Cobs

[eahotson]

I do love my little cob and the things I most value for me, i.e a steady sensible and quite brave attitude are all there.There is genuinely not a nasty bone in her body and she is definately a keeper.However I do wonder about some aspects and here obviously I generalize as all individuals and breeds do vary.
She can be bargy on the ground unless handled firmly.You have to be a bit assertive.Ditto under saddle.You say to her "Don't do that Hattie" and she says "You don't really mean that do you?"
A breeder of cobs had a nice one up for sale that she says is forward and willing "Not like a typical cob!".These are all traditional cobs.
I had a cob a few years ago and he was the same as Hattie now I come to think about it.New trainer is doing well at getting her more forward and cantering well but he is having to be quite firm with her.Any comments.

 

[planete]

My little 13.2 hairy cob was incredibly bargy when he arrived. A lot of in hand work has sorted that out. He is only now learning to canter under saddle (he is 9!) and I am holding off letting a slight 10 year old ride him as I think he will just cart her slowly wherever he wants to go. She cannot understand why as she rides her mother's 15.2 saint of a mare. I have found him to be very opinionated but that may be because he had really had no schooling or done any solo riding until I bought him two years ago. He is however very bright and learns very quickly and the more we do with him the more perfect he becomes.

 

[tristar]

thanks for starting this, i have my first ever cob, although he is a finer model, not very hairy, he has the bargy thing, however i make him `go backwards` whenever he get a bit much in hand, it has taught him so much patience, how to wait etc, he is very, very lively, naturally forward thinking and has that bossy stubborn thing to some degree, but is easily persuaded to get over himself

he is a joy to have around, and has a way of looking at you that melts you heart.

would echo the steady sensible thing in the sense sometimes i get glimpses of it, but he is still young and learning, developing

his biggest problem or gift? is his sheer exuberance for life in general

 

[stangs]

In my experience, cobs tend to internalise a lot of their worries in a way, which then comes out as barginess rather than spooks. But they’re also more likely to not come from a good breeder who taught them manners kindly but firmly, so that must have an impact as well.

 

[eahotson]

In my experience, cobs tend to internalise a lot of their worries in a way, which then comes out as barginess rather than spooks. But they’re also more likely to not come from a good breeder who taught them manners kindly but firmly, so that must have an impact as well.

She did come from a good breeder but not directly.

 

[eahotson]

My little 13.2 hairy cob was incredibly bargy when he arrived. A lot of in hand work has sorted that out. He is only now learning to canter under saddle (he is 9!) and I am holding off letting a slight 10 year old ride him as I think he will just cart her slowly wherever he wants to go. She cannot understand why as she rides her mother's 15.2 saint of a mare. I have found him to be very opinionated but that may be because he had really had no schooling or done any solo riding until I bought him two years ago. He is however very bright and learns very quickly and the more we do with him the more perfect he becomes.

That made me laugh so much.I could just imagine Hattie saying kindly but firmly to some small child "No you don't want to go there dear, you want to come over her" and completely ignoring frantic tugs on the reins or flapping little legs.

 

[eahotson]

She did come from a good breeder but not directly.

As an addition though, new trainer thinks that a lot of her basic backing was missing.He thinks that basically someone just got on her and rode her which might well be true.It worked well to a certain level but the gaps are now beginning to become apparent.
She could well have been the sort in a riding school who no wanted to ride because they couldn't get her going but would be marvellous for the RDA or total beginners.

 

[eahotson]

My little 13.2 hairy cob was incredibly bargy when he arrived. A lot of in hand work has sorted that out. He is only now learning to canter under saddle (he is 9!) and I am holding off letting a slight 10 year old ride him as I think he will just cart her slowly wherever he wants to go. She cannot understand why as she rides her mother's 15.2 saint of a mare. I have found him to be very opinionated but that may be because he had really had no schooling or done any solo riding until I bought him two years ago. He is however very bright and learns very quickly and the more we do with him the more perfect he becomes.

