Why are...

[Irishcobs]

Cobs shown hogged and clipped (the non traditionals anyway) but heavy horses aren't?
I guess its because shires etc worked all day in plough and therefore their feathers protected their legs but what job did the cobs do that required them to be clipped and hogged and therefore why do they grow feathers?
Or is it just of fashion?

 

[Bossdog]

I don't know but I'm looking forward to seeing teh answers, Katie seems to be a native x draught but has been trimmed. Shes looking really scruffy now so I don't know whether to trim her like a cob or leave her au natural a la native/draught horse?! I think she'll look prettier untrimmed, I don't think hogging is very attractive although I know some people love it and some horses can really carry it off.

Jules x

 

[LEC]

I am guessing its to do with hunting and army.
The gun horses would be cobby types and still are in some respects and are hogged for ease of changing equipment and ease of keeping tidy and clean. I think they are still hogged now for Kings Troop. In fact if you look at photos of early eventers they are hogged.
If you look at all the snaffles prints none of the hunters even lightweights have manes they all seem to be hogged again I am guessing ease of looking after. Some are plaited but not many.

 

[Irishcobs]

Very good point Lec. I didn't think about the army. I guess it was for ease of looking after them and while riding. Wouldn't fancy getting my sword stick in the mane at a crucial time.

 

[custard]

I think it started when docking was legal and fashionable and horses were hogged at the same time perhaps