recommendation by the Committee will be followed regardless
of the opinion of the general membership. In the case of registration of excessively white Welsh, it was the opinion of a majority of the general membership attending the General Meeting in 2006 that the WPCSA SHOULD begin a separate Registry for those purebreds exhibiting coloration which prevented them from being registered in Sections A, B, C or D (as does the UK Registry). In this case the BOD decided it is not fair to segregate excessively white and pinto Welsh into their own section of the registry, instead those excessively white and pinto Welsh have been registered in the original sections despite the piebald and skewbald rule which

 remains on the books. However, the WPCS of Great Britain has revised their registration rule again, to exclude totally Piebald and Skewbald of Tobiano and Overo patterns!

If you are a WPCSA member be aware that there are several matters under consideration by the BOD:

1. The addition of a Part-Bred Registry to the WPCSA (as has the UK Registry).

2. An Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy  acceptable to the BOD, or one used by many organizations and not manipulated.

Test my opinion: What do you think of whether the WPCSA NEEDS a Part-Bred Registry, especially when there is already an American Crossbred Pony Registry?

Do you think a general Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy should be adopted, or

should the Board of Directors be allowed to fine tune such a policy to their specifications?

Should such a Policy be adopted by the Board of Directors or by the General Membership?

Put YOUR opinion in writing and send it to the WPCSA Secretary to be distributed to the Board of Directors.

And, while you are at it, consider the ongoing "White Issue". It is proven that Sabinos ARE Pintos, there has been a gene found for it AND geneticists feel that additional Sabino genes will be found. Look it up on the internet!

Do you feel that PINTO Welsh should be registered in the same PUREBRED REGISTRY that Welsh that conform to the color rules are?

 Or do you think that the WPCS Registration Rule No. 10, Non-Acceptance (as shown below)

should be adopted as part of our PUREBRED REGISTRATION RULES and a Section X Registry be added where all excessively white ponies and cobs would be registered.

Then WRITE the Board of Directors, send your letter to the WPCSA Secretary to be distributed to the BOD.

ONLY A MASS MAILING by the General Membership will demonstrate that you are unhappy with the BOD's decision on the Excessive White Issue!

At the beginning of 2006 many owners and breeders expressed concern for the actions taken by the Board of Directors of the WPCSA eliminating rules disallowing registration of ponies showing excessive white characteristics, thus a petition was circulated and this informational Newsletter begun. Those rules excluding excessive white markings were instituted by the UK Welsh Registry upon it's inception to eliminate the propagation of those ponies carrying blood of colored non-welsh animals introduced into the breed but not necessarily welcomed as breeding stock (see the Welsh Pony Book circa 1913).
Breeders concerned with the proposed rule change were told by the Board of Directors to "educate yourself". Many of us have been doing just that, and have found that the opinions of geneticists support our concerns. You can check it out yourself by searching for equine color genetics on the web. Already the WPCSA Rule changes have proven those concerns of breeders valid with many excessive white sabino and splash white Welsh now being registered.  The deleterious effects on the Welsh breed will be evident in the future.  Perhaps a new regime in the Board of Directors will realize the grievous modification made to the Welsh Breed Standard in 2006.  Newsletter production has been suspended at this time due to lack of input, however visit our History - Articles page with articles and pictures from Welsh publications of years gone by, or our Info page with a LOT of information from the WPCSA and WPCS. If you have questions, email us, we will try our best to get answers for you from several long time experts.

