Should cobs be hogged?

Hogging is required to show cobs in certain classes and can also make a particularly rugged cob look much neater. But are there any reasons you might want to hog beyond simple appearances?

What makes a good show cob?

“A show cob must have a mixture of substance and quality,” adds rider and judge Simon Reynolds. “I look for good flat bone and a low to the ground, straight action. They should have the head of a lady and the backside of a cook.”

Should I hog my horse's mane?

Although a hogged mane can look very smart, and often greatly improves the appearance of the horse, it doesn't suit all types, and can accentuate any weakness in a horse's conformation. Hogging often looks best on stockier, cobby types of horses and also on polo ponies.

What does it mean when a horse is hogged?

Roaching or hogging is when the mane, and sometimes forelock, is completely shaven. This is usually done if a horse's mane is quite ragged, or for certain disciplines such as polo, polocrosse, and calf roping, to keep the mane out of the way.

How do you prepare a cob for showing?

I would dry the feather with woodflour and then sprinkle talc on just before going into the ring. I don't bandage unless really necessary. I would towel dry native feather before applying talc and bandaging once dry.”

Hogging Cob

How long should a cobs tail be?

The banged tail should end about 4” (10cm) to 5” (12cm) below the hocks. Any shorter may detract from the look of the tail. Better to leave the tail too long, than cut it too short. Remember, you can always take a little more off, but you can't put it back!

What is a hogged cob?

Hogging, also known as 'roaching' in the US, is the practice of shaving or cutting short a horse's mane and often, as in the case of feathered cobs, also clipping the horse's legs so that they are clean of long hair.

Which side should a horses mane be on?

Generally, the mane laying on the right or offside is considered correct. If you pleasure ride or show in low-level shows, which side your horse's mane lies on may not matter. At higher level shows, where good turnout is essential, your horse's mane should lie smoothly on the right side of its neck.

Does Roaching a mane make it thicker?

Roaching a mane can make a weak-necked horse look stronger. It enhances different features on a horse that a long mane might hide. It's virtually maintenance free, and I've found when the mane FINALLY does grow back and fall over, it's thicker, shinier and healthier hair than before it was cut.

What does it mean to Roach a mane?

A roached mane is a horse mane that has been shaved close to the neckline. Similar to the human equivalent of a “buzzcut,” in which clippers are used to leave only a fraction of an inch of short spiky hair, mane roaching uses mechanical clippers to cut off a horse's mane very close to the skin of the top of the neck.

What's the difference between a pony and a cob?

In general terms, cobs are larger than ponies, standing 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) or taller, but are relatively small and compact, usually with somewhat short legs. The breed of horse known today as the Section D Welsh cob exemplifies the classic build of the historic cob.

Can cobs do show jumping?

Cobs are renowned for their versatility. Commonly assumed to be sedate and sensible, a fit cob can equally be forward going, fast, fiery and fun. They will take most disciplines in their stride and are often capable jumpers.

What is the calmest breed of horse?

How long can cobs live for?

Gypsy Vanner (also called the Gypsy Horse, Irish Cob, or Traditional Gypsy Cob): 25-30+ years. Hackney: 25-30 years. Haflinger: 30-35 years. Hanoverian: 25-30 years.

Should I cut my horse's forelock?

Be careful not to trim the forelock hair. The fine guard hairs are not part of the mane hair, and they won't get any longer. Be careful with the scissors or you'll end up without a forelock! I often use two bands like this on a performance horse, too, because one band doesn't always hold the forelock securely enough.

Do you pull the forelock?

"pulling forelock" or "tugging [your] forelock means "show deference" or grovel: supposedly tugging at the front of one's hair (a forelock) was a sort of salute or sign or respect by someone, especially a peasant, to their better.

Do cobs make good horses?

Cobs are one of the most popular riding horses in the UK. They are hardy, versatile, able to turn their hoof to most things from low level dressage and eventing, to winning at the Horse of the Year Show, or to driving and hacking along roads and trails.

Are cobs Warmbloods?

Breed wise coldblood horses encompass the draught breeds–such as Shires, Percherons, Ardennes, and Suffolk Punches. Sometimes the description is broadened to include heavy cobs and riding types such as Icelandic ponies and Friesian horses.

What is the difference between a Gypsy cob and a traditional cob?

Crucially, as a distinction from Gypsy Cobs, these horses are trimmed and do not have extensive feather. While the “cob type” definition covers a wide range of horses, united by weight carrying capacity and a genial manner, for the show ring cobs stand at between 148 and 155cm.