An observation: Small traditionals?

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domane

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Is it me or are "traditionals" - ie, heavy feathered coloured cobs - getting smaller? There are so many of them advertised now that are around the 13hh mark or is it just that I'm aware so I notice them more? Unless you are going to drive them, what is the point of breeding small ones? They are far too strong for children and there are only so many "small adults" that want to ride.

Opinions, observations, thoughts????
 
They do tend to look and ride bigger, so take up a normal ladies leg well.

However I have noticed that there are a lot more smalls about than large ones....I am looking for a large trad youngster!
 
Yep, I have one as a companion and other than doing that he doesn't have much of a purpose! He is about 12.2 I think.
 
There is a field full of these near me, I too had wondered about their 'usefulness,' as although they are feathered they seem to have very little bone, so not so useful for overweight kids, they look like they have sec B in them somewhere. I thought they were larger (14hh +) and I was quite surprised by how small they were when I walked through the field.

I hope it isn't a new craze of 'miniatures' that are only good as field ornaments and end up overbred due to sudden popularity.
 
Many gypsies are breeding them small, and yes they are mixing in welsh to get the size down.

Mine is a larger chap at just over 15 hands and it did take me a while to find him.

Many of the 13.2s look to be far larger than they are and many are ridden by adults as they do take up the leg.

They used to be more of the 14 - 14.2 size ones when they used to be bred to pull the wagons.
 
There was one on the yard we used to be at - just about 14hh. He is owned by an adult, but she is about 6st dripping wet, and if he was not such a sweetheart he would be too strong for her TBH. He was schooled by a friend who is nearly 6ft and she didn't look too big on him really, apart from her sickeningly long legs!
 
The smaller cobs were bred to pull carts, their primary purpose has never been as riding horses, but compact pony sized cobs were useful for all the family to ride when not being used for driving.They are strong enough to carry an adult and take up enough leg around the girth for tall riders, so a pretty useful animal all round.
 
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