10 fascinating facts about cobs

The cob has been described as a horse with “the head of a duchess and the backside of a cook”. Having originally been used as draught, working horses, they’re now more likely to be seen being ridden and they’re proving to be quite versatile, too, as they take part in a wide variety of activities and disciplines. Read on to find out some fascinating facts about them.

1. The term cob is a type rather than a breed, with the exception of the Welsh cob, which has a very specific breed standard, although it shares some characteristics with other types of cob. Generally, a cob is a horse or pony between 14–15hh in height, with a stocky body, sturdy legs and joints, a well-muscled neck and a degree of feather on the lower leg. Cobs usually have a calm temperament and tend to be hardy, good-doers.
2. Cobs are very popular in the showing world and are split into three divisions – lightweight, heavy and maxi – by the British Show Horse Association according to height and the amount of weight they can carry. Cobs are usually shown with hogged manes to show off their sturdy necks, neatly trimmed feather and tails pulled.
3. Vanner or Gyspy cobs have been bred by travellers since the late 19^th century when they were used for pulling traditional caravans, known as vardoes. Although a definite type, and usually (but not always) piebald or skewbald in colour, there was no official studbook until 1996, and, because of this, earlier records of the breed are largely anecdotal based on oral accounts.
4. The term Welsh cob usually refers to the largest of the four Welsh breeds, the Section D – although the smaller Section C is very similar in appearance, but standing up to 13.2hh. They can be any solid colour and are renowned for their stamina, strength, hardiness, good nature and extravagant action. They are true all-rounders and are shown with a single free-hanging plait in the loose mane. Other British breeds with a cob-like build include the Dales, Highland and Fell ponies, which also have their own distinct breed standards and stud books.
5. Most Medieval horses were under 15hh and of cob type. This enabled them to not only work on the land and pull considerable loads, but also carry the cavalry knights whose armour would have been very heavy. Later, they were used for pleasure riding, hunting and carriage driving, especially as their strength, stamina and sure-footedness meant they were very capable of travelling long distances and tackling uneven terrain.
6. DNA analysis has shown that cobs have genetic links to large draught breeds, such as the Clydesdale, which suggests their ancestry lies in the crossing of native ponies with much larger, stockier animals to produce a relatively small horse with a strong, muscular physique.
7. There are a few health conditions that are more prevalent in cobs than other horses. These include equine metabolic syndrome, mud fever (due to the abundant lower-leg feather), sweet itch, ringbone and sidebone (associated with the greater weight carried by the lower leg and increased concussive forces travelling through their more upright pasterns), and a few genetic diseases.
8. Most cobs do best on high-fibre, low-calorie feeds, as they have a tendency to gain weight easily, which can lead to the development of equine metabolic syndrome, with its high risk of laminitis.
9. Like ponies, cobs, when cared for correctly, have a relatively long lifespan and 30 is not an unusual age for a cob.
10. Although cobs can sometimes have a stubborn streak, generally their sweet nature makes them ideal for anyone who wants a reliable, trustworthy mount who’s undemanding, keeps a cool head and can turn their hoof to anything. They’re also popular as therapy horses and for use by Riding for the Disabled thanks to their high levels of tolerance and patience, particularly with people who may have mobility or cognitive challenges.