the welsh pony has been put to many uses. historically, they were used for [[postman|postal]] routes and in coal mines. the [[british war office]] used the welsh cob to pull heavy guns and equipment through terrain where motorised vehicles could not, and also used them for [[mounted infantry]]. today, they are used as riding and driving ponies for both children and adults. welshes today are also used in [[dressage]], [[endurance riding]], general riding, hunting, [[jumping (horse)|jumping]], and work activities. they have proven their ability at driving in [[international federation for equestrian sports|fédération équestre internationale]] (fei) level competition, and have been used for [[dressage]]. they also compete against one another in breed show competition as [[show hunter|hunters]], [[three day eventing|eventers]], and [[western pleasure]] horses. the abilities of the welsh pony were showcased in 2008 when the first champion large pony [[show hunter|hunter]] to be made into a model [[breyer horse]] was a grey welsh pony gelding. they were formerly much used as docks carthorses in [[liverpool docks]].