The Welsh Mountain pony, or Section A of the Welsh Stud Book, is one of the most popular and beautiful of the British Mountain and Moorland breeds. They have roamed the mountains and wild moors of Wales for centuries, and are an important part of the region’s history and landscape.

They are in essence a hardy working pony of the Welsh hills, being used in the past as saddle ponies, pit ponies, pack ponies, and the ideal draft horse for the smallholder, being able to a carry a considerable load and also travel at a fair pace.

The breed’s good looks, intelligent character, and all round versatility, along with many dedicated breeders and supporters over generations have ensured its place in the modern world, excelling as a family pony and as a winner on show fields worldwide, in harness and under saddle.

Photographer Fleur Hallam has captured these beautiful ponies in their homeland, from the mountains and the lowlands of Wales, through to the grace of the ponies on the show field, showing the Welsh Mountain pony at its hardy and spirited best.

Enthusiastic young photographer, Fleur Hallam, comes from an artistic and equine family, and found her creative gene flourished behind a camera. Fleur had a mainly Rudolf Steiner education, where her passion for creative arts started at an early age, which she has continued by furthering her knowledge and love of photography in successfully completing the Art of Photography through the Open College of the Arts. Her successful first book, Spirit of the Fell Pony, was published by Halsgrove in 2008.

Imprint: PiXZ Books. ISBN 978 0 85710 029 0, hardback, 110x155mm, 64 pages. Published June 2010.