Intro
Also called Norman Cob or Normandy Cob the French Cob comes from the Norman Carriage Horse that has been used in France for many years for pulling coaches and light agriculture work.
Origins
This breed comes from the import of Norfolk Roadster from the UK, bringing good structure and conformation to the local coach breeds. After the appearance of cars, the breed split. 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 and 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.
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 and sensible
Neck is short and muscular
Chest is deep and wide
Back is short with a compact body
Legs are sturdy and strong with minimal feathering
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Docile but energetic
Use
Carriage horse
Riding horse
Agriculture
Meat production
Helpful Links
Cob Normand, Syndicat national des éleveurs et utilisateurs de chevaux Cob Normand