The monthly horse fair at Llanybydder in southwest Wales is believed to be Europe's largest. From mischievous figures of folk legend to hardworking coal-cart haulers, Welsh ponies are an integral part of the country's tradition. As recently as 60 years ago, ponies that lived in underground stables pulled coal-laden carts through the dark corridors of the coal mines of southern Wales. Today, the hardy animals are still used by Welsh farmers. Welsh ponies were crossbred with Arabian horses long ago and, despite their reputation as work animals, maintain an aristocratic bearing.
