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 A breed is a specific group of breedable domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist seve ...

. Historically, in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

and, to a lesser extent, the eastern

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, 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

, but less so in

North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...

. In the United States and United Kingdom, the term "cob" is primarily used to describe the Welsh cob, and in the sizing of

bridle A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the ''Oxford English Dictionary'', the "bridle" includes both the that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit. It prov ...

s for horses, designating a smaller size that will fit not only the Welsh cob, but also many Morgans,

Arabian The Arabian Peninsula (, , or , , ) or Arabia, is a peninsula in West Asia, situated north-east of Africa on the Arabian plate. At , comparable in size to India, the Arabian Peninsula is the largest peninsula in the world. Geographically, the ...

s, some

American Quarter Horse The American Quarter Horse, or Quarter Horse, is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name is derived from its ability to outrun other horse breeds in races of or less; some have been clocked at speeds up to ...

s, and other horses with short, triangular-shaped heads.

Characteristics

In general terms, cobs are larger than

ponies A pony is a type of small horse, usually measured under a specified height at maturity. Ponies often have thicker coats, manes and tails, compared to larger horses, and proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavier , thicker necks and s ...

, standing or taller, but are relatively small and compact, usually with somewhat short legs. The

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". Popular uses of the cob include

driving Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. A driver's permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met, and drivers are required to ...

, 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 with a maximum height of , 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 Hunting is the human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, and killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to obtain the animal's body for meat and useful animal products ( fur/ hide, bone/tusks, ...

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: * Lightweight Cob: mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding , but not exceeding , capable of carrying up to . * Heavyweight Cob: mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding , but not exceeding , capable of carrying more than . * Maxi Cob exceeding , 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

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

sidesaddle Sidesaddle riding is a form of equestrianism that uses a type of saddle that 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 A ...

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 The Hunter division is a branch of horse show competition that is judged on the horse's performance, soundness and when indicated, conformation, suitability or manners. A "show hunter" is a horse that competes in this division. Show hunters, ...

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.

Popular cob breeds

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.

Welsh cobs

The

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

caravan Caravan or caravans may refer to: Transport and travel *Campervan, a type of vehicle also known as a motor caravan *Caravan (travellers), a group of travellers journeying together **Caravanserai, a place where a caravan could stop *Caravan (trail ...

s, they are now used for

dressage Dressage ( or ; , most commonly translated as "training") is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. As an equestrianism, equestrian sport defined by th ...

, showing, and even

jumping Jumping or leaping is a form of locomotion or movement in which an organism or non-living (e.g., robotic) mechanical system propels itself through the air along a ballistic trajectory. Jumping can be distinguished from running, galloping and ...

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.

References

British Show Horse Association

External links

Video: Horse Of The Year Show heavyweight cob of the year lap of honour
{{British horses Types of horse Horse showing and exhibition