What is the ideal weight for a heavyweight cob?

debsey1

debsey1

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My big boy is 15.1hh and is thick boned. He is virtually out 24/7 and has no additional food other than soaked hay when he comes in during the day sometimes due to heat/flies.

I ride him nearly every day for an hour at least and when not ridden I lunge him in the school. I weighed him yesterday using the weight tape and he measured 590kg. Is this too heavy and if so what should his ideal weight be? Would be interesting to hear what other cob owners think?
 
Well my 15hh Welsh D weighs 540 on a weighbridge and yet her condition score has always been absolutely fine. What's his condition like? Does he have an 'apple bum'? Can you feel his ribs? etc.
 
He is certainly well covered and does have a very peachy bum bth l think most cobs do as all his power comes from his rear end. He looks very well built and strong, can't see or feel his ribs, he is such a good dooer its not true!!
 
My HW is 600 and something and he is a nice weight for a HW. He doesn't need anymore weight but doesn't need to loose any either. Depends on the build and how they look. Some horses can weigh more than another horse the same height/type etc but still look slimmer.
 
You should be able to feel his ribs. If he were mine I'd be muzzling him or bringing in during the day. I like my cob looking slim and fit rather than too well covered. He weighs 500kg approx on weigh tape, but is not a hw cob. Since he got lami in June I'm being extra careful - he's on a small bare paddock with 24hr soaked hay.

ETA - he's 15.2hh
 
I wouldn't worry about his weight on the tape - just use it to monitor his weight gain/loss.
Without a weigh=bridge (and even with one) the best way to decide whether his weight is correct or not is to condition score him.
 
My boy is 590kg on the tape. He has a slightly peachy bum but you can feel his last rib. I have been told he is fine (doesn't want to gain anymore) but doesn't need to lose any either.

He's 15.2 and a HW (10.5/11 inches of bone)
 
Have a look at this page from World Horse Welfare's website.

http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/information/right_weight_advice

There's a video showing how to fat score objectively, so you can really be sure whether your boy is the right weight or too high or too low. I've found it really helpful.

There's also a few other bits and pieces on there which are pretty useful in managing weight.

Oh, and I'd recommend the Dodson & Horrell weightape which is apparently more accurate than others generally for sale. It made most of my gang weigh at least 40kg more than my old tape!!!! And sadly, it appears to be accurate, when I compare with weighbridge weights!

Sarah
 
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