Feel inadequate having cob?

[Pink Gorilla]

I owned a Section D for 21yrs and always knew when he passed on I’d want a ‘proper horse’ a nice 16-17hh athletic middleweight. Anyway last year after my Welsh Cob passed away, I bought a German warmblood who had a very difficult temperament and knocked my confidence lots. Everyone kept telling me warmbloods were well knows for being difficult and because my confidence was in the gutter after I sold him I bought a sweet, forwards going Irish Cob x Connemara. He’s lovely, but now I volunteer on a dressage yard, I realise that not all warmbloods are terrors and feel too embarrassed to go for lessons with the lady on my cob, as I feel inadequate next to her and her flash horses. I know he was right for my confidence and the fact I’m home alone with no facilities and help. But I still wonder if I should have gotten another big horse, rather than going back to a cob type which is what I was used to. Even though I’ve ridden all sorts of heights and breeds through my 5yr equine degree at uni, I felt insecure home alone with a big sports horse. Does anyone also feel ashamed that they judge their horse unfairly and are embarrassed about not having a flasher model and being where they feel they should be after having owned and ridden horses for decades? I feel that I’m still clinging onto the novice stage of horses.

PS: This isn’t meant to insult people with cob types. In fact I’m hoping people can convince me that this hang up I have is stupid and/or normal.

 

[Cloball]

I don't think anyone or anything should make you feel inadequate for what you feel comfortable riding and keeping. We do this for fun after all and feeling safe and confident is important. Enjoy and embrace your cob! Plenty of people on here with cobs out doing fun and exciting things.

 

[Branna]

Plenty of cobs out there beating flashy dressage bred warmbloods! Find a trainer that will support you and go for it. Don't be embarrassed. Make a list of the positives of your horse which I'm sure far out weigh the negatives, and embrace him for what he is!

 

[Micky]

I bought a cob x 14yrs ago, and have had a few people turn their noses down at him, with their warmbloods/tbs other breeds of horse..however, he has the best manners, we clicked together, have done all sorts at riding clubs, and he’s still going strong at 23, only ailment? Cushings, all those who didn’t ‘like’ him, have lost their amazing horses to colic, injury never to be ridden again, and now look and say wow he’s still going and looking good? So don’t be embarrassed, enjoy him! Forget what others are doing

 

[throwawayaccount]

it sounds like you got the horse that was right for YOU, and that's all that matters

for what its worth, there's a lady on my yard with a supercob and they do fantastically in all areas and show up the warmblood types! at the end of the day its not the placings that matter its the taking part that counts/making memories. would you rather have memories were you didn't go ahead and try something, as opposed to memories where you had gave it a go and had some fun?

everyone is on different paths in life, be it with horses, career, families etc. you are on your own path. sometimes you will come across people who are further ahead and have done more, but that's their journey- you're still on yours

 

[paddi22]

PS: This isn’t meant to insult people with cob types. In fact I’m hoping people can convince me that this hang up I have is stupid and/or normal.

The hangup you have IS both stupid and normal. The majority of us are just normal amateur riders, in reality, no-one actually cares what we ride, and that includes judges and other competitors. The main aim anyone should have is to enjoy their riding, and enjoy progressing in a sport they love. There are plenty of riders who turn up on flashy horses but look tense, miserable and over-horsed. There are also plenty of riders who turn up on cobs but look happy, harmonious and do lovely tests where you can see them working as a team and correctly achieving the dressage training levels. I know which tests I prefer watching.

A true horse person should enjoy riding any type and work to make it the best it can be. So many riders underlook the potential in many horses just because visually they don't look flashy. If you are riding to impress others then you are focusing on the wrong thing. You can get any horse up to a certain level dressage, and then you know when you hit the wall where you need a more advanced model, but you can get a fair level up without hitting that wall.

