The show cob is a type of horse that has increased in popularity over the years as cobs can be very useful all-rounders which all the family can ride. There are now classes for working cobs and amateur owner cobs as well as the traditional lightweight and heavyweight classes.

The lightweight cob should not exceed 15.1hh and have at least 8" of bone below the knee, while a heavyweight is classified to carry 14 stone or over at 15.1hh. The true weight carrier should have at least 9" of bone, with powerful hindquarters, but also a quality shoulder and head. The old saying that a show cob should have 'a head like a lady and a backside like a cook' is still an apt description of what one is seeking when looking for a cob to purchase.

Mentally a cob should have a good level temperament and excellent manners at all times, yet with a bright outlook, an abundance of prescence, and gaity in his movement. It is true that the old-fashioned quality cob is becoming a rareity. Those which have done well in the ring command quite high prices. There remains, as part of the magic of the cob world, the chance that one may still have the joy and satisfaction of finding a future champion rough in the field or undiscovered in the sale ring.

Working Cobs

Working cob classes consists of a course of rustic jumps, starting with the novice class with jump heights ranging from 2ft 3" - 2ft 6" with a spread of 2ft 9" and an open class with jumps not exceeding 2ft 9" with a 3ft spread.

Boots may be worn on the horses legs for the jumping phase but must be removed for the ridden/conformation stage. A change of tack is not permitted between stages.