History of Irish Cob

 

History of Irish Cob

The Irish Cob is known by different names in various countries. The names are Gypsy Cob (USA and UK), Colored Cob (UK), Gypsy Vanner (USA), Tinker Horse, Irish Gypsy Cob, or Gypsy Horse. This is a multi-talented horse breed. The exact origin or history of this horse breed is not known. This horse breed has several characteristics of draft horses. It is believed that this horse breed descended from an amalgamation of Clydesdales, Shires, Dales Ponies, and Friesians. They have their origin in Ireland and UK.

History of Irish Cob

The Irish Cob was bred for the purpose to be used as a wagon horse. They pulled Caravans or wagons known as Vardos. The Romany bred these horses. Till the later part of the past century, the breed of Irish Cob was not recognized. About the bloodlines of the Irish Cob, much is not known. The reason is that the pedigrees were generally kept a secret and the details were known only by the members of the family.

With the growth of interest in the breed, many breed registries were developed. It was in the year 1996, in the month of November that the first registered horses were imported to North America. For this horse breed, there are three different registry classifications that are based on its height. The United States Dressage Federation All Breeds Program recognized it in 2004.

The physique of Irish Cob

The Irish Cob has a plain head with a convex face and a strong neck. Its neck is set on powerful shoulders. It has a broad chest and the ribs are well-sprung. The body is strong and sturdy and the hindquarters are strapping. It has short legs that are iron hard with plenty of bone. The hooves are large, round, and dense.

Height of Irish Cob

The height of Irish Cob ranges from 14 hands high to 17 hands high.

Body Color of Irish

Most commonly the color on the body of the Irish Cob is found to be skewbald and piebald. Both colors are variations of pinto coloring. It is also found that the Irish Cob has all solid colors that include Roans and Grays with white body markings.

The temperament of Irish Cob

The Irish Cob is a sensible, active, and hard-working horse that has a lot of endurance.

Uses of Irish Cob

The Irish Cob used to pull wagons or Caravans. These days, the Irish Cob is not used for pulling anymore and is widely used for riding. Being a versatile horse, it is also used as a riding horse for children. It can also be used for riding English style, Western style, and for driving as well. This horse is looked upon as a symbol of supremacy and vigor among Romany.

Irish Cob is an extremely strong and capable harness horse. It is now, unfortunately, declining in numbers through being made redundant by motorization. It had its heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries, being the sort of horse that could be trusted to take a loaded cart to market or pull a milk float all day without tiring or becoming very impatient. It still very enjoys success as a sensible hack for a heavy rider.

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