Can someone PLEASE tell me where to buy a young 15hh quality cob

Try again with photos of my gelding.

The day I got him:

F09B1A73-22A3-4782-96CA-F8577434EB26.jpg


Several months later:

6B0A6D96-BF50-4A92-9643-6C0C95CD6602.png


image.jpg
 
Last edited:
PoppyAnderson......if you are happy to go to Ireland I would give Reid Finlay a ring (07968 105377) - he has sourced quite a few successful cobs over the years. In this country, you could try Michael Cooper - not really a cob specialist but he let me have a sit on a nice one a couple of years back when I went to try something else and he would have some good contacts. (07789 076468)
 
Not joking at all.
I don't have a preferred type, but after meeting a LOT of stubborn, obstinate, dangerous, nasty cobs i would avoid buying one! And in all honesty I just don't understand the hype. Loads of people I know race about cobs, they think they're all lovely, calm obedient ponies and honestly at first glance they seem to be, but spend more than a few hours with one and you notice they are really stubborn and to me just seem dead in their minds! I can't stand dealing with them.
If I met one that did suit what I wanted, then maybe if go for it, but i just doubt I ever would, I prefer a forward going horse with something about it, a bit spooky, fizzy and fun, intelligent and willing to work, fast and sharp.
I've probably just experienced some mean cobs, like I'm sure there are in every breed. I know a lot of people who'd never buy a tb because of stereotypes, however the tbs I've known have been lovely lovely horses and made perfect sense.But I just seem to get on with hotter, sharper horses. I can't stand misbehaving horses. I don't mind spooking, bolting rearing, bucking as long as it's out of fear or an excuse but when it's just out of laziness, which is what cobs seem to do, I can't stand it.

The problem is that most people do not know what a show cob is. It is not a clipped and trimmed hairy cob nor is it a clipped and trimmed welsh D. In fact if you took either of those into a show cob class then you would quite frankly be laughed at. For starters they move completely differently and that is just one difference. I do think before you go any further you really should take a look at this for some idea of what a true show cob is like. Note the movement - they move from the shoulder and not the knee and this movement is one of the most important points along with type, conformation, ride and manners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rK8c9KqyHA

I am truly not sure what cobs you have been riding but I think you would agree that none of the animals in that ring are stubborn or dead in their minds. Oh and show cobs are not a 'breed' they are a 'type' - in fact it is impossible to breed a show cob - many people have tried and it just does not happen. They are a bit of a freak of nature. A lovely freak of nature and it is this that attracts the top show people to them.
 
Last edited:
PoppyAnderson......if you are happy to go to Ireland I would give Reid Finlay a ring (07968 105377) - he has sourced quite a few successful cobs over the years. In this country, you could try Michael Cooper - not really a cob specialist but he let me have a sit on a nice one a couple of years back when I went to try something else and he would have some good contacts. (07789 076468)

Reid Finlay has got some seriously nice horses on his website!
 
Hi Op, I have a cob from the Croila stud in Scotland he is 15.3 Cleveland BayX Highlandx Tersky. He is all bay, tiny star , does a lovely dressage test and a course of 2'6". He has a smashing temperament and I can take him any where, we are just ready to go out competing maxi's might be worth a look on their site. X
 
So can anyone explain what a cob actually is? If it's type does that mean they can be lots of different breeds, it's more about their conformation/build?

Yes, it's a type so it can be a purebred or a mix of breeds as long as it is true to type.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob_(horse)

I also have zebra finches and the words cob and cobby are also used to describe the chunky, thicker set 'exhibition' type finch, so it's not just restricted to horses.
 
Yes, it's a type so it can be a purebred or a mix of breeds as long as it is true to type.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob_(horse)

I also have zebra finches and the words cob and cobby are also used to describe the chunky, thicker set 'exhibition' type finch, so it's not just restricted to horses.

"the head of a lady and the backside of a cook" ! Forgotten about that lovely turn of phrase. I think I might be a cob.
 
Hi Op, I have a cob from the Croila stud in Scotland he is 15.3 Cleveland BayX Highlandx Tersky. He is all bay, tiny star , does a lovely dressage test and a course of 2'6". He has a smashing temperament and I can take him any where, we are just ready to go out competing maxi's might be worth a look on their site. X

My friend had a lovely one called Yogi, he was a star. They breed highlands but have Cleveland bays they drive?

http://newtonmoreridingcentre.com/
 
My friend had a lovely one called Yogi, he was a star. They breed highlands but have Cleveland bays they drive?

http://newtonmoreridingcentre.com/

I am pleased you mentioned newtonmore. They did cross a CB stallion with Highlands which produced very nice hunter types. The stallion died several years ago.

I know someone in Balquidder who purchased one who had the most fabulous temperament. I believe the stallion, was by Mulgrave Royal, I have one of his mares and the temperament comes down the line.

Nice to read this post.
 
I managed to breed one accidentally and she has a good dose of Highland in as above. There are two for sale on Horsegossip at the moment, quite often see them advertised on there.
Mine has a serious amount of filling out to do at the moment, she has a huge frame, and is about to go out with a youngstock herd on a hill for the summer! She is quiet, willing, and seems a sensible sort so far!
 
PoppyAnderson- I would just get on the phone- even if people don't have anything for you, if you tell them what you're after/budget they might be able to point you in a certain direction.
 
I think cob youngstock are the hardest to buy. I've seen before and after pictures on here that are just incredible - scruffy youngsters with seemingly poor conformation who blossom into beautifully put together show cobs. OP it sounds like you have a good eye so I hope you will soon find your diamond in the rough, it's not a task I envy. You see so many poorly put together cobs advertised these days. The good examples I know have in general come over from Ireland, I hope the contacts given on the thread will help you.
 
^^ True, mine was dirty, soaked, covered on not eggs and a tick, euw, when I viewed him. He looks ok in the show ring!

Yes but I wouldn't know where to start! There should be a Dummy's guide to horse shopping in Ireland!

Poppy, if you have no luck with the people mentioned, drop me a pm, I know an Irish horse agent who will source horses to your requirements. Don't discount the littler ones, you know they're a slow growing type, mine was 14hh2 at 5 and finished at 15hh1, rides a lot bigger!
 
Our cob came hairy from Appleby originally, spotted by a talented lady! He was placed as a hogged cob at RIHS in his 4YO year and has been placed at royal windsor every year since so he hasn't been laughed out the ring too often :) He is coloured though.
 
IS a Welsh D not a cob?

My cob came over from Ireland as a 4yr old - but he WAS backed. Just. He was lovely but had 4 splints so must have been doing a lot :(.
 
IS a Welsh D not a cob?

My cob came over from Ireland as a 4yr old - but he WAS backed. Just. He was lovely but had 4 splints so must have been doing a lot :(.

A Welsh section D is a specific breed. And in Welsh circles they are called cobs.

They term 'cob' covers a variety of generally shorter, chunky, fairly hairy horses/ponies.

However a show cob is no specific breed. But has a very definite type. Welsh Ds do not usually conform to a show cob type.
 
Top