....... there were too many doors left carelessly open. The larger pony of the lower lands was becoming mixed with Cardinganshire cob; and some owners were guilty of letting half-bred Shire colts have the run of the hills. In time the only safe place for the mountain pony would have been the topmost crests, but for an event of happy effect upon his destiny. This was the organization of the Welsh- Pony- and Cob- Society in the Royal Show Yard at Cardiff. Lord Tredegar was the first president, and after him the Earl of Powys. King George became a patron, and the society aquired an impetus that proved it had not been born too soon. The formation of a Stud Book was the initial practical business of the Society, and its first volumes derive special value from the fact that Wales has always tended to the patriarchial system, and her traditions, whether of horses or families, can be relied upon. There have always been wise and prudent breeders in the land; men who could, in some degree, counteract indifference and hold to ideal aim....... Nature long ago accomplished her best for the Welsh pony, and while he was practically an isolated type it was easy to maintain her standard. But with multifarious breeds and half-breeds in proximity, the carelessness of man was beginning to undo her work, and Wales might have followed Ireland in the deterioration of her pony stock and the loss of a fixed type, if the Society had not actively intervened........ Finally, after many difficulties, unwearying effort, and a constant display of good nature, the committee secured the passage of the Act and put an end to what one of the overworked members, exasperated to humor, termed the "unlimited liability sire system."

by Olive Tilford Dargan,  Printed privately for Charles A. Stone  :  1913

Preservation Breeding the Past & The Future

“Piebald and skewbald are … terms that have been used to describe horses having any of the asymmetrical white patterns.  Piebald refers to a black horse with any of these white spotting patterns, since piebald derives from “magpie,” a black-and-white bird.  Skewbald refers to a nonblack horse with any of these patterns.  Both terms originated in Britain , where white spotting is rare on horses….the terms piebald and skewbald also ignore which specific pattern is present.”[1]

Originally, the stud books of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) ( UK ) allowed any color.  Wynne Davies, noted author and long-time Welsh breeder states that of the 38 stallions registered in the four sections in Volume 1 of the WPCS (UK) Stud Book, “20 were of the hardy black, brown or bay colours, 14 were dark chestnuts, 3 were roans, and only one was grey (Dyoll Starlight).  There were more greys amongst the mares (mainly in Sections A and B rather than the Cobs), the 571 mares being made up of 367 blacks, browns or bays, 109 chestnuts, 40 roans, 34 greys and 21 duns or creams.”[2]

Lady Wentworth, renown breeder of the 1920’s to 1940’s, wrote in a booklet PONIES, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE “Piebalds and skewbalds are never seen amongst correctly bred ones and heavy daubs of white are much disliked.”[3]

So while the piebalds and skewbalds were not clearly excluded from all sections of the WPSC (UK) until 1950-51, they were clearly undesirable.  The Foundation Stock program was still in use, and some outside blood was allowed in the WPCS Stud Books (UK).  Perhaps the reason to add the terminology to accept any color except piebald and skewbald was to keep out “Gypsy blood”, or perhaps it was to restrict the influence of the outside blood which had already been accepted. But the exclusion did not mark a change in sentiment.  It was, rather, a reinforcement of the established custom.  

In an Email from January 4, 2006 , Wynne Davies wrote: “In WPCS UK piebalds and skewbalds were accepted (but not encouraged) up to vol 32 (1939 - 1945).... Vol. 34 (1950 - 51) states Pie and skewbalds banned.”[4]  In the first 39 Stud Books published in Britain , (covering to 1956 and 14,000 ponies) I found a total of four ponies of piebald or skewbald color, and one of those was Foundation Stock. Neither piebalds nor skewbalds were registered as such here in the United States . 

In America , our stud books combine the years 1913 to 1955 in Volumes III and IV.  This is the first document from the WPCSA I have found to say "Any color, except piebald and skewbald" (page XXIII)[5].   There is a publicity leaflet for Geo. E. Brown’s Stud of Welsh Ponies in Illinois , USA , 1907, which states “Colors, mostly bays and blacks, free of white marks, a few strawberry roans and steel greys.”[6]  This statement indicates he considered no markings a desired trait.   Piebalds and skewbalds were never encouraged in Britain , and never accepted here.  Therefore, the reasoning that by removing Rule 6 the board is merely putting the rules back to the way they “used to be” is misleading, and cannot be considered a valid point. 

