228 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



The type of the Shetland is usually that of a small draft 

 horse, although many are seen that have fine bone and 

 slender bodies similar to the trotting type. In fact, the 

 type varies somewhat on the different islands. The com- 

 mon colors are brown, black and bay, but other colors, 

 such as dun, chestnut and gray, are often found. Piebalds 

 are not considered desirable, though there is a demand 

 for broken colors in America. A long, heavy coat of 

 hair occurs on the body in cold weather. When shed, 

 however, the coat is fine and glossy and the animal is 

 much more active in his movements. The foretop, mane, 

 and tail are heavy and long, and add much to the attrac- 

 tiveness of a well-kept pony. 



The Welsh pony. — This breed of ponies was largely 

 developed in Wales and in the borders of the adjoining 

 counties. The country is very hilly and contains much 

 waste land, which provides very scant pasturage. The 

 horses raised in such environment develop quality and 

 endurance and become verv sure-footed, but, of course, 

 lack in size. This breed of ponies has been improved 

 from time to time by the introduction of superior blood, 

 chiefly Thoroughbred, Arabian and Hackney. It is stated 

 that the Welsh pony is more numerous than any other 

 breed of ponies on the British Islands ; the exact number 

 is not known, as there are no statistics on the subject. 



The Welsh Pony and Cob Society is the association in- 

 terested in the improvement of the breed. This society 

 has its headquarters at Greenfield, Penybout, Radnor- 

 shire, Wales. At present there is no society in America. 



Description of the Welsh pony. — The ponies of Wales 

 vary so widely in conformation, height and weight that 

 even in their native country they are not altogether re- 

 garded as a breed. In general, however, they have a neat 

 head, good shoulders, strong back, well-muscled quarters, 

 and the best of legs and feet. The Welsh Pony and Cob 

 Society divides the ponies into four classes, depending 

 largely on the height and form. In the first class the 



