Welsh cobs - what are they like?

[Teazle]

We're loaning one for a while. Don't know much about them, all I know from his history is he came off the hills to the current owner a loooong time ago! He's papered so pure bred. He's really gentle and good now but she gave us a pelham and said she normally rides him in a Dr Bristol so he must get quite strong!

Any tips? I'm guessing he can be pretty strong when he wants to be, but am hoping he could go in a snaffle at least in the school.

Would love to hear what they're like as a breed from people who've got them!

[Nik-n-Kia]

I have one and he rides with a snaffle at home but when we go to parties he has a Dr Bristol as he can get strong and frisky.

Kia is 3/4 bred dad pure and mum welsh x TB and he displays the fulkl range of weshy emotions.

I love him as he is full of character but when you clash be aware that they can be stubborn but once they trust you they will try their hearts out for you.

They can be bolshy or brutish on the gound but if your firm and fair with them they will respect you and do as you ask.

I love them and my next one will be a pure welshy if I can get one 15hh or taller lol!!!

Nikki xxx

[notpoodle]

they're all crazy :D no, seriously, im yet to meet a sane one :p is yours more the 'pony looking' type or the BIG type?

Julia
x

[showjumper-zoe]

My sister used to ride a welsh D in a jointed pelham but she did school her sometimes in a waterford lose ring snaffle. She wasn't strong she just leaned and needing schooloing out of it.

[Nik-n-Kia]

they're all crazy :D no, seriously, im yet to meet a sane one :p is yours more the 'pony looking' type or the BIG type?

Julia
x

Me and Kia resent that lol!!!!:D

He is sane as long as he know what is happening of what I expec of him. If we are both unsure then the poo hits the fan big style lol!!!

They are very honest and open about their feelings tho!!!

Here is a good example lol!!!

Kia in the warm up arena being a pratt
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00201-1-1.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00197-1-1.jpg

Kia in a class 10 mins later
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00243-1-1.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00255-1-1.jpg

They can be stubborn and test you but once you click it brilliant!! I dont think that they are different from anyother type of horse really they just get plasterd for their quirks lol!!!

Nikki xxx:D

[SLW]

Me and Kia resent that lol!!!!:D

He is sane as long as he know what is happening of what I expec of him. If we are both unsure then the poo hits the fan big style lol!!!

They are very honest and open about their feelings tho!!!

Here is a good example lol!!!

Kia in the warm up arena being a pratt
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00201-1-1.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00197-1-1.jpg

Kia in a class 10 mins later
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00243-1-1.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Nik-n-Kia/DSC00255-1-1.jpg

They can be stubborn and test you but once you click it brilliant!! I dont think that they are different from anyother type of horse really they just get plasterd for their quirks lol!!!

Nikki xxx:D

Horses shouldn't be judged just on their breed for a start. They are all individuals and should be treated that way. Just because on Welsh cob maybe sharp, doesn't mean the next will be. I have trained many horses in my time and all are unique whether they are the same breed or not.

With regards to the above horse being a prat - Can you notice the difference in your position from the top pics to the bottom pics?? That isn't going to be helping the horse. (no offence, just a observation) :D

[Nik-n-Kia]

Not defending myself as I dont really have to but when a horse is pratting about and throwing random bucks and spooks ( which I do have piccies of lol) my position is one of staying on and not carreening into other partners.

Never needed a critique thanks.

I have a welsh and I think that I am perfectly capable of passing my experience onto people about this breed as I researched before I bought and I intend to have more.

Nikki xxx:)

[SLW]

Not defending myself as I dont really have to but when a horse is pratting about and throwing random bucks and spooks ( which I do have piccies of lol) my position is one of staying on and not carreening into other partners.

Never needed a critique thanks.

I have a welsh and I think that I am perfectly capable of passing my experience onto people about this breed as I researched before I bought and I intend to have more.

Nikki xxx:)

Like I said it was an observation, not critique. Everyone has different methods.

I also have welshies and specialise in training horses so am also capable of passing on experience. I will say again - no horse is ever the same as the next and shouldn't be judged that way... end of. :D

[Nik-n-Kia]

Cool everyone i entitled to their Opinion!!

Nikki xxx :)

[Teazle]

Hey, chill out everyone!

Thanks for the info - breeds do have characteristics, for example TBs were bred to race, and bred as a very domesticated breed. Doesn't make them all loopy but it does affect their outlook on life. New Forests were bred to be riding ponies, with a good temperament, and are renowned for it. Not all are so, but most are.

[chev]

There've been a few threads about Welsh cobs.

One here, (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125684&highlight=%22welsh+cobs%22) another here, (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124774&highlight=%22welsh+cobs%22) also one here (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114746&highlight=%22welsh+cobs%22) and one more here. (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104580&highlight=%22welsh+cobs%22)

Lots of different viewpoints and experiences!

I love them; they're generally quick-thinking intelligent horses, who can usually do well in most disciplines. They're agile, they often thrive on work and if you get on with them they'll try their hearts out for you.

