An Introduction to Cob Horses

The phrase cob, used to make clear a form of horse, is extra sometimes used contained in the U.Okay. than in North America. Nonetheless, you may probably run into cob-sized tack, or hear somebody describe a horse as “cobby” or a cob.

A cob is often about 15 fingers excessive with a gradual temperament. Whereas they supply the impression of being just like ponies, these horses are taller than pony prime, which is 14.2 fingers. Cobs are equally at dwelling beneath saddle or in harness and are sometimes all-purpose horses—fascinating each as soon as extra when horses have been wanted for transport and now, when an proprietor will need to have each a sturdy driving and driving horse.

Cob Traits

Given their comparatively big bones, sturdy joints, sturdy assemble and nearly pony-like look, a cob could give the impression of being constructed like a sq. or being a bit short-legged. Cobs sometimes have a docile temperament. They normally have copious manes and tails and leg feathering, just like the Clydesdale or Shire horse. There may be not a exact dimension specification for cobs, nonetheless usually, they’re of driving horse prime—beneath 16 fingers. Their necks are heavy and provides the impression of being arched, and their heads could also be thicker (not delicately featured) and normally even roman nosed. They arrive in each coloration and with each type of marking and coat sample. Cob gaits should be comfy, and their strategy of going sturdy and customary.

Type Not Breed

Cobs aren’t a selected breed of horse, moderately they appear to be a form of horse. Nonetheless, there would be the precise breed usually known as the Welsh Cobwhich is on the market in 4 varieties. Often horse phrases could be troublesome! Because of their substantial assemble, they are going to carry big adults merely with out being too tall to get on and journey, like a draft horse. This doesn’t counsel that draft horses can’t be cob varieties. The Gypsy Vanner, Norman, or French Cob and the an identical Breton Horse, furthermore from France, are draft breeds of the cob variety. Nonetheless principally most likely probably the most well-known cob variety driving horse is the Half D Welsh Cob. In exact fact, some Arabians, American Quarter Horses, and completely totally different sturdy delicate horse breeds could also be cob varieties. Many draft crosses are cob variety horses, notably within the occasion that they are beneath 16 fingers. There is also furthermore a breed usually known as the Norman Cob, which originated contained in the Normandy house of France.

Displaying Cobs

Cobs are used as pleasure driving horses, inside the game of self-discipline trying and in harness. When confirmed, they normally have their mane hogged or roached. This adjust to harks as soon as extra to the time when it was extra good to maintain up the mane out of top-of-the-line methods of reins and harness than fussing over braiding it. Leg feathering could also be clipped. Contained in the U.Okay. cobs are confirmed in applications in response to dimension and strict costume codes are required of the riders. Horses are confirmed on the flat and over jumps. In North America, Gypsy Vanners and Welsh Cobs are confirmed nonetheless are left with pure manes and leg feathering.

Cob-Sized Tack

If you find yourself shopping for for tack, notably halters and bridles, you may probably uncover some are marked cob-sized. Tack marked cob is meant for horses smaller than an enormous horse, nonetheless better than a pony. In case you’ve got a Morgan, Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, Arabian, or completely totally different smaller, extra compact driving horse breed, cob dimension is susceptible to be the simplest dimension to purchase.