Tack N Turnout: The Show Cob

Finally the showing season is right around the corner - Yay!! Time to whip out the show cane, tweed coat and double bridle!

I'm not too sure why but showing classes seem to intimidate alot of people and scare them off. It's really not as bad as you'd think ... personally it's something I think everyone should have a go of at least once (preferably this summer)! 

The cob class is one of the more popular classes at an Agri Show (more information of dates found here) and is one that I think is kind of trickier to get your tack and turnout correct for :)

The bigger cob classes are sometimes split into two categories - lightweight and heavyweight. Lightweight cobs are between 148cms and 155cms and have at least 8 inches of bone below the knee. This means that they are capable for carrying up to 14 stone. A heavyweight on the other hand is between 148cms and 155cms but should have at least 9 inches of bone below the knee thus capable of carrying more than 14 stone.


Bridle and Bit
  • As cobs sometimes have large and plain heads a wide and flat browband and noseband will flatter the shape of their head. Raised or blingy bridles should be avoided ... it's kinda like dressing a hippo in a tutu! :)
  • In novice (or local) classes any type of bit can be used but in the more advanced and competitive classes a rugby pelham (with slip head) or a double bridle would be used. For local or first time shows you're better off just using your normal bit your horse goes in than over bit them and complicate things! 
  • Reins should be plain, rubber lined or laced. If using a double bridle the bradoon rein should be thicker (and ideally laced) whereas the curb rein is kept plain and of thin leather. 


Saddle and Girth
  • For the bigger shows (such as the R.D.S.) a special showing saddle may be used but the majority of people will use their G.P saddle. The straighter the cut the better as you really want to flatter their shoulder and movements :)
  • A discreet leather girth is the most correct but any girth can be used provided it compliments the horse and saddle (ie. no bright or loud colours!) 


Martingale
  • These are not allowed in a show cob class


Numnah
  • Either use no numnah or else a discreet one that is the same colour as the saddle. Some people now use half pads which also work quite well provided they are the same colour as the saddle :)


Boots and Bandages
  • These are not allowed in a show cob class.


Grooming
  • This is the bit that probably scares most people!! Cobs should be practically hairless - they should have hogged manes, pulled and banged tails, head (ears, muzzle etc) trimmed and all hair removed from their legs. No feathers allowed! (Tails are banged about 3 inches below the hock.)
  • Quarter marks are allowed for cobs - sharks teeth can be used to draw attention to their flanks while rectangles can be used on their quarters. Diamond designs are used for riding and hack horses only. 
  • A small amount of make up can be used - chalk for their legs and perhaps a bit of highlighter for their eyes and muzzle. But just remember they are meant to look workman like so go easy on it! 


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