exercises for cobs

[caroline23]

ive just brought my cob back into work, and he is quite heavy in my hands at times, he is also having trouble bending, he is coming up 6 and not had much time in the school mainly hacking

any exercises either ridden or inhand that would help with this? he is in a french link full cheek atm

 

[Oddjob's Wife]

Experienced lots of this with OH's cob. He's a real trier, but doesn't find school work at all easy.

On the ground, we do lots of bending work - round to left/right for a treat, down between his front legs. Was hilarious teaching him he had to stand still to achieve all this and not just run round in circles to get the treat

In the school, lots of transitions and really take control of the shoulders which he'd prefer to bend in the direction of travel, rather than bend his body! Also, once he found his balance he was so proud he wanted to whizz round fast to prove he could stay upright!! Lots of change of direction and circles too. Make sure he's moving forward and active helps him not lean on my hands.

He'll never make a grand prix dressage horse, but I love the school work as he has a great attitude and tries so hard - every 'good boy' is rewarded with more of the thing he's just learned to do.

Don't know other cob owners' experiences, but I have found he's late to mature for schooling and so find it better to do short sessions with him as before this year (he's 9 now), he got tired quickly and that's when he would lean, move like a motorbike...etc.

Good luck