native ponies existed in wales before 1600 bc, and a welsh-type cob was known as early as the middle ages. they were influenced by the arabian horse, and possibly also by the thoroughbred and the hackney horse. in 1901, the first stud book for the welsh breeds was established in the united kingdom, and in 1907 another registry was established in the united states. interest in the breed declined during the great depression, but revived in the 1950s. throughout their history, the welsh breeds have had many uses, including as a cavalry horse, a pit pony, and as a working animal on farms.