Could we make it in Show Cob classes? Critique please!

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LennynLevi5

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Hi everyone

I am new to the forum so hi! I want some opinions on my show cob as I was thinking of doing some serious showing with him but wanted some critique first to see if we could make it! I would love to make it to county level and would really love to enter Search for a Star HOYS cob class qualifiers.

He is 14.3hh which is prob against him, has 8 1/2 inches of bone. Please see piccys below. We are doing dressage at the moment but he just has such presence in the ring i want to start showing as he really loves to show himself off and gets that glint in his eye. Another thing i am worried about is his colour and markings as someone said this may go against him. So please any constructive criticism and please be honest as to what level you think we could make it to?? Please dont be to harsh as to me he is perfect lol!!

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Thanks x
 
He is stunning but unless he is 15.3+ and measured in you won't stand a chance at anything other than local level.

I have one very similar who is just too small to do county level.
 
I knew his height would be against him but it seems so unfair that overheight horses beat the correct height horses! Lets hope they crack down on them soon! Why dont the taller cobs stick with maxicob classes?
 
I also think he's lovely but is likely to be towered over in cob classes, even at local level. My boy is a similar stamp but at 15hh is nearly always the smallest in the class affiliated and this does affect his placings although he has done ok. This is the sort of horse you will be up against http://www.horsequest.co.uk/Prem8357.htm and unfortunately yours and mine look like midgets against a line up of full up cobs.

You will do well locally because he looks like a lovely cob stamp and is well put together. SFAS is worth going to for the feedback, and you never know, it could be your lucky day too!
 
I ha ve been watching with interest at a lot of county show this summer and they are all over height, until they actually do somthing about it people with beutiful cobs that are the correct height don't stand a chance.
 
All horse heights have been clamped down on this year - search in HHO for threads and articles about this - Lynn Russell had a horse measured out that had qualified for HOYS so I would say JMB are getting tougher about it. I think he is a lovely stamp and worth taking out and see what feedback you get, certainly can't see why someone would say his colour and markings would go against him - he is a stunner.
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Thanks for the relies - maybe we will stick to trailblazers and fetival of champs shows etc and maybe Search for a Star if he gets on well in the other classes. County is probably a no go as you said until JMB take more force on on the spot measuring at least!

Anyone have any tips on presenting him to his best, any tricks of the trade and hints for in the ring would be greatly appreciated! Thanks x
 
I like him but agree his height may put you at a disadvantage, however, you did say that he has presence in the ring so that will help your cause! I used to have a LW show cob, he was legal (15.1hh) and looked quite small compared to some of my competitors, but, he was well schooled, gave the judge a good ride and could gallop like a hunter......what I'm trying to say is don't give up before you've started!!!

Do some local shows to start to get you both confident, definitely do the search for a star and also do some agricultural shows, I always found them a good step before a big county show!

Obviously the above is just my opinion!!!

Most importantly, enjoy him!!!!!
 
He does look a nice cob although I agree his height might be a stumbling block? Not that I'm an expert! Does he move well and have a good gallop? If so, might be worth getting in touch with a professional cob producer near you for their assessment. Alternatively, just go out and give it a go and like you said enter 'search for a star'
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Good luck
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I can see why you're proud of him, he's a stunner.
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I know nothing about showing though. The horse in Virtual's post looks lovely too but much bigger than 15.1hh unless that's a tiny woman riding him!
 
I wouldn't let his height stop you entering, my friend has a 15.1hh HW show cob and he's been to HOYS to do SFAS and this year did HOYS qualifiers at the county shows.

Her horse is often referred to as the "little one" by judges but he rides well for the judge and often pulls up places against the "big names". To illustrate he was pulled up 4 places in the HOYS qualifier at Garstang to stand 3rd behind two producers!

If your boy is well mannered and rides well there is nothing stopping you entering him in these classes!

Enjoy your showing!
 
Lovely cob - give it a go! My old coloured show cob was only 14.3hh, and we were never pulled in that high in the initial line up - but were always moved up once the judge rode! A good gallop and nice manners is what will pull you up the line, and fortunately mine had both. You may find he is dwarfed at the higher levels but at least you can enjoy your dressage with him as well - does he jump because if he can, his height might not count as much against him in a working cob class.
Have fun!
 
He's a stunner, and you never know until you try.....Although be prepared for him to look tiny up against others in county classes. I have a lovley little show cob who is only 14hh yet she has done really well and taken many champs at local level - so I disagree with the poster who says you will struggle there - you won't!! get out and have fun!
 
He has a lovely head on him!! I would go for it. My old boss had a LW cob who has been to HOYS for a few years on the trot and he is just over 15hh. At least you won't break into a cold sweat when the man with the measuring stick comes to visit!!!
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