Cob (horse)

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A Welsh Section D cob. Welshcob.jpg
A Welsh Section D cob.

A cob is traditionally a draft type pony. Typically of a stout build, with strong bones, large joints, and steady disposition, it is a body type of horse rather than a specific breed. Historically, in the United Kingdom and, to a lesser extent, the eastern United States, a "cob" may be a common horse used for everyday riding but in the past was used for driving carts.

Contents

The term continues to be widely used to describe this type of horse in the United Kingdom, but less so in North America. In the United States and United Kingdom, the term "cob" is primarily used to describe the Welsh cob, and in the sizing of bridles for horses, designating a smaller size that will fit not only the Welsh cob, but also many Morgans, Arabians, some American Quarter Horses, and other horses with short, triangular-shaped heads.

Characteristics

In general terms, cobs are larger than ponies, standing 14.2  hands (58 inches, 147 cm) or taller, but are relatively small and compact, usually with somewhat short legs. The breed of horse known today as the Section D Welsh cob exemplifies the classic build of the historic cob. It is said that a good show cob should have "the head of a lady and the backside of a cook". [1]

Popular uses of the cob include driving, showing and recreational riding. Cob-type breeds have become increasingly popular for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), as well as for riders who seek horses who are responsive but with a calm temperament, shorter stature and steady, comfortable gaits.

The rulebook of the British Show Horse Association (BHSA), states: "The Cob is a type rather than a breed. A short-legged animal exceeding 148 centimetres (14.2+12 hands ; 58+12 in) with a maximum height of 155 centimetres (15.1 hands ; 61 in), it has bone and substance with quality and is capable of carrying a substantial weight ... Cobs should have sensible heads, (sometimes roman nosed), a full generous eye, shapely neck crested on the top, with a hogged mane and well defined wither  ... The Cob should also have clean, strong hocks and all the attributes of a good hunter." [2]

Show cobs

Show cobs in the United Kingdom are overseen by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), formerly known as The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association. Cobs are registered in three divisions: lightweight, heavyweight, and Maxi Cob. The classes where cobs are shown also have a similar breakdown: [3]

Maxi Cobs are treated a bit differently from other divisions. The highest placed animals qualify for the Maxi Cob final at the National Championship show. Winners of these classes are not eligible for open cob championships.

Presentation

Cobs are exhibited with manes hogged, legs trimmed, and pulled tails and may be ridden astride or sidesaddle.

Working cobs

Working cob classes may also be held, where the horses must jump a series of fences and then demonstrate their paces on the flat in a manner similar to the requirements in British Working Hunter classes.

Fence heights for novice classes are minimum 2'3", maximum 2'6", with a maximum spread 2'6". In open classes, fences are 2'6"–2'9", maximum spread 2'9". The height of the jumps may be raised at the National Championship Show at the discretion of the course builder or show director.

Dress code

As with all horse showing disciplines, riders who exhibit cobs are required to conform to strict rules for personal attire. [ citation needed ]

Daytime dress

Evening dress

A number of cob breeds are popular in the UK, including the Welsh cob and the Gypsy Cob, also known as the "Coloured Cob" or "Irish Cob", known in the US as the Gypsy Vanner Horse. [4]

Welsh cobs

The breed of horse known as the Section D Welsh cob exemplifies the typical build of the traditional cob. In competition, unlike most other cobs, these animals are shown with full manes and tails.

Coloured cobs

Traditional or "Gypsy" cobs are classed as coloured horses/ponies if they have 2 colours to their coat on their body, neck and legs above socks. Originally a favourite of Romany travellers, who used them to pull caravans, they are now used for driving, dressage, showing, and even jumping.[ citation needed ]

Norman cobs

The Norman cob or Cob Normand is a breed of light draft horse that originated in the province of Normandy in northern France.

Related Research Articles

Show jumping is a part of a group of English riding equestrian events that also includes eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers. Sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events. Sometimes, show jumping is but one division of a very large, all-breed competition that includes a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation or the British Showjumping Association. International competitions are governed by the rules of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palomino</span> Genetic color in horses

Palomino is a genetic color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail; the degree of whiteness can vary from bright white to yellow. The palomino color derived from the inter-breeding of Spanish horses with those from the United States. Genetically, the palomino color is created by a single allele of a dilution gene called the cream gene working on a "red" (chestnut) base coat. Palomino is created by a genetic mechanism of incomplete dominance, hence it is not considered true-breeding. However, most color breed registries that record palomino horses were founded before equine coat color genetics were understood as well as they are today, therefore the standard definition of a palomino is based on the visible coat color, not heritability nor the underlying presence of the dilution gene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sidesaddle</span> Form of equestrianism

