I just bought my first cob! Introduction + feed advice + photos!

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My_breadbagel

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congratulations on your cob. Once you become a cob person I don’t think you can ever go back! Nothing like have an armchair with no breaks ? he’s absolutely gorgeous.
Word of advice though, please don’t grow out his feathers, whatever you do. My boy of 4 years has the same scabs, and whenever his feathers grow he’s in absolute misery. Meticulously grooming and treating them only caused him more suffering. I regret it now and keep them short all year.
the lady that recommended I torture him with constant feather grooming told me I was being too soft that I was upset it bothered him so much. She told me they all hate it but eventually give up- that was the moment I realised it wasn’t worth it.
 
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SatansLittleHelper said:
I loved the blog, it's given me a lot of food for thought and ideas for my young horse. Despite being 7 next year he hasn't done half of what Homer has ??? I don't intend to rush him forwards but I'm now looking at making a few goals:)
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All we have done is a couple of arena hires/ lessons and some gentle hacking. That is all he will be doing until spring, TBH, as he is a slow burner. Really unfit and green. We have some mini goals going on there though.

I am having fun producing him, he is not ready for any type of competition, we have nothing to 'show' people yet.
 
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Rigs had a nice Xmas and new year, had another ride out and... best of all... I invited his previous owner over to see him. She has been so supportive and we have kept in touch.

Due to Covid, I met practically no one over Xmas, so we just met outdoors and took Rigs for a walk.

I was surprisingly nervous! After his colic, he started trying to eat his bed (chopped rape straw) so I swapped for shavings, but the farmer who takes my muck said it was to be a one off. So, he has been getting more food to make his bedding (which is really unpalatable) be even less attractive.

I was worried that his previous owner would think I let him get too fat. But no, as ever, she is 100% supportive and thankful that he found a home where he isn't sold down the line time after time, which was a possibility when I bought him. You can still see the faint line of a back rib, but the others have gone visually, still easily felt.

Other than that, Rigs has decided he likes his patio, and doesn't really like the arena turnout any more! The patio would be around 40m X 10m if straightened out, he has 24/7 access to it and the stable, so I reckon, with the odd walk out and ride too, it will suffice until summer when he can be turned out in the field, muzzled. He will need to slim down a bit by then, and to that end he is mostly naked unless it is wet, when he has a no fill sheet on. I'm not sure ne 'needs' it, but he was wet the day he got colic so I wish to avoid the same conditions as the day that happened!

Baby horse's new blog is out too. Rigs did me a favour getting me fit to go buy that one!
 
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Just booked him in for his spring service with the vet. At the beginning of April he will be having his teeth done again (6 monthly) another worm count (6 monthly but been zero here with every horse for over 20 years!) and also a set of bloods to make sure that his blood numbers still make it safe for field turnout when the fields dry out.

We will, of course, start with just 15 minutes and build it up from there. Last year we got up to 4 hours as a regular thing, occasionally up to 6, all muzzled.
 
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Had Rigsby's front shoes off again yesterday. I only put fronts on so he could be ridden a bit more, to escort new baby out, but the new baby is doing OK on his own, Rigsby's main rider has emigrated, his other one has an injury and, one way or another, he isn't really doing anything.

Rigs doesn't really care.

He has good enough feet that he can still do a bot of schooling or a short hack, if the feeling takes us.

Meanwhile, a bit of Rigsby spam on what is a very windy day!

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ElleSkywalker said:
The middle picture he looks so majestic and then......?
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He is just such a character! I plan on some more PAT visits to OAP homes this summer. Smiles all round.

He is just so ace. I think he has only been ridden once since paying respects at the church yard on 11/11, but I'm sure I could mount up tomorrow and strut down the main street. He is just that sort of horse. Grows in character all the time.

I am blessed!
 
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Rigs is still busy doing nothing. Rigs' feet are hard as nails, no problems with being barefoot again, even on road planings.

Talking of baby horse, his latest blog is out. I am not allowed to link to it, but if anyone finds it, a nice 'like' on the feed/forage company's facebook page would be nice. Keeps the boys in bedding! If you prefer to PM me, I can give a link.

A couple of Riggers photos, just because he is so handsome. He does have the ribs easily felt, and somewhat visible, but his shaggy coat makes him look a bit fatter than he is. He is just doing the odd hour out, we are on clay and it soon bogs down. He never runs round though, head down and eat. Sadly, the muzzle stops him eating very much, but he likes the challenge. He is also always happy to come back in, walks over to the gate when I go to fetch him.

His mallenders is now controlled by weekly clipping only, can't remember the last time I had to use a product on them. I give his feet a pick and his skin a good scratch every day. Once or twice a week I also fight through the huge mane and tail to keep them pristine.

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One of the things I love about him is that I could just throw a saddle on and go for a ride. He is happy and obliging whatever. A real gem of a horse.
 
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He's bursting with health! The love of a cob is the deepest thing, I think. They would follow you to the ends of the earth then carry you back when you're too exhausted to go on.
My little lad, scared, untouched, young and full of worms, came and lay beside me the day he arrived from Ireland after a 14 hour trip. Everything I ask of him he answers with "You want to do xxx Mum? OK then" And the unsaid end to that phrase is: "Because I trust you".
 
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jnb said:
He's bursting with health! The love of a cob is the deepest thing, I think. They would follow you to the ends of the earth then carry you back when you're too exhausted to go on.
My little lad, scared, untouched, young and full of worms, came and lay beside me the day he arrived from Ireland after a 14 hour trip. Everything I ask of him he answers with "You want to do xxx Mum? OK then" And the unsaid end to that phrase is: "Because I trust you".
Click to expand...
I'm not sure Rigs is a dream-like as that. He is more, OK, if I have to ?
 
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