North Forks Black Earl

Welsh Cob WPCSA # Section D-37414 North Fork’s Black Earl

 Sire D-37413 Canterbrook Llwynog Du Dam D-00204 Sydenham Morwydden

Descended from past Welsh Cobs of incomparable merit, their names written indelibly on the pages of equine history. Those past Cobs representing long service at the helm of human life. We feel "North Fork's Black Earl", with his proven heritage, represents new life at the prow.

Without a doubt he is one of the most promising stallions of the present day. The fine pedigree of this Cob alone speaks volumes of him as a sire. He is descended from the incomparable trotting Cobs of old and is a perfect model of a well-bred Cob type horse. Earl’s limited offspring (see Earl’s offspring page) have already proven themselves to have the bred in disposition to handle the rigorous discipline of multiple riders with the grace, style and conformation to do the job well. They have excelled in such equine sports as dressage, eventing, CDE’s, driving; single and double, pleasure riding, parade, show riding and jumping as well as being sound trustworthy family mounts.

Earl has proven the essentials of a successful breeding stallion. He is a wonderfully bred; magnificently jet-black Cob with four illustriously white stockings. Standing 14.2 hands high and brimming over with quality and Welsh type. He has a splendid constitution and is perfect in symmetry. Like a lamb in domestic surroundings, he owns a good temper. His movement is much like pieces of perfectly geared machinery, operating with free and natural impulsion, and well-balanced action. His conformation leaves nothing to be desired and his quality is of the superior type. Possessing strong bone and great power, Earl goes great guns in all around dashing action.

Earl has classic conformation, action and general character of quality strength and hardiness. He possesses an extremely handsome, short and clean cut head. His soft shiny forelock, (affectionately called a lovelock by my husband David), spills over his face reaching petal soft nostrils. Prominently large, widely set, soft eyes reflect his kind temperament and character. His well-set, neat ears respond quickly to the slightest sound or movement. Full bodied with back and loins muscular, strong and clean; coupled with well-sprung ribs and depth through the heart. A deep girth with the same depth from wither to belly as from the belly to the ground. His shoulder strong and laid well back. Forelegs set square with long strong forearms. Cannon bones flat strong and not overly long. Earl’s well-shaped feet are in perfect proportion to his straight clean legs. Good strong bones of steel and hard wearing feet. A rare combination of quality and quantity!!!

Hindquarters powerful and strong and hocks clean and well-developed Earl carries his long thick black tail like a king, and it is well set on a gently sloping croup. Black Earl's brilliant presence and action is true and forcible. He keeps his hocks flexed under his body giving him straight and powerful leverage as he freely moves about. Earl keeps his knees bent and his whole forelegs extended as far forward as possible straight from the shoulder as he trots and cavorts around. He propels himself with magnificent ease and true Welsh Cob style. The kind of style and extravagance that makes people get excited with a contagious joy and vocal praise in their appreciation for him. Black Earl is a dynamic example of a great and beautiful Welsh Cob stallion, his general character is the embodiment of strength, hardiness and agility.

Being fanciers of good horseflesh I must confess that we fell head over heels in love with the Welsh Cob. Wanting to see more of the Welsh Cob we visited a small country Welsh Cob farm. As we went out to see the six Cobs in the pasture they decided to run and play over the fields around us. I will never in my life forget that experience of the sound of their hoofbeats and the shaking of the ground on a very still quiet beautiful foggy with sun breaking through morning! I have heard many a horse herd run, (including wild Mustangs in Wyoming, which was a rare treat too), but none like the sound of Welsh Cobs! They actually move differently and it can be seen heard and felt all at the same time. It is unforgettable experience and so exciting. To this very day my husband and I still thrill to watch the Cobs run and play and I am sure it will give us joy throughout the rest of our lives. We are especially thankful to have a part in now breeding such glorious creatures.

Oh Lord how many are thy works!
In wisdom Thou hast made them all;
The earth is full of thy possessions.

“Worthy are Thou, Our Lord and our God, to receive
glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create
all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and
were created.”
 

It is not surprising that the Welsh Cob is in such demand for crossing with other breeds, and there is a Welsh Part-Bred Register for horses, cobs and ponies whose breeding shows not less than 25% of Registered Welsh blood. The large Welsh Part-bred has proven to be an enormous value in most equine disciplines; such as show jumping, eventing, dressage and driving.

The Welsh Cob crosses especially well with the Warmblood or Thoroughbred to produce hunters, jumpers and event horses or with the Arabian to get a sport pony with more bone and substance. At one time cob mares were in great demand as the foundation for Polo Ponies to obtain the agility and nimbleness necessary. The Welsh Part-Bred inherit the strong constitution, good bone, courage, activity and equable temperament that has led to their worldwide renown.