Hopefully Hattie will become perfect.

 

[Dexter]

A huge percentage of them have PSSM and that goes a long way toward explaining how "quiet" they are and how spooky they can be, and the issues with cantering etc. Its such a shame.

 

[eahotson]

A huge percentage of them have PSSM and that goes a long way toward explaining how "quiet" they are and how spooky they can be, and the issues with cantering etc. Its such a shame.

She isn't spooky, not at all and she was very well vetted by a very competent vet.She appears to be in very good health and has no problems cantering at will in the field.She can turn on a sixpence when she wants.

 

[mavandkaz]

I am a fellow cob lover, and got my first one three years ago, although always been a fan.
What I have found is that there seems to be this idea that cobs behave a certain way, or have specific traits.
What I have found, certainly in the case of my mare, is that they are no different to any other horse in their behaviour/character.
Consistent good handling leads to a polite horse. Someone early on in my mates life obviously instilled manners and she is perfect on the ground. Her previous owner let her get away with barging out the stable, she did this twice with me and hasn't since.
Similar with riding - she was fat and unfit when I started riding her. Struggled to canter in the school, would just plod out on a hack. Was a bit spooky and would spin with previous owner.
Now she is fit, she is up for anything. Forward going, loves galloping and jumping. Will march out at a walk - out walks and trots my tb.
But with my sharer she will plod heading out on hack, and occasionally naps/plants. She knows not to even try it with me.
It annoys me when you see adverts saying 'bargy/ploddy etc, just a typical cob'. That's not a typical cob', that's what you have allowed them to become, same with any other breed. Although every cob I have known has had a sense of humour, and will test to see what they can get away with.

 

[eahotson]

I am a fellow cob lover, and got my first one three years ago, although always been a fan.
What I have found is that there seems to be this idea that cobs behave a certain way, or have specific traits.
What I have found, certainly in the case of my mare, is that they are no different to any other horse in their behaviour/character.
Consistent good handling leads to a polite horse. Someone early on in my mates life obviously instilled manners and she is perfect on the ground. Her previous owner let her get away with barging out the stable, she did this twice with me and hasn't since.
Similar with riding - she was fat and unfit when I started riding her. Struggled to canter in the school, would just plod out on a hack. Was a bit spooky and would spin with previous owner.
Now she is fit, she is up for anything. Forward going, loves galloping and jumping. Will march out at a walk - out walks and trots my tb.
But with my sharer she will plod heading out on hack, and occasionally naps/plants. She knows not to even try it with me.
It annoys me when you see adverts saying 'bargy/ploddy etc, just a typical cob'. That's not a typical cob', that's what you have allowed them to become, same with any other breed. Although every cob I have known has had a sense of humour, and will test to see what they can get away with.

There is much in what you say and my old boy,while usually a complete gentleman could become a bit bargeyif feeling insecure.Hattie is not bargey if you are firm but I agree a lot is down to training.IMHO and that is all it is,I do think,because so many of them are so quiet (or cheap to buy) no one bothers much with their training.the only

 

[saddlesore]

My boy is fantastic. I’ve had him from a youngster so he doesn’t pull or barge etc but he is a sensitive soul and I agree with earlier comment about internalising. I think lots of them are not the stoic ‘machines’ they are expected to be, but their worries are brushed off as rudeness, bolshiness etc.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Cobs get a bad name because years ago they were considered common so were cheap so a lot of novices had them. A cob is very intelligent and learns very quickly what he or she can get away with. So then you have novice people handling and riding strong horses , who then get to barge when they want to and be lazy under saddle. And that's how the "typical cob" gets the undeserved reputation.

 

[eahotson]

Lot of truth in that.Mine is certainly very intelligent.