 

[honetpot]

I know its not always easy but you shouldn't view your life on what others think or what you think their opinions are.
So sometime times my children would call the ponies/horses boyfriends, would you swap a perfectly good boyfriend who looked after you and cared for you, for something a bit better....., fill in the gap. Nearly every animal is an if only. If only it was bigger, jumped higher, did a correct bend, was straighter, but you get such enjoyment out of them nevertheless.

 

[ycbm]

I sold mine because he wasn't right for me. I would never sell a horse because of what other people were riding. So no, if he makes horse owning and riding fun for you then he's the right horse for you.
.

 

[paddi22]

I actually think a correctly going cob can look as flashy as anything else!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I feel sorry for your cob. He needs you to feel confident riding him and proud of his achievements. Have a look at millipops' posts to see just what can be achieved on a welsh cob. Then find yourself a good dressage trainer and see what you can do together. You never know the trainer on the yard might, indeed probably would, be horrified if she knew how you feel about her attitude to different horses.

 

[meleeka]

Have a stern word with yourself and book that lesson! Plenty of cobs do well at dressage. I am more impressed by those than big, flashy warmbloods who are built for the job.

There is a snobbery against cobs sometimes, but they can be amazingly versatile and to feel safe and happy when you are riding is such a lovely feeling.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

If it's the right horse for you, that's all that matters. Don't be afraid to ask for dressage lessons. I doubt the instructor will say no just because you have a cob. Even if they did say no, then you have have answer and can find someone else! It's not a big deal.

No matter what horse you own, someone will always have one more flashy, more expensive, a better mover, etc. You can't focus on that. Life is too short, enjoy the ride you have.

I'm quite sure that @milliepops does quite alright in the sandbox with her cob

 

[southerncomfort]

I csn absolutely guarantee that their will be others on sportier models who will see you on your safe, fun cob and be hugely envious!

Cobs can do anything any other horses can do with the right training, plus a whole lot more. Just have fun and be happy that you have the ATV of the horse world.

I think you're extremely lucky! ?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I have a friend who doesn’t like cobs or cobby types. She prefers warmbloods and sporty types. However I think a nice well moving cob type would give her a lot of fun. I have a Welsh d as well and plenty of them are rocking the competition world in all disciplines. I ride a bigger cobby type and he is fantastic, easy to do, moves for fun and jumps lovely and can hack for days. Amazing boy. Don’t let someone diss yours or let you feel like you aren’t anything without a WB or SH. I’d never write off a nice cob.

 

[Roxylola]

Cobs often have super rhythmic paces and their rideability means they can score really well by being accurate correct and rhythmic.
Tbh, no your hang ups aren't normal you need something you can ride day in day out and regardless if what you've done the cob ticks that box. I've not experienced any snobbery at all out competing or training - mostly people have been impressed by him and comment as such

 

[milliepops]

My ears were burning

You can get any horse up to a certain level dressage, and then you know when you hit the wall where you need a more advanced model, but you can get a fair level up without hitting that wall.

this, and you won't really know what any horse is capable of until you get started really, i never thought mine would go further than elementary really but she really started to shine when we got to the advanced work because she enjoys it so tries really hard. Equally, you might have a WB with no talent whatsoever for dressage.

OP, ride the horse you love. I didn't really intend to be riding a 14.2 welsh at advanced dressage, but she surprised me with her ability and will do to the job so we just carried on going. Yeah we look different in the warm up but I know she can do the work and the judges opinion is the only one that matters.

Absolutely ask for the lessons. I have trained with GP level trainers for years because it's the thing I enjoy most, and anyone who is a true horseman will look past the fluffy feet and see what each horse is capable of. a trainer who looks down their nose at a cobby type isn't worth your ££ and probably hasn't the skills to bring out the best of different types anyway.

