Cobs , love or hate them?

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Horsekaren

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and why?
Does a good cob make a good all rounder or are options limited?

It would be great to hear what you get up to with your cobs and photos are always great to see :)
 
I don't like them; I find them unrefined in looks and manners. I particularly dislike their wide noses fleshy lips and moustaches. I don't mind feathers and prefer to see them on rather than off - if you have to shave your horse to make it look acceptable to you you've bought the wrong sort of horse imo. My friend has a cob and I've never actually confessed as such I don't like it even after the damned thing ran straight through me and an electric fence :(

My YO have a very traditional driving cob which is quite nice - more refined head and good manners but I view him very much as the exception.
 
Thanks for the responses so far!
I suppose in my OP by good cob I am referring to category 2/3

Category 1 - Gypsy type cobs/ hairy/ under 14.2/ usually patchy colored/ field ponies/ driving horses ect
Category 2 - a bit smarter / riding school horses/ happy hackers
Category 3 15h plus, muscle, feathered or hogged, tidy, dabbles in dressage, SJ, CC, hunting ect but still essentially a cob and could stand in a field by the road and not look out of place

(please don't take offence to my category system, i love them all)

I am concerned that i love my cob now and i hope he is my long term for ever horse but i know i am going to want a lot more from him in the next few years. Do people ever get bored of them or can they hold there own as all rounders at shows ect
 
If you love horses I don't think it's actually possible to 'hate' any type of horse. Some may not be as aesthetically pleasing to you as others and some may not be what you want temperament wise but why would you waste your time and energy 'hating' any type of horse? I'm always confused by this type of question. To me it's like saying, do you hate blondes/brunettes or people with brown/blue eyes? I mean why on earth would you????
 
I can very much appreciate a good example of a cob. The same thing I would say for a good example of any breed. They can make exceedingly good allrounders, with a small number doing well in mid level affiliated.

They can also be badly put together, rude, unsupple, fat hairy objects
 
ah I think I have picked a bad title, it was more to grab attention :( i have no interest in hearing people insult cobs as i love them and all breeds tbh. I basically interested in hearing what people get up to with them, are they good all rounder's or a bit restricted.


Snowy Celandine said:
If you love horses I don't think it's actually possible to 'hate' any type of horse. Some may not be as aesthetically pleasing to you as others and some may not be what you want temperament wise but why would you waste your time and energy 'hating' any type of horse? I'm always confused by this type of question. To me it's like saying, do you hate blondes/brunettes or people with brown/blue eyes? I mean why on earth would you????
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I love 'em. Never thought I would, having grown up favouring the WB/TB types but they are strong-minded, interesting to ride and there's all the gorgeous feather...The one I look after is being tried for dressage. I'd swear he thinks he's an arab, with all his floating about! :D

I tried reading the other thread mentioned, but the first 10 pages are basically just snarkiness and I can't be bothered with that.
 
Mine is a 15.2 Irish-bred vanner type. Far too much hair, looks a complete scruff most of the time, is the greasiest horse I've ever met and has the common mallenders and sallenders but has turned his hand to anything I have asked of him so far. He can jump a decent height (like over the stable door) and his lateral work is very good.

However, we have been limited in what we have done to date partly by my lack of transport and partly because he remains a work in progress after five years. If I had time to school more consistently, I'd say he be a reasonable all-rounder. He is a slow learner but when something clicks, it really clicks.

He is pretty forward going and quite enthusiastic about life in general. He likes his work and, I think, generally aims to please. He certainly would not be everyone's cup of tea as he's not pretty, constantly mouthy and a bit of a stress-head but when I bought him I wanted something not too big but up to my then higher weight that was cheap to keep. He lives on fresh air and goes barefoot so certainly fulfilled those criteria.

A friend's smaller cob does well at prelim dressage and 60cm xc and sj courses, which is basically all she wants. Would either of them go round Badminton? Not a snowflake's chance in hell but both are a good option for people who want to enjoy hacking and a bit of basic competition.
 
I had one - a chunky, hairy piebald, from the better part of 20 years ago, before they were fashionable. He was a great horse - he would do literally anything I wanted, no matter how daft. Jumped well (for a cob - competed up to 90s in his late teens), dressaged well enough (competent at novice, didn't go beyond that because at the time I wasn't interested), did TREC to a good level, played horseball, terrific hack (you could send a tiny kid out on him and trust him) and indulged my dafter side (I have photos of him galloping around a field while I played a violin, amongst other things).

I wouldn't buy another. Not sporty enough for what I want now, many of them have questionable conformation and they're just a bit rustic looking. Basically a combination of my expectations changing, and having had one of the best, not wanting something similar but less appealing...
 
I love mine, didn't really want a cob but I fell in love with him! He's very polite and well mannered, I can load him up and travel him on my own and he'll have a go at anything.
However, keeping him fit is a full time job!
 