 

[mavandkaz]

Very well put sossigpoker

 

[Lady Tinseltime]

I have owned 3 cobs and am about to pick up my fourth one next week (as a four year old eek!) None of them have been bargy - in fact all three of them were very polite horses. I agree with Sossigpoker that their early handling and riding makes them what they are

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

A lot of people think cobs are laid-back placid types which are good for novices and/or heavier riders.

No they are NOT always a novice ride. Deffo not. My old lad (gypsy cob) was as quirky as a box of frogs; he'd never give you the same ride around the same route twice, was a contrary old git and had a special line in corkscrew bucks when he felt like it, but I loved the silly old fool to bits.

That said, when he DID actually have a genuine novice on him he'd come to Jesus and was a reformed character - he behaved as a paragon of all virtue and his conduct was impeccable. It was the "in-betweener" riders who he'd take the Yellow Liquid out of big-time - and heaven help someone who announced themselves as "being able to ride". They REALLY were given every single behavioural quirk known to the equine world if they dared to climb up on him and think they knew it all.

He seemed to have psychic abilities and knew if he had someone who actually looked down on cobs (yes there ARE those in the equine world who do).

A real character. We lost him four years ago now.

Then there are "pony cobs". Just imagine it. ALL cob and ALL pony. I've got one! AND a mare to boot. Life is never boring!!

 

[eahotson]

I have owned 3 cobs and am about to pick up my fourth one next week (as a four year old eek!) None of them have been bargy - in fact all three of them were very polite horses. I agree with Sossigpoker that their early handling and riding makes them what they are

Yes and no is my personal experience.Harriet became very bargy on our yard.It was the staff who handled her mostly.When I realized I got a very good trainer to come down and help us with this.He did.Lots of ground work and showed us all what to do as well.All settled.Then a new and novice member of staff joined.The crafty little so and so saw a gap in the defences and exploited it.Someone showed new member of staff what to do.All calmed down again.
She is currently at boarding school with this trainer (boarding school for horses that is) .He has no problems with her per se but says she pushes her luck quite a lot if allowed.I don't think she is scared but has a definate sense of humour and very strong opinions.I am missing her.Don't see much of her at the moment.

 

[mavandkaz]

Mine can be cheeky, and will exploit a weakness in someone new if she gets the chance
She is very easy to read, you know exactly how she is feeling and what she's thinking. She did lack confidence when I first got her, and her reaction was to run away. But a month of teaching her to wait, and process - and she is now brave, and will look to me for courage if needed. No more spinning and running at monsters in the hedge.
My tb on the other hand internalised. People think he is calm and placid, but actually he's very sensitive.

 

[SEL]

Then there are "pony cobs". Just imagine it. ALL cob and ALL pony. I've got one! AND a mare to boot. Life is never boring!!

I've got one of them. 13h of pure Thelwell. Safe as houses for an 8yo but thought nothing of a Thelwell rodeo with an adult on her last week because her friends had been turned out

There's a fabulous long thread somewhere in HHO about cobs which should be compulsory reading for all new cob owners ?

They're bred to be working horses and most of their problems (behaviour and physical) happen when they aren't getting enough of it IMO

 

[planete]

Because I am not physically up to much hard work by way of riding I have applied the same management to my pony cob as the one I have for the dogs: brain work. He is becoming ace at working in the school without a rope linking us, not exactly liberty work yet but inching that way. He got ridiculously perplexed last time when he 'lost' me on a turn and found himself stranded in the middle of the school without me but he has learnt to come forward on command from a distance so the day was saved. He also has an ability to think for himself I never found in my previous horses, or is that just the pony half?

If anybody knows of any resources for teaching horses tricks, could you share them please? I need more ideas for things we can learn together.

 

[eahotson]

Because I am not physically up to much hard work by way of riding I have applied the same management to my pony cob as the one I have for the dogs: brain work. He is becoming ace at working in the school without a rope linking us, not exactly liberty work yet but inching that way. He got ridiculously perplexed last time when he 'lost' me on a turn and found himself stranded in the middle of the school without me but he has learnt to come forward on command from a distance so the day was saved. He also has an ability to think for himself I never found in my previous horses, or is that just the pony half?