 

[cauda equina]

You say you have ridden all sorts at uni, but now are home alone with no facilities and no help.
Don't underestimate the confidence-sapping aspect of being alone with no help!
You need something you can just climb on, and go. A flashy horse won't impress anyone if he's just stood in the stable because you can't pluck up the courage to ride him

Cobs are both capable, and fun. I used to go to a BE trainer with mine and she thought he was fab

 

[bouncing_ball]

I do think the horse should have the build / and confirmation for what the rider wants to do with it. It’s not kind to try and over face any breed of horse that doesn’t have the conformation for the job.

Cobs / cob types with good conformation can be hugely successful and versatile.

 

[Rowreach]

A lot of people expressed surprise that after decades of riding big, quality sports type horses, I bought a cob.

Do I care? Not one bit. She is perfect for me, and turning out to be far more talented than many of the other horses I've had over the years.

 

[Lyle]

Ive had ONE warmblood in the course of my equine life. I've had many other breeds such as TBs and ISHs before buying a WB, thinking it was going to be an incredible experience owning something 'purpose bred'. Persevered for a long, long time. Finally sold him (to a perfectly suited home).
All I have now are welsh cobs...

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

The trainer is running a business and wants to see her clients grow and do well. I've had lessons with an excellent trainer and she was supportive and really helped me, despite me riding a draft horse who doesn't enjoy his schoolwork.

(We drew an audience and a round of applause when he finally found his canter on a 20m circle)

 

[Baywonder]

If I ever have another, it will be certainly be another cob - no flashy WB types for me thank you very much!

You have the right horse for you - he gives you confidence, so be proud of him. ?

PS We need a photograph of your little superstar! ?

 

[Annagain]

A friend has had all sorts of horses over her 50 years of riding. Warmbloods, TBs, Welshies, ISH, Arabs. You name it she's had them. The one horse she achieved most with and would have all over again is her trusty cob. He evented at 90, did dressage up to elem and won a fortune showjumping. He'd have gone further, she didn't have the time or inclination to do more. He also took her aunty in her 70s hacking two or three times a week and to lessons and brought her home safely every single time and had a promising showing career until a field accident left him with a big scar on his chest.

A cob is nothing to be ashamed of, they are to be celebrated and loved for the all round superstars they are. You feel safe, which is the very first step to wanting to go and do it - so go and do it with him!

 

[Littlebear]

I actually think a correctly going cob can look as flashy as anything else!

This post made me think of this ^^ i was at this camp riding (i think this film is from the same one anyway), i was blown away by this partnership, there were numerous flashy high level WB horses there that weekend and the only horse and rider i could watch was these 2.

 

[ihatework]

This is your hang up and yours alone!
You should ride whatever you get enjoyment from. And honestly, there are very few pure dressage people that would look down on anyone for having a cob (and those that do aren’t worth knowing or expending any energy on!). Most competition people I know are positive when they see amateurs going out doing well and having fun on cob types. The general comment is that is the sort of horse more people should have!

 

[Coblette]

I’ve now got a little 14.3 gypsy cob, she wasn’t what I was looking for at all but… so glad I have her. I’m at home alone with no facilities too.

It’s so nice to just pop out whenever/wherever I like and feel safe… I can have a canter wherever I like, don’t have to worry about having no brakes! No stressing when it’s bin day or a bit breezy. I’m actually having so much more fun with my little cob & I’m getting out and doing more than I ever did before. She makes life easy and my hobby so much more enjoyable.

Yes I do dream about having a nice big flashy horse but for now my little cob suits my life just perfectly And out of all my friends, I’m the one going out doing dressage/fun rides/XC and anything I fancy while theirs are lame/too highly strung/scared to take them out alone!

I’m having lessons with a dressage instructor too and she’s hopped on a couple of times to help, she loves her, always says what a cracking little fun cob she is.

As long as your enjoying yourself, that’s all that matters ??

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

OP you are like me, you ALWAYS come back to a cob!!! And why not.

