I am looking for a smaller steady horse and tried a welsh cob. Very nice horse seems quite wide and the trot although not short was very choppy and not that comfortable. Is this typical and would this deter you?
Exvet breeds cobs, maybe she’ll chime in. I will say that she’s told me many times as I drooled over her horses that they can be hot, so be careful there 
I knew alot of the Welsh Cobs from Grazingfields farm back in the day, not a single one was anywhere near choppy or hot, not even the stallions. They were smart, kind, beautiful moving animals so I don’t think what you rode is typical of the breed at all.
There is a pro trainer here in the Pacific NW (Jessica Wisdom), who rides a Welsh Cob – he just started 4th Level or PSG this year. She loves him.
Can’t remember his whole name, but something like North Cardi. I’ve seen him, he’s a handsome, stocky gent with a very solid mind. Great gaits too!
Yes, mine are sensitive and often people consider them hot. I have two (had three) that are closely related to Llanarth Trustful who was at Grazing Fields. Though sensitive, strong, & strong-willed they have wonderful work ethics, that is once you earn their respect. Too much power for some. None of mine are choppy. In fact the one who is pictured in my profile is my worst mover and he is showing fourth level this weekend and if the powers-that-be are willing will debut at Prix St. George early next year. All of mine are wide to extra wide. I find far too many people assume that they are sweet, easy ponies and while definitely sweet I wouldn’t call them easy for certain types of personalities. My stallion is very, very well behaved insofar as his hormones go but he too is sensitive and by sensitive I mean that all of mine have a very well developed “forward” or “go” button. All are tried and true on the trails so again it does not mean that they are wild and crazy or even ill-mannered (can be bullies if allowed to be) but they are smart and do not suffer fools well. Mine I believe are typical of the breed but I’m sure I’ll be corrected. I’ve backed/started all of mine and am an amateur so take it for what it’s worth :winkgrin:
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This guy was very pleasant, not hot but forward. He had a lovely walk and canter. I’d describe his trot as “bumpy” and uncomfortable. Not sure that I could sit to it but I’m wondering how much it could be improved. He looked like he could be a bit naughty but he was adorable.
My “worst” mover I purchased because he had a decent canter which isn’t true of all welsh cobs. I have yet to have one that has a trot I couldn’t sit to and some of mine have a heck of a lot of suspension. I will say that the walk is my fourth level guy’s worst gait and all 3 gaits have improved tremendously with proper work. Still I am thrilled the few times he’s scored 7’s in recognized competition and twice now he’s scored 8’s on his gaits. I would call him an average or “6” mover by nature. I might be concerned with the one you speak of (though haven’t seen so do not know) that if the trot is truly choppy if what you really have are tension issues - stiff through the back? and/or stiff between the ears :lol:
cobs
Thank you for the feedback. I think he’s worth a second look. I just was curious about the breed in general. He is extremely personable and cute and seems completely not spooky. I just wasn’t sure how comfortable he would be for the long term. It is such a challenge to find the whole package. I need something not spooky, yet willing, forward and comfortable on a not huge budget, and I need something not bigger than 16hh or smaller than 14.3
Having owned, and ridden cobs my entire life I can attest for their durability, trainability, and willingness. This article will give you a better insight to their 'types" and movement. http://www.quillaneapollo.com/cobs.html I am going to assume that you had the chance to ride a cob with a lot of action. It all depends on the bloodlines, and build of the animal. Some are more suited to smoothness than others. Welsh cobs are truly a remarkable breed, definately worth a try.
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Thanks you, they seem to only have real youngsters-any other suggestions?
Was he really through? Using his back? I can’t sit my stallion (not welsh, but cob 
)to save my life when he is not through. Once he is, I can sit there all day, throw in some lateral work, lift off into an extension…
It’s also possible you aren’t used to quite as wide a horse as that, and your hips aren’t as open and flexible as they would be with routine riding of said couch.
If the trot looks good without a rider, it can usually be improved. The right saddle for both of you is crucial too, and cob types are not without heartache in that department. :uhoh:
[QUOTE=jillya;3183386]
I am looking for a smaller steady horse and tried a welsh cob. Very nice horse seems quite wide and the trot although not short was very choppy and not that comfortable. Is this typical and would this deter you?[/QUOTE] No it isn’t at all.
Indeed a welsh cob is renowned for having an trot which is forward and with good knee action. Its why they make such exceptional carriage horses.
They’re a great all rounder horse
[QUOTE=Thomas_1;3183939]
No it isn’t at all.
Indeed a welsh cob is renowned for having an trot which is forward and with good knee action. Its why they make such exceptional carriage horses.
They’re a great all rounder horse[/QUOTE]
seconded-- i have had welsh cobs and welsh cobs x types all my life
and i have all the sections a b c and d–
bonnie my mare is very well bred is a section d and has all the top lines of the other sections as shesa modern sec d so not heavy boned
has exceptional jump- as in huge big pop
i like the welsh as thomas 1 says they are a true all round work horse and can do any disapline
I love mine to bits, super nice personality, enjoys work and great talent. She has average gaits but makes up for it in her athletic ability.
They’re easy keepers and VERY prone to 
Stylish in harness:
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/Driving/welshsectionD.jpg)
Schooling and showing conformation and movement:
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/schooling.jpg)
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/Bryn.jpg)
Be warned their names registered names are impossible to say unless you’re drunk! This is Paith Twysog Comique
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/DSCF0003.jpg)
Comique (welsh D) with a Welsh A:
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/Comique.jpg)
2 Welsh Cobs going out:
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/DSCF0025.jpg)
You’ll see they don’t hang about!
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/DSCF0027.jpg)
Living out:
[IMG]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/classic-carriages/Driving/whatsthis.jpg)
*Kentchurch Chime, a palomino stallion, went to Grand Prix.
I saw my first Welsh Cob not long ago when I went to buy hay from Tamara in TN and fell madly in love.
I have ridden many cobs (most recently for Clearview Cobs, who breed horse size cobs) and I find that no matter what the size they are nice and easy to sit. I have had everything from a 13.0 peanut to a 15+ “monster” and they are nothing but nice.
All of the Cobs that I have ridden have been very successful Dressage ponies- I won my USDF bronze medal on the first Cob that I ever had. I’m a big fan!
I second the part about them getting fat- they are PIGS!
Thomas, I don’t know about you, but my girl is an absolute wimp when it comes to cold, wet weather. But she lives off air when she’s out in the field, thus I have her permanently dry lotted.