If anybody knows of any resources for teaching horses tricks, could you share them please? I need more ideas for things we can learn together.

Me too.

 

[tristar]

I've got one of them. 13h of pure Thelwell. Safe as houses for an 8yo but thought nothing of a Thelwell rodeo with an adult on her last week because her friends had been turned out

There's a fabulous long thread somewhere in HHO about cobs which should be compulsory reading for all new cob owners ?

They're bred to be working horses and most of their problems (behaviour and physical) happen when they aren't getting enough of it IMO

yes recognize the need to use the brain, i always thought they were happy just to mooch
if i don`t do something with him in the afternoon when he sees me riding one of the others he starts to run round the paddock in circles, several circuits one way, then changes rein for several the way, to use up his energy before coming in for the night, he just thrives on attention and learning the new

 

[Sossigpoker]

Because I am not physically up to much hard work by way of riding I have applied the same management to my pony cob as the one I have for the dogs: brain work. He is becoming ace at working in the school without a rope linking us, not exactly liberty work yet but inching that way. He got ridiculously perplexed last time when he 'lost' me on a turn and found himself stranded in the middle of the school without me but he has learnt to come forward on command from a distance so the day was saved. He also has an ability to think for himself I never found in my previous horses, or is that just the pony half?

If anybody knows of any resources for teaching horses tricks, could you share them please? I need more ideas for things we can learn together.

This sounds like my cob. He's very bonded to me , learns very quickly and can think for himself.

 

[Sossigpoker]

My cob used to be a nervous bolter but now that we have a bond , I trust him more than any of my previous horses. He lets me know if he's worried and then it's my job to hear him and reassure him.
Two years ago he bolted if you scratched your nose in the saddle- now I could probably ride him of lead him through fire. I believe it's his intelligence and his understanding that if he tells me he's worried , I will listen and keep him safe.

 

[blitznbobs]

The hottest horse I have ever ridden was a cob… you just had to breathe and he was off…. Fabulous ride but deffo not a beginners horse. I’ve ridden the ‘dead‘ type too and everything in between I genuinely have no idea what a typical cob is…. A typical welsh cob maybe but not a typical cob!

 

[Widgeon]

What I have found is that there seems to be this idea that cobs behave a certain way, or have specific traits. What I have found, certainly in the case of my mare, is that they are no different to any other horse in their behaviour/character..

Absolutely! My cob is a total gentleman - farrier, vet, physio etc think he is wonderful. You can do more or less anything with him without a headcollar on, and he's the same to ride. I adore him and owe him hugely.

The only problem we have is how very, very difficult it is to get him slim and fit. He only looks in ideal shape (to my eyes) over the summer, when he's hacking "properly" four days a week and galloping on the moors every ten days. This week, he's had three weeks off with an iffy hock (arthritis needs treating again) and in that time he's gone from looking pretty good to almost obese. I've never seen anything pile weight on, and hold it, like he does. He's strip grazed, no hay yet. Physio asked the other day whether he had EMS.

It's the only "cob trait" I would love to lose.

 

[Shysmum]

My beloved cob Shy, 13, saved me skin literally , when we were attacked by a stallion on a ride out. The stallion mounted Shy, I fell off and broke a finger, but Shy didn't move a muscle. The attack went on for 20 minutes, but both Shy and Pepsi held out protecting me. We had to fight this stallion off with brooms and rocks once I got my boys in the stable. It went mental !

 

[Griffin]

I love cobs. My mare is very intelligent and definitely not for novices. She is not spooky at all but can be very quick when she wants to be. She was quite badly treated before I got her, so it has taken a long time to build her trust and confidence. She is such a good doer though, I have to constantly watch her weight.

I love her sassy attitude but beneath it, she has a heart of gold and is really very cuddly.