in the 18th century and 19th century, more arab blood was added by stallions who were turned out in the welsh hills. other breeds have also been added, including the [[thoroughbred]], [[hackney (horse)|hackney]], [[norfolk roadster]], and the [[yorkshire coach horse]]. before the car was developed, the quickest mode of transport in wales was the welsh cob. tradesmen, doctors, and other businessmen often selected ponies by [[horse gait|trotting]] them the 35 uphill miles from [[cardiff]] to [[dowlais]]. the best ponies could complete this feat in under three hours, never breaking gait. formal breeding stock licensing was introduced in 1918, but before this, breeding stock was selected by such trotting tests.