Alysa Matravers&Tiger Tim - Dobson&Horrell Novice Restricted - Espayo National Dressage Championships 2013 - Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 20 September 2013
Cobs are smart and willing – but sometimes underestimated in the dressage arena. Top trainers and judges share their best dressage training advice for helping cobs and cob-types succeed between the white boards.
“Cobs are massively underestimated,” says Sam Turner, who trained and competed her 14hh traditional gypsy cob, Cuffstown Rumble (Billy Whiz), up to grand prix.
“They’re clever, hard-working, and so game. You just have to be consistent, patient – and not worry about what anyone else thinks.”
International rider and list 1 British Dressage judge Sara-Jane Lanning agrees: “One of the most fun horses I ever competed was a big, chunky part-bred Irish Draught cob who came third in the medium gold at the winter championships. People don’t expect it – but they absolutely can do it.”
BDCC Level 3 coach and list 2 judge Alice Oppenheimer adds: “Dressage is about ‘gymnasticising’ the horse to make them more supple, athletic and elastic. You can improve any type – that’s the whole point.”
Cobs are often willing, smart and eager to please: RSPCA George, a rescue cob who has qualified for multiple dressage championships under Theo Charnley. Credit: Kevin Sparrow
Dressage training for cobs: common strengths – and how to build on them
Cobs bring a lot to the table.
“They tend to have excellent minds,” says Alice. “If they enjoy their work, you’re already halfway there. They’re willing, smart and want to please – that gives you so much to work with.”
Sam agrees: “Billy wasn’t the fanciest mover, but he tried his heart out – and that’s worth more to me than fancy movement.”
Cuffstown Rumble – a dressage cob who went all the way up to grand prix. Credit: Susan Young
They’re also often well-balanced and powerful.
“Cobs can have active hindlegs and a good walk – two things that really help,” adds Sara-Jane. “They often find straight lines easy – so if you focus on test riding and accuracy, that’s a quick way to earn marks.”
But trainers agree: don’t mistake enthusiasm for correct movement.
“They can be very willing – but that can mean rushing,” says Alice. “Balance and tempo are key. You want a consistent rhythm that shows swing and softness.”
Sam has learned that firsthand.
“I used to override Billy because I felt like we had to prove we belonged,” she admits. “Now I’d focus more on keeping him relaxed and letting the work speak for itself.
“Transitions, poles, and patience. That’s our bread and butter. We don’t need to be flashy – just consistent.”
She’s also learned the value of variety in keeping him switched on: “Cobs are smart – which is great but means you’ve got to keep things interesting. If I drill the same thing, Billy just tunes out. We mix it up and do a lot of hacking, and it keeps him sharp.”
Understand the build
Cobs come in all different shapes and sizes, but are often compact and downhill in their conformation. That can lead to leaning, heaviness in the contact and tension through the back.
“They’re not built to be uphill – so we have to create that posture through training,” explains Sara-Jane. “It’s about helping them find self-carriage. The rider can’t do the holding – the horse has to learn to carry itself.”
Super cob Tiger Tim illustrates how this type can be trained to lift the shoulder and carry itself. Credit: Kevin Sparrow
Getting the hindlegs stepping under, the back swinging, and the shoulders free will help develop a light, uphill balance and contact.
“A lot of the leaning or pulling comes from being out of balance,” Sara-Jane adds. “So you’ve got to slow the tempo without losing energy, and give the horse time to find its feet.”
Monica Spencer’s ride Artist is a retrained racehorse competing at the highest level in eventing and excelling in the dressage phase. Credit: Maxime David - MXIMD Pictures/Alamy