Depends entirely on the cob. I've ridden plods who while nice for a quiet walk in the forest you don't have to think about would frustrate me no end if I was trying to work. Then I've ridden those you need to have every sense plus your sixth switched on to make sure you don't end up dead and I absolutely hate that too. Mine whilst very uncobby (but clearly some sort in there maybe 1/4 or 1/8) is somewhat in the middle and is perfect :)
 
My mum owns a cob x trotter and she is used as a gorgeous happy hacker. Super speedy and lovely to the leg although not a push button, she will test you but that is the fun bit! She is also very motherly with kids or just inexperienced riders and knows exactly what to do to give them confidence, she won't test them but look after them. She is fab!
 
I don't like cobs at all - even show cobs - as I just find them aesthetically unpleasing. I like to look out the window at my horses and see elegance and beauty and cobs just don't do it for me.
 
I love Welsh Sect D Cobs but must admit they are not always the ideal horses for everyone but I am not keen on traditional cobs because they are just too wide and are usually coloureds which don't really appeal to me.
 
mle22 said:
I don't like cobs at all - even show cobs - as I just find them aesthetically unpleasing. I like to look out the window at my horses and see elegance and beauty and cobs just don't do it for me.
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This. Until I rode some at a show. They changed my mind! Only one was what I would call lazy and even then you nudged her up a gear and she stayed in it until asked to change with no nagging. The others were awesome good fun!

Would I have one myself? Nope! Soz! I like pretty pretty ponies!
 
dont like the look of them I am shallow and a sucker for a pretty head as yet I have to see a cob with the kind of head I like. I do know I wouldnt like riding one as the plods are hard work and the fizzy ones far to strong They rarely seem to come in a polite, sensitive and easy ride. I dont class Wesh d as a cob though as I do love these. There is a coloured part bred wesh cob type that has a pretty head but these tend not to match the rest of them
 
Ah, ok OP, if it was just badly chosen wording then no worries :D I've never had a cob myself because I don't really like the look of them but I can see that a good cob can be exactly the right choice for many people.
 
I have a very deep rooted and complex love/hate relationship with cobs (I've owned several of various sorts and still own one) they're strange creatures, many people make the mistake of thinking they're dumb but that's how they get you! They're actually very intelligent! I do think they make great low level allrounders (obviously there's exceptions) but for the most part they're unlikely to be world beaters in any discipline
 
Today daughter on 15hh cob left me on 16.3 TB eating dust across a long stubble field. I'd totally let my horse go and she was still checking hers back (to avoid going through the hedge at the top 🤣 )
He's awesome! The first cob we have ever owned
 
I don't think you can classify them all the same way. Mine doesn't fit into any of your categories (she's too small for category three).
I've spent time schooling her so that she is fit, supple and a pleasure to ride. She's forward going, sensitive but usually safe. She learns fast and tries her heart out for me.
We're at the start of our journey, but she's in high 60's at prelim and we are nearly ready to try novice. Lateral work is easy for her and she has enough energy to go much further.
I get frustrated when people say they are fat, lazy and rude. It's not their fault if someone has let that happen.
I don't get why the average rider would discount them - surely personality and 'fit' is far more important.
If you want to keep yours then put the work in now and they will keep up with you - at least until you reach nearer the top levels of competition that is.
 
Love a cob. My friend has one who is very competitive at BE90. Another friend has a Welsh cob who has turned his hoof to just about everything and excelled himself on many occasions. I've won a BS 90 class on a 14.2 cob and had most of my best riding adventures on a cob. The first cob I ever rode, called Cobby (!) was a top class show cob and the most beautifully schooled horse I've ever ridden. He also jumped up to about a metre very well. They are generally tough and safe with great characters. Just how I like my horses.

I've just sold my 14.2 as a safe novice hacker. She gears herself right down and is happy to plod along with her new owner yet if I get on her she is equally happy to gee right up and have a gallop. Unbeatable.
 
The word 'cob' covers such a wide range of animals. I have two cobs - one is a Traditional Gypsy Cob and one is a Coloured Native (we believe mainly Welsh Section D). The two of them couldn't be more different, but imo are fabulous examples of their breed/type.

Our little TGC has the most fabulous temperament, you can do anything with her, my kids lead her and help me to bath her/groom her. Unfortunately, we are having lots of issues with headshaking, but when we could ride her she was forward, enthusiastic but safe as houses. We adore her.

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The native is only a 2 year old and has not been with us long, but is proving very trainable, willing and so, so sweet - if a little sharp, which will hopefully translate well under saddle when we back her.

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But there are so many other types of cob. I love a good hogged/trimmed cob and also a large vanner type. I've just come back from Traditional Of The Year Show, where there were just some absolutely breathtaking cobs on show, competing in all sorts of disciplines.