Sidesaddle riding is a form of equestrianism that uses a type of saddle which allows riders, generally female, to sit aside rather than astride an equine. Sitting aside dates back to antiquity and developed in European countries in the Middle Ages as a way for women in skirts to ride a horse in a modest fashion while also wearing fine clothing. It has retained a specialty niche even in the modern world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gypsy horse</span> Breed of horse from British Isles

The Gypsy Cob, also known as the Traditional Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, Romani Cob, Gypsy Horse, or Gypsy Vanner, is a breed of domestic horse from the British Isles. It is a small, solidly-built horse of cob conformation and is usually piebald. It is associated with Irish Travellers and English Romanichal Travellers. There was no stud-book or breed registry for these horses until 1996, but as breeders developed standards and recorded pedigrees, there are now organizations that register qualifying horses..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">English pleasure</span> Style of horse show class

"English pleasure" is the generic term for a number of different English riding classes seen at horse shows in the United States, where the horse is ridden in either hunt seat or saddle seat tack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hackney pony</span> Breed of horse

The Hackney pony is a breed of pony closely related to the Hackney horse. Originally bred to pull carriages, they are used today primarily as show ponies. The breed does not have its own stud book, but shares one with the Hackney horse in all countries that have an official Hackney Stud Book Registry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welsh Pony and Cob</span> Breed of horse

The Welsh Pony and Cob is a group of four closely-related horse breeds including both pony and cob types, which originated in Wales. The four sections within the breed society for the Welsh breeds are primarily distinguished by height, and also by variations in type: the smallest Welsh Mountain Pony ; the slightly taller but refined Welsh Pony of riding type popular as a children's show mount; the small but stocky Welsh Pony of Cob Type, popular for riding and competitive driving; and the tallest, the Welsh Cob, which can be ridden by adults. Welsh ponies and cobs in all sections are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and free-moving gaits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breeches</span> Clothing with coverings for each leg

Breeches are an article of clothing covering the body from the waist down, with separate coverings for each leg, usually stopping just below the knee, though in some cases reaching to the ankles. Formerly a standard item of Western men's clothing, they had fallen out of use by the mid-19th century in favour of trousers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunt seat</span> Competitive equestrian sport

Hunt seat is a style of forward seat riding commonly found in North American horse shows. Along with dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. Hunt seat competition in North America includes both flat and over fences for show hunters, which judge the horse's movement and form, and equitation classes, which judge the rider's ability both on the flat and over fences. The term hunt seat may also refer to any form of forward seat riding, including the kind seen in show jumping and eventing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadbelly</span> Type of riding coat

A shadbelly is a type of riding coat worn in certain equestrian situations by fox hunting members, dressage riders, eventers, and occasionally by other hunt seat riders. Shadbellies are also standard attire for the show hack classes at certain breed shows in the United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horse showmanship</span>

Showmanship is an event found at many horse shows. The class is also sometimes called "Fitting and Showmanship", "Showmanship In-Hand", "Showmanship at Halter" or "Halter Showmanship" It involves a person on the ground leading a horse, wearing a halter or bridle, through a series of maneuvers called a pattern. The horse itself is not judged on its conformation. Exhibitors are judged on exhibiting the animal to its best advantage, with additional scoring for the grooming and presentation of both horse and handler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saddle seat</span> Style of horse riding

Saddle seat is a style of horse riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa. To a much lesser extent, it is ridden with American horse breeds in Europe and Australia.

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Court uniform and dress were required to be worn by those in attendance at the royal court in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halter (horse show)</span> Type of horse show class where horses are shown in hand and not ridden

Halter is a type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock. Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called "Halter," "In-Hand," "Breeding," "Model," or "Conformation" classes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show hunter (British)</span> Horse type in UK

The show hunter is a type of show horse commonly seen at equestrian events across Britain. The British "show hunter" is shown primarily on the flat, while the "working hunter" must also jump a series of rustic fences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show hack</span> Type of competition horse

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain and moorland pony breeds</span> Horse breed

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Spotted Pony</span> British breed of pony

The British Spotted Pony is a British breed of pony characterised by a spotted coat. The height at the withers does not exceed 147 cm.

References

  1. Haywood, Rebecca (20 February 2016). "'The look of an eagle' – how to show off a cob correctly in the ring". Horse and Hound. Britain. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  2. British Show Horse Association
  3. The British Show Horse Association Rule Book 2016, The British Show Horse Association, 2016, p. 4
  4. "Irish Cob Studbook".