New Cob advice please

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HoHum

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If anyone saw post yesterday, I had a new horse vetted, he passed and I picked him up last night. He's 15.1 skewbald cob who i hope to hunt and generally compete at not too high a level.

I have had horses in the past generally TBx, IDx types but a cob is a world new world :>)
But I know lots of cobs fans on here who could may help with few initial queries..

He's been clipped out but needs doing again soon. Is it a myth that they need less rugging that a TB type and stay more naturally warm ?

I have a usual selection of rugs, but any particular brand suited to larger chested types?
I noticed that stable rug slipped back a lot last night – would a bib be an idea?

Feather... is trimmed, which I like, but does that lead to higher risk of mud fever or mites that leaving it long?

Thanks
 
I think it depends on the horse as I have a Welsh D who should be hardy and native but is a complete wimp in the cold. Saying that, he only ever needs a mw but I find the weathabeeta a good range.
 
Going on the post above, I have a welsh D (x warmblood) and she is pretty good, never really cold (though she is now all clipped out) Of course she is rugged, but not as I would rug my friends horse is a bit thoroughbred type. Yes, they do as a rule feel the cold more as they come from hotter climates (hence hotblooded) than a cob, who is cold blooded, meaning they are breed to live, survive and thrive on colder climates... Some horses will have to have their feathers off, because of mud fever/mites etc as the air cannot get to the affected area (because of all the feathers) so this is ideal breeding ground, not an actual benefit.

rug size wise, all mine are Mark Todd/Jumpers and they fit perfect. I find Masta a bit smaller, so don't tend to fit as well.x

Goodluck.xx
 
My cob is fully clipped and has never needed anything heavier then a mw - even in the snow - as she sweats standing still!! Not unusual for her to not have a stable rug on for a lot of the winter either. The best rugs for her are Shires and Premier Equine - she is 15 h but takes a 6'6" rug as she has a big chest and shoulders.

As for feathers - mine has had feathers and has been clipped but has never had mud fever - I think it really depends on the individual horse. As for mites - again ahe had them when clipped and with feathers - change of worming programme has done the trick and not had them for 5 or 6 years.
 
I think as with any horse it depends on the individual!

Re feather, it is generally felt that hairyier types are more prone to problems with mites in that if they get them it is harder to treat them, without clipping all the hair off but some believe feather helps protect the legs from mud fever and such. I think its a case of 'do as you prefer until circumstances sugest otherwise'
 
My first gypsy cob was a warm girl. Stinky rides warm - hence full clipped, but is not as tough. He is wearing a 200 - MW rug when out and at night, though Monday it went down to 0 and he had his 300 HW rug on at night.

Shires and weatherbeeta are good for big necks and chests. I use bossy bibs as well.

Legs - leaving feather on helps with MF, especially if you coat with pig oil and sulphur. But P&S can work well on clipped legs providing you apply it every other day or so (depending on the mud)

Mites - they are more prone in hairy legs, but clipped legs can get them. Cobs/heavies are prone to them. Easily resolved with frontline and you can rub a handful of two of just sulphur into legs to kill off mites if you don't want to mix with oil.

Feed - mine live and thrive on Simple Systems just grass and green gold plus speedibeet - generally cobs don't need as much feeding as TB types - but there are a few execeptions.

After years of TBs, I have to say, that I love my cobs - fast enough, fun and safe and master jack of all trades.
 
Yup, cobs do generally keep warm better than TB's, although there are occasional exceptions.
I find weatherbeeta the best 'mainstream' rug for cobs, but have just found a rug off ebay that fits even better than them.
Feathers will help keep mud fever at bay, so keep 'em on!
Is your cob going to be stabled? If so, I advise avoiding straw as I have found that it increases the chance of mites - shavings are much better.
 
Thanks all... will go looking for a medium weight rug I think in some of the brands you've recommended. Although OH has just been to check on him and he is already asking to come back in so may should be stocking up on heavy weights and duvets if I've bought a wimp!
Will continue to trim feather for time being, and hope his legs stay good and clean. He's beded on a mix of shavings and bedrap.
Taste of chaos... can you say which brand?
 
Yup, no problem, it's called 'gallop', or gallop equestrian.
Has plenty of room for his shoulders, hasn't slipped backward (or indeed to the side which has been more of a problem for me with rugs'). It also comes down and actually covers most of his belly, which is the only downside I have found with weatherbeeta sometimes - they end up looking a little bit like miniskirts!
Here is a link to the lightweight one I have, as if you type in Gallop I don't think it will come up.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140333188836&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
 
Will definitely post some pics.. but at the minute...as you all know daylight is against us... do him in dark at both ends of the day for now until saddle fitter been at weekend and we out and about..clipping and re-shod next Fri , hopefully hunting Sat :>)
 
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