Two different genes seem to exist in the Welsh which can cause explosive expressions of excessive white.  The more common is the sabino, characterized by high white stockings with irregular edges pointing up the front of the hocks and the back of the knees.  In combination, the white can creep up into belly spots, roaning through the flanks, and even full fledged pintos.  The British Piebald and Skewbald association has a photo of a sabino pony on its website[7].

It is rare that the sabino will do this, but people who breed them should consider this when making their breeding decisions.   Linebreeding and crossing certain lines seems to really bring this trait out into full-fledged pintos. 

        The other gene is the splash gene.  It is a dominant gene, so you would expect to see it more often than we do; however, it seems there are "suppressor" genes, which limit its expression[8].  So it can sometimes appear without warning.  But there are signs to look for.  "Bottom heavy" facial markings, belly spots, and high and disjointed leg markings indicate the pony may carry the splash gene.  One really needs to be careful with these markings. Environmental factors may or may not have an effect on the expression, but the genes must be present, first, in order for there to be white markings.

        Squamous cell carcinoma is a real threat for equines with pink eyelids, a common trait consistent with sabino, and particularly splash patterns.  I recently attended an equine ophthalmology seminar at Texas A&M University , and the speaker was berating the Pinto and Paint associations for not doing more within their breeds to try to educate owners of the problems associated with wide white facial markings.

        Currently, people have been selecting for "chrome", high white stockings, and wide blazes.  They are wildly popular, especially for first-time buyers who are easily influenced by flash, and competitors in large divisions trying to catch the judge’s eye.  Ponies with lots of white have a greater likelihood of carrying the sabino or splash genes and therefore a greater likelihood of producing excessive white than their more conservative counterparts.  Recently, I have seen the term “sabino” used to promote ponies in advertisements, so there is no doubt that it is the current fashion.

Because of its popularity, we are seeing more white in general, especially in Britain .  Over there, they do not require photos for registration, so they tend to have a few registered that would not have passed our registration rules.  This brings us to the root of the issue.

        Well, it seems someone purchased a stallion and imported it to the US.  It was NOT a pinto and was registered with the WPCS (UK), however this pony has proven to throw pinto markings.  Our Purebred Registration Eligibility Rule 1 states “Ponies or cobs imported from other countries will be registered at the discretion of the Board of Directors”.  Historically, the Society did not accept FS (Foundation Stock) or FS1 ponies, and would only “list” FS2 mares.  In fact, in Vol. 1 of our Stud Book, the original Rule (5) states:  “Our aim must be to raise the standard, and make it more difficult to obtain an entry in our Stud Book.  For upon keeping up a high standard and insisting upon other desirable qualities …depend the well being of our Stud Book and the future success of our society.”[9]  Instead, our current board believed they had to accept this pony.  They ignored Purebred Registration Eligibility Rule 5, and at the Fall Board Meeting, they changed and effectively abolished Rule 6, which set the white limits[10].

There were other issues, as well, which prompted the rule change.  There is the European Union edict that all animals from registered parents must be allowed to be registered.  This is so that European Union passports can be issued.  This does not affect us, unless we plan to sell a pony to Europe , and even so, the United States is not part of the EU.  But the WPCS (UK) was going to have to change their rules to accept any pony with excessive white.  Well, two weeks after our Board altered Rule 6, the WPCS (UK) established a Section X for ponies that would not otherwise be accepted for registration (excess white, offspring of unlicensed stallions, etc.).  This is a new classification, and the rules are still being worked out, but the British Society’s current rules indicate offspring of ponies listed in Section X are not eligible for registration in Sections A, B, C, or D, they are not allowed to show in WPCS shows, and they are not eligible for WPCS sales[11]. They do have papers and can get their passports, but they do not have all the rights and privileges of a registered section A, B, C, or D.