I think you should value your own judgement first of all. You "experimented" with a WB and found he didn't suit you, and then instead of struggling on like a lot of people do (and/or injuring yourself) you decided to sell him - and bought a cob!! You know the sort of horse that suits you, and you decided to go for that. So I think you need to applaud yourself and congratulate yourself on your choice basically!! You have got exactly the sort of horse that suits you, and that sounds like a good practical choice.

You say you are - like the vast majority of us - in the situation where you are "doing" your horse yourself i.e. not on full/assisted livery. I'm with you on this one! I keep my two cobs at home - and it is important to me to be able to cope with their regime without being on the end of a shovel all day and/or having to be schooling, exercising & training all the time. They live out 24/7, and are on a track system. When I need or want them, they are there, and we can do stuff; however there are other things I need to be doing, including the little thing called work - and I need to have horses that can just get on with their own lives for a time whilst I'm earning to keep the dang things!!

So it sounds to me as if you have made a sensible choice, for your lifestyle, right now, which leads on to the next thing I'm going to say. Forgive me if I am being blunt, but I think you have to STOP comparing yourself - and your horse - with other people. At the end of the day your horse is YOUR choice, and I'm going to as respectfully as possible say to you that you need to be proud of your horse. I rather feel that you are tending to feel a bit embarrassed, as you are looking around and seeing everyone else on their "posh" horses??? Perhaps people have made snobby remarks? Perhaps you feel a bit outclassed even??? May I, as gently as possible, encourage you to change your mindset........ IF you do not feel comfortable having lessons on your cob, and mixing-in with this trainer and particular group of people, I am going to challenge you that it may be time to cast adrift from them and have lessons elsewhere. Because if they are making you feel inadequate and indeed the "poor relation" just because you have a cob, then it is time you took you and your lovely cob elsewhere! Riding is meant to be fun at the end of the day and anyone of us who's ever done anything on a cob will know the feeling of being looked down on. But anyone who thinks a cob is an easy ride is hugely mistaken!! The vast majority are not novice rides, end of!!

Sorry to be blunt but personally I would take myself and cobby somewhere where you will feel more relaxed and where there is not such an obvious rarified atmosphere. You don't need it!

 

[Equine_Dream]

It's seems to me you are too focused on what other people think, which in my view is no reason to sell or buy a horse.

Section D mare's brother is an accomplished dressage stallion, has been featured in horse and hound, and in my opinion would give any warmblood a run for their money.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I think you should take your horse to a yard where the trainer treats every horse as an individual and not as a type. And you need to ride your cob with pride and love like you should ride any horse. He can't help what he is and it is your job to make every ride enjoyable for him and something he can feel proud of.
I'm at a professional yard where my coach owns and produces warmbloods , has several young warmbloods in to produce....and she rides my 15hh cob and teaches me on him like he was any other horse. Oh and she does a bit of half pass, shoulder in , counter canter, pirouette with my cob just to keep challenging him...and she just loves how whatever she asks him , he says "OK I'll give it a go".
You need to either stand up for your cob and take him somewhere where people don't have their heads in their backsides or yield to the pressure and get a flashy WB and hope it makes you happy..

 

[Annagain]

I think you should take your horse to a yard where the trainer treats every horse as an individual and not as a type. And you need to ride your cob with pride and love like you should ride any horse. He can't help what he is and it is your job to make every ride enjoyable for him and something he can feel proud of.
I'm at a professional yard where my coach owns and produces warmbloods , has several young warmbloods in to produce....and she rides my 15hh cob and teaches me on him like he was any other horse. Oh and she does a bit of half pass, shoulder in , counter canter, pirouette with my cob just to keep challenging him...and she just loves how whatever she asks him , he says "OK I'll give it a go".
You need to either stand up for your cob and take him somewhere where people don't have their heads in their backsides or yield to the pressure and get a flashy WB and hope it makes you happy..

To be fair, OP hasn't said that anyone else has said / done anything to make her feel this way - just that she feels inadequate / embarrassed. She hasn't had a lesson with this trainer yet.