Cob (horse)

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A Welsh Section D cob.

A cob is traditionally a small horse, usually 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.
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.
Contents

 1Characteristics
 2Show Cobs
 3Presentation
 4Working Cobs
 5Dress code
o 5.1Daytime dress
o 5.2Evening dress
 6Popular cob breeds
o 6.1Welsh Cobs
 o 6.2Coloured Cobs
o 6.3Norman Cobs
 7References
 8External links

Characteristics[edit]
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 good show cob should have "the
head of a lady and the backside of a cook."
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 1⁄2 hands; 58 1⁄2 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."[1]

Show Cobs[edit]
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,
or Maxi Cob exceeding 155 centimetres (15.1 hands; 61 in). The classes where
cobs are shown also have a similar breakdown:[2]

 Lightweight Cob: mare or gelding 4 years old and

over, not exceeding 148 cm (14.2 h; 58 in), capable of
carrying up to 89 kg (196 lb).
 Heavyweight Cob: mare or gelding 4 years old and
over, exceeding 148 cm, but not exceeding 155 cm,
capable of carrying more than 89 kg (196 lb).
 Maxi Cob exceeding 155 cm (15.1 h; 61 in): to be
judged as Cobs. Judges must pay particular attention
to type (i.e. short legged animals of Cob type).
Preferably to be shown hogged.
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[edit]
Cobs are exhibited with manes hogged, legs trimmed, and pulled tails and may
be ridden astride or sidesaddle.

Working Cobs[edit]
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[edit]
As with all horse showing disciplines, riders who exhibit cobs are required to
conform to strict rules for personal attire.[citation needed]
Daytime dress[edit]
 Bowler hat for men, bowler or hunting cap for women.
 Tweed coat for men. Tweed coat or plain black or blue
for women.
 Plain fawn or buff coloured breeches - not white.
 Plain black or brown boots.
 Garter straps. Points must face outwards and buckle
should be against and between buttons on breeches.
 Spurs should be worn by exhibitors and must be high
on the heel of the boot and horizontal.
 Any style of leather or string gloves.
 Plain malacca or leather cane, not to exceed 32”. No
schooling whips.
 Collar and ordinary tie. Tie must be pinned down.
 Ordinary shirt.
 No earrings
Evening dress[edit]
 Hunting Dress with hunting whips.
 Ladies wear black or blue hunting coats with bowler
hat or hunting cap. Fawn breeches and black boots
and garter straps. Some ladies now wear top hats in
the evening.
  Gentlemen wear scarlet or black hunt coat, either
ordinary pattern or cut away. White breeches must be
worn with scarlet coat and boots with tops and white
garter straps. White breeches with black patent top
boots may be worn with black coats or coloured
breeches and plain black boots. Top hat to be worn.

Popular cob breeds[edit]

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.[3]
Welsh Cobs[edit]
See also: Welsh pony
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[edit]
See also: Gypsy horse
Traditional or "Gypsy" cobs are often seen in "coloured" horse classes. Originally a
favourite of Romany travellers, who used them to pull caravans, they are now used
for driving, dressage, showing, and even jumping.
Norman Cobs[edit]
See also: Norman Cob
The Norman Cob or Cob Normand is a breed of light draft horse that originated in
the province of Normandy in northern France.

References[edit]
1. ^ British Show Horse Association
2. ^ The British Show Horse Association Rule Book 2016  (web),
The British Show Horse Association, 2016, p.  4.
3. ^ http://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/irish-cob-studbook/

 British Show Horse Association

External links[edit]
 Video: Horse Of The Year Show heavyweight cob of
the year lap of honour
show
 Horse breeds of the British Isles
Categories: 
 Types of horse
 Horse showing and exhibition
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 This page was last edited on 7 May 2019, at 00:07 (UTC).
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