        Another factor which may have weighed in on the decision- making process for members of the board is the change the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) made in their registration rules.  The AQHA lost a legal battle against someone who wanted to register their Quarter Horse with excessive white against the AQHA rules.   Whereas I'm sure the plaintiff was able to claim a large monetary devaluation because the horse was not allowed AQHA papers, I do not feel the same could be said of a Welsh Pony.  Half-Welsh papers are an option, and, unlike Quarter Horses, many ponies are sold for a great deal of money without their papers.  There are also Sports pony registries which will accept them.  And, while the AQHA is now accepting horses with excessive white, printed on the papers, they have a disclaimer which reads, "This horse has white markings designated under AQHA rules as an undesirable trait and uncharacteristic of the breed." Rule 205, section d[12].  This is repeated in the judging rules.  The AQHA did not exactly welcome them with open arms.  Most of the other Mountain and Moorland breeds have strict color limitations[i].  We are not the only ones.

        Traditionally, it was assumed the piebald and skewbald restriction was to maintain purity—if a piebald or skewbald appeared, some would assume there was a mistake in the breeding shed; it was thought purebred Welsh could not produce such markings.  Now, with DNA testing, we can prove the parentage.  We know now that there are registered Welsh which can and do produce excessive white when the right genes get together. Leaving the restrictions in place, however, can limit the influence of these genes from generations back for generations to come.  When too many of these genes get together, often through inbreeding or linebreeding, they will manifest themselves as excessive white markings.  Excluding piebalds and skewbalds is not a safe-guard which can be replaced by DNA tests.  DNA will only ensure accurate recording of first-generation parentage.  Excluding excessive white markings encourages breeders not to breed individuals so closely related that there is a good likelihood a pinto will be produced. Without the rule as a foundation, there will be no reason for Welsh breeders to exercise discretion when breeding lines known to produce excess white.

The board did not take action at the meeting in Orlando, while they figured out how to charge for registration of older animals, and what to do with points already won in the Half-Welsh division, they forgot about current Purebred Registration Eligibility Rule 5, which is still “on the books” and says “Piebalds and skewbalds are not eligible for registration”. The WPCSA officials are registering ponies against their own rules.

The Welsh breed would be much better served with the creation of a section E or, to follow the lead of the WPCS, a section X.  Any animal which did not meet the standards set by the old Rule 6 could be listed in this section, following DNA tests to verify parentage.  They would not be allowed to show in purebred classes, but they would be allowed to compete in the Half-Welsh division, as they always have been.  Offspring could be reentered in the appropriate section A, B, C, or D if they met all the registration rules. 

        Some say only a few ponies will be affected.  If this is true, then why cause such a division in the breed for so little gain?   I’ve also heard the argument that nobody is required to register a pony if they feel it has too much white.  I consider this view short-sighted.  I believe this change will affect us all.  Removing this rule contradicts and therefore weakens our breed description which continues to say “any color except piebald and skewbald.”  All the literature from the Society, all the encyclopedias, reference books, and even coloring books which describe the Welsh pony as any color except piebald and skewbald will be contradicted by every piebald and skewbald pony registered.  The breed description is the standard to which all Welsh ponies should be held, and the breed description must be revered, not ignored. 

In addition, I find this rule change to be in violation of Article I of the By-Laws, where it says "The purpose of this Society is to maintain a Registry....while striving to maintain its purity and trueness to type and to further its welfare in every way."  This purpose is repeated in the Rule Book.  Allowing the registration of piebalds and skewbalds conflicts with that mandate.  Having the breed description and the rules in opposition weakens the ability of the Society to ever do anything to maintain the purity and trueness to type of the Welsh Pony and Cob.

So, while there may have been several factors which led to the board’s unanimous decision to change the rules, none of them, singularly or considered all together, warrant making this decision which has such far-reaching effects on the purity, trueness to type, and health and welfare of the Welsh breed.  A few may benefit by being able to register and show their pinto ponies as Welsh, but the breed as a whole, will suffer.  The sanctity of the breed description, that which enables people to recognize Welsh characteristics and determine if a pony or cob has the traits necessary to be a good representative of the Welsh breed, that which the Society was established one hundred years ago to maintain, will be forever compromised with the change. 

-Margaret Blackert