In 2006 and 2007 North Fork's Black Earl bred several beautiful mares of different distinct breeds; including a Morgan, several Thoroughbreds, a Bashkir Curly, an Oldenburger, a Hungarian Warmblood, a Trakehner, a Quarter pony, a Quarter/Arabian cross, Welsh Arabian cross and a black Mustang from Nevada! Earl’s offspring have been an improvement on their dams, adding substance beauty and athletic ability.
His sons and daughters have proven themselves beyond a shadow of doubt. They are lovely movers with tremendous attitudes. Notably his son,‘ Dante’ of Earl’, (owned by Sterling Grayburn ; Kingsforth Hall Training Center) was recently listed in the short list for the worlds singles championships in Pratoni Del Vivero, Rome. Not too bad for his first season in FEI competition! The fabulous Earl babies, Duke of Earl and Dante of Earl are flashy movers, have great minds and are super athletes. In 2006, Dante as a 6 yr old was 6th in the USEF combined driving horse of the year awards and was short-listed for the USEF single driving team which competed at the world championships in Rome, Italy. Duke is moving up to advanced this year and has been undefeated on marathon every time out at the lower levels. Earl's boys will be part of a 4 in hand we are putting together for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.The very best thing about these boys is their temperament. Their owner, Sterling Grayburn, teaches driving lessons with them and takes them on picnic drives. (link to bred and sold from Pleasantstone page)
It is indeed an honor to see Black Earl's older crossbred geldings competing at FEI level.
The Welsh Cob is proving himself to be such a valuable cross and an improvement in so many areas to so many different breeds. We believe in Earl’s ability and know we are helping to produce a sound, athletic equine with a golden temperament.

Our Cobs and sport pony crosses appeal to a wide range of people, from the show horse fancier to the family who is just looking for a pony to cherish and grow with. Temperament and intelligence is paramount to us, developing equines that are reliable and sought after.

The families who adopt horses from us are cherished by us as they continue to share with us as to the new events and progress in the lives of our own home-bred stock. What a gift for any serious breeder. Please see our special Pleasantstone bred-buyers page where we can share with you about ponies we have bred and cared for.

Our Welsh Cob pedigrees have bloodlines of animals that have consistently proven themselves in various equine events. We have carefully studied the pedigrees to help us breed athletes that we enjoy being around on a daily basis because of their good temperaments The outstanding bred Welsh Cob gene pool is known for kind dispositions, abundant breed type and character, athletic ability, beauty and all around versatility.

The Welsh Cob and the Welsh Pony of Cob type become more popular as he gets better known. He is healthy, hardy and strong, living out all the year round. He is the perfect equine athlete and easy keeper besides. Perfect for anybody who appreciates a horse that is easy to manage and keep. He meets the needs of both young and old. He has a loveable nature - active, kind, intelligent and willing. Throughout time he has flourished on the small Welsh farmsteads sharing in the often poverty-stricken conditions that prevailed and still fared up well to meet the demands made on him. It is truly evident that this was the sort of life that has made the true character and hardiness of the Welsh Cob to this day.

Tudor Aled, a Welshman of gentle birth, wrote a poem in the Welsh language describing stallions. Here is part of an English translation.

The Stallion (Cywydd)

He was a river-leaper,
A roebuck’s leap from a snake;
He’d face whatever he wished:
If rafter, try to clear it;
There’s no need to make him leap,
For steel against his belly.
With a keen horseman, no clod,
He would know his intention.
If he’s sent over a fence,
He will run, the lord’s stallion,
Bold jumper where thorns grow thick,
Full of spikes in Llaneurgain.
Best ever, when sent running,
Fine steed to steal a fair girl.
Here awaits me a maiden,
Fair girl if I have a horse.
For a hind’s form what payment
Better praise of the slim foal?
 

North Forks Black Earl is now registered first premium passing the dressage test to complete the performance test requirements for the America Warmblood Registry American Sport Pony Division. Earl was named Champion D stallion and reserve ridden Cob in the Southwest region in only three shows in 2006. He is offered at stud and shipped semen is available.

At The 2006 American Sport Pony Inspection at Devonwood Equestrian Center America Warmblood Registry American Sport Pony Division, North Forks Black Earl, passed his dressage performance test and completed his Performance Test Requirements for the Sport Pony Registry.

Please see our Welsh Cob sale page. We have some lovely show quality Black Earl daughters for sale. They will excel in any equine athletic venue and make a perfect riding partner with their willing and loving dispositions!
 

"For every beast of the forest is mine,
The cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird of the mountains,
And every creature in the field is Mine."
Psalm 50: 10-11