Owned my cob a year now

[Supercali]

It's been a while since I posted on this forum but I just thought that I would let you know how I've been getting on with my cob over the last year.

When I first brought him home last year he was a little monster and was bargy, bolshy and had no manners or respect. I realise now that these tactics probably worked on the previous owners and that he wa spractically starved, which didn't help matters.

After being dragged around and nearly having my limbs detached from my body, I sought the services of a local 'natural horsemanship' instructor. She became my saviour and within hours I had 'control' over my cob - well at least some of the time. We didn't get on well at all and didn't bond, we seemed to be meeting head-on most of the time.

My cob apparently was only good for hacking and wouldn't do schooling work. He rushed around the school, couldn't bend, napped through his shoulder and wouldn't canter - he was so unbalanced and would try to evade work by trying to get my leg caught in the fence . For the next year he would think of different ways to get out of doing things - he was so intelligent but also picked up new things really easily.

Anyway, a year on and especially this week, he has been an absolute angel. He is soon to be 7 and I can lead him in and out of the field with just a leadrope round his neck or holding on to his forelock. I can hack out and canter him along the riverbank and stop him when I want. I can do lots of schooling work and lunging and groundwork in the school, and even started jumping now. He is really flexible, balanced and light and improving all the time.

Even a few months ago he regressed slightly and we had disagreements and I talked of selling him but now he has given me the confidence to go out hacking and have a big smile across my face, even when he spooks . I just wonder how it would have been if I hadn't had the help of my wonderful instructor who we still have weekly lessons from?

[bexj]

Have you stolen my cob? It seems like so many cobs go through this at some stage, which is incredibly frustrating but ultimately hugely rewarding. The help of a good sympathetic instructor, in my experience, is essential.

Anyway, its fantastic to hear that he is settling now and doing well - hope to see some pictures soon?

[NoviceNic]

OMG is it really a year. WOW your RI has really worked you both hard. She/he sounds like they are worth their weight in gold. You are doing brilliant together. Post some photo's so we can see how you are both coming on. PS Does your RI travel to Boston?? Could do with the same help as you know Captain has been a typical cob as well...

[Little Dolphins]

Great news, and VERY encouraging to others who have 'characterful cobs'-like me

Well DONE for persevering, and for finding a brilliant instructor. I found help from a Monty Roberts-trained lady who managed to nip the barging in the bud in about two sessions! When my cobgirl knows what she's supposed to do, she does it so well; when she's unsure, she's a scaredycat and very strong. I've figured out that's the key.

happy hacks along the riverbank!

[nicolaj]

Yep, sounds like you have borrowed my cob as well!!

People think they are really thick, but they are actually very intelligent and do pick things up very quickly. It is the fact then they spend all the brain power trying to work out what little tricks get them out of working that earns them that reputation!!

My boy had not really been tought any ground manners, like being led properly or having his feet picked up. It has taken me ages to get these sorted out, but now I can lead him without him diving for the nearest blade of grass, that you would need a NASA space telescope to see, all the time and walking all over me!

Glad you've got it worked out, the trick is a good RI, which has helped me a lot and also some very good friends!

Keep it up!

[Bay Mare]

That's good to hear You've all done really well and it's so good to find an excellent, supportive trainer

[Supercali]

So it's not just me then My husband thinks I should become a 'cobmaster' and go around the country sorting people's naughty cobs out for them

NoviceNic - I think Boston imight be a bit too far for my instructor but she is based in Outwell, nr Wisbech, Cambs and if you could get there or nearer then I'm sure she will be happy to help you out or if there are more of you then it might be worth her while. She is called Melanie Rayner, mobile 07929 904932. A really calm, lovely woman.

I did feel quite cruel and got upset to begin with as I had to be quite tough on him - the short sharp shock was needed with him as if you gave him an inch he would take a mile but now he knows that I mean business and now tows the line (in a good way).

I will have to get my Hubby to take some photos as I don't have any recent ones. Here's one a while back but excuse the hands, the position etc. I can't remember what I was doing at the time!

[Supercali]

I take that all back what a little b*gger he was today as I tried to get him in from the grass - I chased him around and wouldn't let him stop to eat and he did the most wonderful capriole http://www.lipizzaner.com/Capriole.asp

[alfie]

im so glad i have just read all the above i thought i was the only one in the world with a horse like that!!!!! i have lost count of how many times i have said im going to sell my cob alfie. hes my first horse and was sold to me as a novice ride!!!!ha ha we were having weekly lessons but have just moved yards and we are back at square one. there are so many things that he does but i love him so what do you do? i have found somewhere to have lessons again so we will take it from there

[NoviceNic]

What is it about cobs. No matter what they do you would never want to be without them!!

Handsome boy. How old was he in that picture he looked quite young. And CLEAN!!!

[Supercali]

He is 6 in the photo and still is till 1st May! I can't decide what to get him for his birthday.

I don't think you can see the dirt in the photo but he is never clean for more than 1/2 hour He detests being wet and rolls and rolls and rolls until he is dirty again as if to say, that'll teach you for washing me

My aunty once commented on his unusual colours until I pointed out they were stable stains

I am embarrassed when I go out on a hack because he always has big dirty patches but luckily most of them are on his left hand side so the passing cars can't see. If I ride him after I have washed him he is in a foul mood and has even leapt in the air in disgust ....but we still love them

[NoviceNic]

Where did you get him from. Was it local?? What was his name when you first had him?? Sorry about 1000 questions but he reminds me of one that I tried about 1 1/2 yrs ago. His name was Spirit and he was in the Kings Lynn area.

[Supercali]

Originally Posted by NoviceNic

Where did you get him from. Was it local?? What was his name when you first had him?? Sorry about 1000 questions but he reminds me of one that I tried about 1 1/2 yrs ago. His name was Spirit and he was in the Kings Lynn area.

He's called Cedric and I got him from nr Norwich - I think the name Spirit would be more suitable but I call him Monster-munch and Guzzleguts (on good days )

[katieB]

Sometimes I wonder where the phrase ploddy cob came from?! What a cutey, more pics please