For me, cobs are so versatile, trainable and willing. You can have such a good time with them and they never fail to put a smile on my face :)
 
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McFluff said:
I don't think you can classify them all the same way. Mine doesn't fit into any of your categories (she's too small for category three).
I've spent time schooling her so that she is fit, supple and a pleasure to ride. She's forward going, sensitive but usually safe. She learns fast and tries her heart out for me.
We're at the start of our journey, but she's in high 60's at prelim and we are nearly ready to try novice. Lateral work is easy for her and she has enough energy to go much further.
I get frustrated when people say they are fat, lazy and rude. It's not their fault if someone has let that happen.
I don't get why the average rider would discount them - surely personality and 'fit' is far more important.
If you want to keep yours then put the work in now and they will keep up with you - at least until you reach nearer the top levels of competition that is.
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I totally agree with you. I am putting in the work and absolutely love him, if anything its me holding him back at the minute!
He is without a doubt the cleverest horse I have ever met, so keen to please has a good attitude.
I doubt I will ever be at top levels of completion but I know in time I will want to take him out to comps and don't want to be mocked for having a cob.

My categories were a bit naff!

Team cob!
 
I think perhaps peoples opinions are coloured by their experiences. I am old my experience of cobs is as I said either dead from the neck up or strong and bargy. Like everything else there are, I am certain, good and bad in everything. However training cobs properly is probably a recent, as in the pasr 20 or so years, thing as most were farmers rides, or riding school horses so not actually coming from the best background.
Historically
Tb were bonkers
arabs flighty
cobs chunky but stupid
ponies naughty
etc
But none of these are true now people take much more time in producing an educated all round horse of what ever kind. I would never want to own a cob but was impressed by the maxi cobs thundering about the county show.
I would also add as most riders only want to enjoy their ride however limited a horse or big pony is it will almost always be capable of doing a average level of competition with the correct instruction. Most even competitive everyday riders dont aspire to jump more than about 90cm and go further than prelim or novice dressage if they compete. My guess would be that 75% of riders are happy to just have a go at things.
 
I love my cob. She very much keeps me on me toes and IMO she is gorgeous - I love nothing more than watching her gallop up to me in the field and that long mane blowing in the wind. Don't get me wrong, more often that not she looks like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards(!) but I try keep her as well presented as possible.

For what I want her for she ticks all the boxes. She is only 4 and we still have a long way to go - we spend our time hacking regularly, schooling once a week and doing groundwork as she is quite bolshy. I have just started the Cobs Can workbook with her which she is responding well to so far. I'm not in any rush with her and I think that suits her down to the ground.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTL9dvwFcY0/?taken-by=the_little_redbrick

I always remember the time I was out riding and a little boy said to his mum 'Mummy my favourite horse is the one that looks like a cow' - that's my girl!
 
I was not that fond of cobs- until we got one. We went out looking for a sensible coloured (!) native pony and came back with a mainly white piebald cob.

I just love every bone in his body and I hope we never have to sell him.

The only way to describe him is complete dude.

He was bought a mum/son share for myself and tall ten year old. He has done everything we ask and more. He's kind and forgiving, a brilliant confidence giver but can perform all we ask if him (which tbf isn't a huge amount but most regular riders don't!)

He's safely taken son to PC rallies, camp, fancy dress, jumping and team dressage. The best thing about him is I never have to worry about them. I can wave them off happily and know they're safe.

He took me hunting for the first time and round xc for the first time as an adult.

He and my son are about to move up to novice dressage this autumn and his instructor suggests they think about a few BD prelims. We've struggled to get enough lessons in over the past year due to new baby, but instructor recently said if they work at it, and start having regular lessons again they could realistically work their way to elementary.

My only sadness is that his legs haven't kept up with my son's. I cavern measured him recently but he must be a good 5'10 or so. Thankfully he's a complete beanpole.

I really hope we can keep him forever, however we have several people who have asked us to speak to them if we ever thought of selling or loaning.
 
Love mine who I have now had for 10 years.

Wasn't even looking to buy a horse at the time though was vaguely looking around at full loans as had had enough of part loaning. A friend of mine said she knew someone who needed to sell her horse which she thought would suit us so we went to view her, put an offer in which was accepted and arranged to pick her up. No vetting as she was cheap. Went to pick her up and nearly ended up not getting her as she wouldn't load. Daughter ended up having to hack her nearly 4 hours to get her to a yard close enough to home.

She is a 15.2 dales x irish cob and was bought as a mother/daughter share when she was 16 although for the last 4 years its just me riding her as daughter now has her own horse. Total confidence giver but definitely not a plod - she just feels safe even when she is messing about. She has been what I would call a low level allrounder - hacking, schooling/dressage at prelim/novice level, and jumping a course up to 3ft. She is now 26 and I have just stopped jumping her this year as she just wasn't jumping as happily as before so have been concentrating on the dressage side of things and we have both been learning lateral work and collection (in order to get her working from behind to lighten her forehand) and now we are having a go at extension and counter canter.

Only downsides are that she can sometimes be very stubborn, has been known in the past to jump over her stable door and over fences/gates between fields when she fancies being elsewhere, and the biggest one is that she will not travel in a box or trailer (has a total panic attack when you try and close the ramp) so we have always been restricted to local shows that we can hack to.
 
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