Boutique Welsh stud located in Victoria South Gippsland

About Ballanee

Horses being horses

Established in 2024 by Chelsea Wass, Ballanee Welsh Stud was created with a commitment to preserving the Welsh Section D Cob’s heritage while ensuring the health, welfare, and dignity of every horse in our care. With a passion for breeding the taller, more traditional Welsh Cobs that retain their classic pony look, we aim to produce horses that excel in performance, conformation, and temperament.

At Ballanee, we take pride in our carefully selected breeding stock. Our Welsh Cobs are known for their exceptional bloodlines, many originating from prestigious UK breeders. Registered with the Welsh Pony & Cob Society (WPCS), our horses exemplify the best qualities of the breed—strength, beauty, versatility, and a calm, willing disposition that makes them suitable for various disciplines, including harness, saddle, and companionship.

One of our core beliefs is that horses should be treated with respect and understanding. That’s why our approach focuses on natural horsemanship, bitless riding whenever possible, and training methods that rely on trust, communication, and pressure-release techniques. We firmly reject the notion that horses learn through fear or force, and we work to educate others on more compassionate handling and training practices.

Our commitment to welfare extends beyond training to our day-to-day horse care. All of our horses enjoy life in herd environments. Turned out in large pastures with constant access to hay, shelter, shade fresh water and interactive toys.

At Ballanee, we believe in “quality over quantity.” With this philosophy, we produce only one or two foals a year, ensuring that each horse is bred with care and attention to health and conformation. Our goal is to produce offspring that stand out for their presence, performance, and personality—horses that turn heads in competition and as loyal, loving companions.

Beyond breeding, Ballanee is dedicated to advocating for improved horse welfare. In an industry where outdated and often harmful practices are still too common, we are committed to raising awareness and sharing modern, humane methods of horse care and training.

At Ballanee Welsh Stud, we don’t just breed horses; we nurture athletes and companions for life, always striving to raise the bar for welfare and excellence in the equine world.

“The horse is a gift to us, to humanity. And for that, there comes responsibility. If the horse is gonna work for you and work with you, then the best thing I can do for the horse is to make it as good a life possible..”

- Buck Brannaman