Intro
Also called Norman Cob or Normandy Cob the French Cob comes from the Norman Carriage Horse and has been used in France for many years for both pulling coaches & light agriculture work.
Origins
There were two types of French Cobs, a lighter version more suitable for riding, (which was absorbed into the French Saddle Horse) and a larger animal that is now associated more with draft breeds. Today the cob is looked at as more of a type than a breed, and there is no official studbook, although the National Stud purchases & owns all cob studs. Their genealogy is patrilineal, if the sire is a cob, then the foal is a cob, regardless of the dam’s breed. Today the breed is very rare.
Features
Average height 15.3 – 16.3 hands
Because there is no official breeding association, the physical characteristics of the French Cob will vary.
Physique
Head is plain & sensible
Neck is short & muscular
Chest is deep & wide
Back is short with a compact body
Legs are sturdy & strong with minimal feathering
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Docile but energetic
Use
Carriage horse
Riding horse
Agriculture
Meat production