The versatile cob
Ways to get the best from heavier breeds and types
THE HEAVIER BREEDS and cobs that were once work animals used for farming and agriculture are now proving their versatility by competing in many disciplines, such as showing, dressage, cross-country and vaulting. It is important that these types of horses have a role in modern times, sometimes in order to preserve their breed. The Suffolk, for example, is a rare breed listed as critical by the Rare Breed Survival Trust in the UK. What is amazing about the heavier horses, is that it seems there is a type to suit all riders. Some are quite happy in a hacking role, with personalities and steady natures, while others are true performance animals.
Cobs are my passion. They are funny creatures that I describe as little people with big personalities. I came across them by chance about 17 years ago and I have been hooked ever since, even seeking them out now as my horse of choice. Whoever said all cobs are plods are really mistaken. When that neck shortens and goes as wide as it was once long, you know you are going somewhere!
Wonderful personalities
Cobs are a type rather than a specific breed and they really do come in all shapes and sizes. The common factor I have found is that they have the most wonderful personalities, which can sometimes be misconstrued and even misdirected into naughtiness at times. I think you have to understand, appreciate and work with them to get the best out. In my experience, I have found that cobs like to be challenged. Making a friend of them is always better than trying to tame them with strength that you will never match.
Points to remember
When training a cob or a heavier breed, there are certain considerations to remember. They are a strong and hardy animal in limb and body, but when they are ridden at an intense, competitive level, there are things to bear in mind. You only have to look at the equine structure to see that all horses carry a huge amount of weight on limbs and tendons that are delicate compared to their bodies. In a bigger, heavier horse, that pressure is greater.
Take care in choosing the surfaces you ride on. The impact on the ground may be heavier and produce a much more significant load on the feet and limbs than a finer type. Extra concussion, especially on hard ground, may see your horse develop conditions such as ringbone or side bone.
Any conformational defects will be much more pronounced in the heavier breeds, especially in their soundness, due to heavier footfall and increased pressure and weight on the limbs. For example, a twisted fetlock, which may cause the horse to dish, would, if he catches the other leg, cause a much heavier blow or injury than a lighter breed.
Also, a limb that is not straight, such as an offset knee, is not as strong and therefore may not cope with the added weight that a heavier type may carry.
Bigger horses in their early years
“Cobs are my passion. They are funny creatures that I describe as little people with big personalities”
must be allowed a little extra time to mature. They can grow rapidly as youngsters and the growth plates in their bones can become inflamed. Older horses of this type may also develop arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) early if they have carried excess body weight in the course of their life.
Fitness first
How to get a horse fit is a well discussed topic, often geared towards slighter, faster and more athletic breeds such as Thoroughbreds. Generally, fitness takes longer to build in a heavier type, is quicker to lose and without enough work (or incorrect feeding) the pounds pile on. That’s why it’s important to adjust what you do according to the individual you’re riding.
Always start off with a clean bill of health. We like to begin with six weeks road work to develop a basic level of fitness. Of paramount importance is making sure your cob is not overweight, has no predisposing conditions that could affect him, and is well shod to ensure a balanced footfall.
When feeding the heavier breed, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Each horse, no matter what type, has different needs. You should also consider not only the size of your horse’s waistline, but also their temperament, and feed according to their workload. A qualified nutritionist will help you strike that delicate balance between health and temperament.
Add variety
Heavier breeds can exhibit behaviour that’s easily interpreted as stubbornness: for example using their strength and body weight as resistance, while both mounted and being handled on the ground. We’ve all experienced trying to lift a leg to pick out a hoof and finding that all legs appear cemented to the floor.
When ridden, cobs should be encouraged to be light and soft in the hand. Varying the work and refreshing their regime can often unlock a whole new side to even the most jaded of cobs. I am a big advocate of getting my horses out of the arena and letting them see life, by hacking out or cantering in the fields with others.
If you are not getting the performance results you desire, consider if it is a fitness, temperament, training, or nutritional issue. Sometimes it can be a combination of all of them.