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, 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

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

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<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..

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<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.

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<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.

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

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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>

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>

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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

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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".