Cob is a term used to describe a type of horse that is small, usually of a stout build, with strong bones, large joints, and steady disposition. Historically, in the United Kingdom and eastern United States, it was the word used to describe a common horse used for everyday riding. The term referred to a body type of horse rather than a specific breed. Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ...

Show Cobs

Show cobs in the UK are overseen by the British Show Horse Association, formerly The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association. They are shown hogged and trimmed, and may be ridden astride or side-saddle. A good show cob should have "the head of a lady and the backside of a cook."

The BHSA rulebook states: "The Cob is a type rather than a breed. A short-legged animal exceeding 148cms with a maximum height of 155cms, it has bone and substance with quality and is capable of carrying a substantial weight.

"The Cob should be well mannered and ideal for nervous or elderly riders. Cobs should have sensible heads, (sometimes roman nosed), a full generous eye, shapely neck crested on the top, with a hogged mane and well defined wither.

"The Cob should also have clean, strong hocks and aʎll the attributes of a good hunter; low movement and a comfortable ride."

Cobs must be registered as lightweight (minimum of 8½” bone), heavyweight (minimum of 9” bone) or Maxi Cob exceeding 155 cms and are defined as follows:

• Lightweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying up to 14 stone.

• Heavyweight Cob – mare or gelding 4 years old and over, exceeding 148cms, but not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying more than 14 stone.

• Maxi Cob exceeding 155cms - to be judged as Cobs. Judges must pay particular attention to type (i.e. short legged animals of COB type). Preferably to be shown hogged. The highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the Maxi Cob final at the National Championship show. Winners of these classes are not eligible for open cob championships.

Working Cobs

Working Cob classes may also be held, where the horses must jump a series of fences and perform a short show, similar to Working Hunter classes.

Fence heights for novice classes are minimum 2'3, maximum 2'6, maximum spread 2'6.

Fence heights for open classes are minimum 2'6, maximum 2'9, maximum spread 2'9.

The height of the jumps may be raised at the National Championship Show at the discretion of the Course Builder/Show Director.

Welsh Cobs

The breed of horse known as the Section D Welsh cob exemplifies the typical build of the traditional cob, although these animals are shown with full manes and tails. // Horse breeds (1). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Gypsy Cobs

Traditional or "gypsy" cobs are often seen in coloured horse classes. Originally a favourite of Romany travellers, who used them to pull caravans, they are now used for driving, dressage, showing and even jumping.

Heights vary from 13hh to 16hh, and the horses display the strength of the Shire, Clydesdale and Dales ponies that they were originally bred from.

Although most gypsy cobs have uncertain bloodlines, DEFRA legislation demanding that all horses have passports now means that most are registered with either the Coloured Horse and Pony Society or the Gypsy Cob Society (UK).

Dress code for showing cobs

Day time dress

• Bowler hat for men, bowler or hunting cap for women.
• Tweed coat for men. Tweed coat or plain black or blue for women.
• Plain fawn or buff coloured breeches - not white.
• Plain black or brown boots.
• Garter straps. Points must face outwards and buckle should be against and

between buttons on breeches.

• Spurs should be worn by exhibitors and must be high on the heel of the boot and

horizontal.

• Any form of leather or string gloves.
• Plain malacca or leather cane, not to exceed 32”. No schooling or cutting whips.
• Collar and ordinary tie. Tie must be pinned down.
• Ordinary shirt.
• No earrings to be worn

Evening dress

• Hunting Dress with hunting whips.
• Ladies wear black or blue hunting coats with bowler hat or hunting cap. Fawn breeches and black boots and garter straps. Some ladies now wear top hats in the evening.
• Gentlemen wear scarlet or black hunt coat, either ordinary pattern or cut away. White breeches must be worn with scarlet coat and boots with tops and white garter straps. White breeches with black patent top boots may be worn with black coats or coloured breeches and plain black boots. Top hat to be worn.

The term "cob" in tack sizing

The term "cob" is also used in the sizing of bridles for horses, designating a smaller size that will fit breeds including not only the Welsh cob, but also many Morgans, Arabians, some American Quarter Horses, and other horses with short, triangularly-shaped heads. A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a horse. ... The Morgan is one of the first horse breeds developed in the United States. ... The Arabian horse is a breed of horse with a reputation for intelligence, high spirit, and outstanding stamina. ... A palomino Quarter Horse shown at halter. ...

Links

British Show Horse Association