|
The Normandy Cob has a long
history dating back to the small, tough Bidet horse which was around before
the Roman Empire. During the Roman Empire, the Romans crossed the Bidet,
which was essentially an Eastern horse, with their heavyweight pack mares to
produce a very serviceable horse for the military. The Normandy Cob was
developed to meet the needs of the military, both as a remount and as a
light draft horse.
During the 18th and 19th
centuries, two Royal studs were established - one at Le Pin in 1728 and the
other at Saint Lo in 1806. The Saint Lo stud became known as the center for
breeding of the Normandy Cob, and by 1976 was standing 60 Normandy Cob
stallions. Gradually, through the 19th and early 20th century, the Normandy
Cob began to develop into two types. There was a lighter version, with a
larger infusion of Thoroughbred and Norfolk Roadster blood, which was
suitable as a riding horse, and was employed by the military for use as
cavalry remounts. The second type which is more common today, was the
stocker and heavier variety suitable for light draft, carriage, and farm
work. Interestingly, despite being recognized as a breed, there is no
studbook for the Normandy Cob, although their breeding is documented, and in
some cases performance testing is carried out.
The Normandy Cob of today is
a versatile and classy horse with great presence and an extravagant stride.
They are similar in conformation to the classic English cob, although they
are of a heavier build and more suited to draft work. They have very good
temperaments and are docile and gentle, while also being lively and
energetic when required. They have a plain but sensible head, a short,
muscular neck set on good shoulders, and a wide, deep chest. Typically they
have a short back and are compact through the body, the croup is rounded,
and the legs extremely sturdy and strong. They have a very powerful build
and frame, but are not classed among the heavyweights of the draft category.
Generally they have minimal feathering on the legs and have a characteristic
energetic, free-flowing trot. The Normandy Cob is always chestnut or bay and
stand between 15.2 and 16.3 hh.
Return to
Horse Breeds page
|