Some are a bit sharper and you often find they're slightly opinionated but if you get a good one they're hard to beat. :)

[Teazle]

The gelding we've just got seems really sweet. He was very good when ridden today, pleased to see his owner (who came to watch the trial ride), but having been loaned before, totally got the idea that he was having a new rider and rested his head against his new person while we all stood and chatted after the ride. He loved being fussed and groomed as he's been left to himself for a little while, and was really gentle and well mannered.

His new rider is quite used to our pony who can be an absolute angel but also extremely stubborn and opinionated at times - sounds like welsh Ds are much like the pony to me so she should have no trouble adjusting!

[Gurnosstud]

The Welsh Cob is generally a very versatile breed. There is not much they cannot turn their hoof too. The are usually kind natured but full of character.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/horsey_bucket/IMG_0009.gif
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/horsey_bucket/IMG_0011.gif
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/horsey_bucket/100_0317.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/horsey_bucket/IMG_0002.jpg

[Seabiscuit]

Hoho, another excuse to post a photo! http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/K_E_K/CIMG0122.jpg
Bran is a Welsh D (a big one but with a pony's face, very cute and cheeky looking but is nearly 16hh). I had him since he was 18 months old, he's now 4. I wouldn't say it has been an easy ride! He's very quick and opinionated, but as others have said once you have them on side they are completely devoted. I have to be firm with Bran and consistent with my handling and there are now times when he surpasses some of the other horses on the yard with his manners! We have learnt a lot together.
Bran is also quite strong but he has one massive neck and chest on him. He hasn't tanked off with me yet though - he's quite lazy when it comes to working!

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I am a HUGE Welsh D affecionado, after having had the chance to work with one through most of my teenage years :)

Pepper was bought from a horse sale as a "7 year old ride and drive pony". Turned out he was rising 5 and was never properly trained :rolleyes:
Anyways, I spent a year working with him, and I've never ridden a more willing and honest horse, either before or since! We spent many years together, hitting the local and county show circuit, and doing mini ODE's (though he was never a fan of jumping, really!) and he went best in a straight bar pelham bit (he HATED anything with a jointed bit!)

Anyways, he was the best friend I ever had :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/cyberpunkgrrl/misc/Animals/MeridingPepperattheCarltonannual-1.jpg

[jazzybear]

Aww all your horses are beautiful!

I got my first Welsh D yesterday - have him on loan! Am really looking forward to having something a bit bigger - mine are only 13.3hh and 14hh. Hes 15.2hh.

He's a total sweetheart. ill get some pics of him to post :)

[kade]

hi
my first sec d gelding was a nightmare tried to kill my sons instructor pluss other horses . he was very well bred with top bloodlines looks of an angel but mind and actions of a devil !!!
he was rehomed , then i bought a sec d mare she would lay down her life for you! gives kisses and gives you 100% !
she steals your heart with her looks and nature i wouldnt be without her!
inhand ridden jumping dressage cross country !
she is pure breed with good bloodlines but not as good as the gelding!
each sec d in my mind are unique everyones different just like people their is good and bad in us all.
i am proud to be owned by a section d chestnut flexion mane/tail mare!!!
kade

[kade]

hi
my first sec d gelding was a nightmare tried to kill my sons instructor pluss other horses . he was very well bred with top bloodlines looks of an angel but mind and actions of a devil !!!
he was rehomed , then i bought a sec d mare she would lay down her life for you! gives kisses and gives you 100% !
she steals your heart with her looks and nature i wouldnt be without her!
inhand ridden jumping dressage cross country !
she is pure breed with good bloodlines but not as good as the gelding!
each sec d in my mind are unique everyones different just like people their is good and bad in us all.
i am proud to be owned by a section d chestnut flexion mane/tail mare!!!
kade

pluss shes a big one 15 2 and just turned 5 years old !

[jumpingmad]

my section D is fantastic, i really couldnt ask for a better horse! hes on a Nathe Bit (its just rubber with no metal apart from the rings) and is fantastic on it. He stands still to mount, puts his ears back to listen to me. I really dont have to use my legs at all, i can just say "trot on" and he'll trot. When i bought him i was told that he was broken, so i got on him and he took 10 steps and wouldnt budge, so we sent him for professional backing, and now he goes to that same trainer ever year for 4 weeks, hes starting proper road work soon (he turns his back end onto the traffic :eek: that is really his only flaw) he can be a bit "OOOH WHATS THAT?! -gallops away-" and "i'm hungry -eats someones hedge-" but he really is fantastic, and has a great sense of humour x]

[jazzybear]

Ive a 5 year old section d on loan and i am totally in love with him! He is an absolute superstar! He arrived to me with nothing but a bridle, so so far ive only ridden him bareback, but he has been a total angel.

I was told he is really spooky, but since he is in a routine, he is happy as larry. Hes a huge dope on a rope. Things might change as we start doing stuff tho!!

[Deefa]

Best breed in the world welsh D's :D not that i am biased! I have two!

This is Harry -15yrs old 14.1 D He is my little star!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/deefa/Harry%20Jumping/DSC_0103.jpg

And Toby, my 4yr old 15.1 D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/deefa/Toby/DSCF3620.jpg