Cob

Cobs are usually of a stout build with strong bones, large joints and steady disposition. A number of cob breeds are popular in the UK, including the Welsh cob, the Irish Cob and the "Coloured Cob" or "Gypsy Cob," known in the USA as the Gypsy vanner 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. 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.

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. Traditional heavy cobs may be exhibited with manes hogged, legs trimmed, and pulled tails and may be ridden astride or sidesaddle.

Show cobs in the United Kingdom are overseen by the British Show Horse Association (BHSA), formerly known as The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association. Cobs are registered in three divisions: lightweight (minimum of 8½” bone), heavyweight (minimum of 9” bone), or Maxi Cob exceeding 155 cms. The classes where cobs are shown also have a similar breakdown:

    * Lightweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying up to 14 stone (196 pounds).
    * Heavyweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying more than 14 stone.
    * Maxi Cob exceeding 155cms - 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.

In general terms, cobs are larger than ponies, standing 14.2 hands 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 148cms (58 inches or 14.2 hands) with a maximum height of 155cms (61 inches or 15.1 hands), 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.

Characteristics
In general terms, cobs are larger than ponies, standing 14.2 hands or taller, but are relatively small and compact, usually with somewhat short legs.

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

Showing

Show cobs in the United Kingdom are overseen by the British show horse assosiation (BHSA), formerly known as The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association. Cobs are registered in three divisions: lightweight (minimum of 8½” bone), heavyweight (minimum of 9” bone), or Maxi Cob exceeding 155 cms. The classes where cobs are shown also have a similar breakdown:

• Lightweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying up to 14 stone (196 pounds).
• Heavyweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying more than 14 stone.
• Maxi Cob exceeding 155cms - 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.

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

Cob breeds
A number of cob breeds are popular in the UK, including the Welsh cob, the Irish cob and the "Coloured Cob" or "Gypsy Cob," known in the USA as the Gypsy vanner horse. 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. 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 drving, dressage, showing, and even jumping.

Cobs are nice animals. They are mostly calm, laid back animals, suitable for beginners, novices and for hacking and pleasure riding, and most of all for fun. You can get different types of Cobs, show cobs ,gypsy cobs,coloured cobs, maxi cobs, and traditionals.