Traditional cobs are growing in popularity as versatile, sensible riding horses, yet on the flip side the type is suffering at the worst end of the horse crisis. Jo Browne reports...
![Super Cobs!](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/8259/212594/58bfae10d8966/Super-Cobs.jpg)
The hairy cob has undergone a renaissance in recent years as the horse world has realised the talents it has to offer.
They can be seen wowing the judges in showing classes, turning a hoof to riding club activities, safely carrying youngsters at Pony Club rallies and holding their own in affiliated dressage tests.
Indeed, the talent shown between the white boards has resulted in Traditional Gypsy Cobs being given their own dressage championships that are affiliated to British Dressage (BD).
Yet while more people are enjoying owning, loaning and sharing Gypsy Cobs, this type of horse and pony is still suffering at the very worst end of the horse crisis.
Welfare charities are called out on a daily basis to deal with heartbreaking cases, and from the press releases Horse magazine receives, many of these involve coloured, hairy cobs – emaciated colts thrown into ditches, mares in labour dumped to die on a roadside or horses abandoned with horrific wounds.
Charities are full to bursting point. They work tirelessly to educate people about responsible breeding in a bid to stem the numbers of unwanted equines, and to find loving homes for the horses and ponies that come through their doors.
So, let’s celebrate the beauty and versatility of the Traditional Gypsy Cob, but consider what still needs to be done to help the hundreds of horses suffering from, or at risk of, neglect.
Breed recognition
With its flowing mane, abundant feather and ample bone, the Traditional Gypsy Cob has fans the world over.
Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Take To One Side](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/253344/5a253c75c60f1/crp_Take-To-One-Side.jpg)
Take To One Side
Our latest Equilibrium Products Rising Star is Robyn Caterall, who has a passionate for the art of riding side-saddle.
![A New Year spectacular](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/253344/5a253df8cfe44/crp_A-New-Year-spectacular.jpg)
A New Year spectacular
Make the New Year a special occasion for the whole family this year, with a trip to the Liverpool International Horse Show. Here’s what’s on offer
![Mongolian Adventure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5edb1979c1f/crp_Mongolian-Adventure.jpg)
Mongolian Adventure
Intrepid traveller Josie Stanford takes an unforgettable trip by horseback into a remote region of Mongolia
![Building On The Basics](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ee4b9e5d0c/crp_Building-On-The-Basics.jpg)
Building On The Basics
Train your horse sympathetically and get those all-important basic building blocks in place, with the help of top dressage rider Zoe Sleigh
![10 Steps To Jumping Confidence](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ee761122b9/crp_10-Steps-To-Jumping-Confidence.jpg)
10 Steps To Jumping Confidence
Increase your chances of going clear on the cross-country course with top tips from event rider Austin O’Connor
![10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5eed1feb1d0/crp_10-Essential-Winter-Feeding-Tips.jpg)
10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips
Keep your horse happy, healthy and in good condition with these useful tips from Castle Horse Feed nutritionist Lisa Elliott MSc
![3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ef4384077c/crp_3-Of-The-BestWays-To-Build-A-Bond.jpg)
3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond
Strengthen the relationship you have with your horse, with top advice from equine behaviourist and chartered physiotherapist Sue Palmer
![Secure A Sponsor](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/212594/58bfb75e974a7/crp_Secure-A-Sponsor.jpg)
Secure A Sponsor
Get help to achieve your riding and competition goals, and cover some of the costs, by securing sponsorship. Here are some useful tips to get you started...
![Achieve Your Goals](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/203696/589970c91a962/crp_Achieve-Your-Goals.jpg)
Achieve Your Goals
Don’t fall at the first hurdle and fail to meet your goals in 2017. Confidence coach Jenni Winter has some smart advice to keep you on track and increase your chance of success.
![Power To The Paces](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/208357/58aac04fbc256/crp_Power-To-The-Paces.jpg)
Power To The Paces
Add expression to your horse’s paces by including some medium steps. Not only will this set you up for the higher levels of dressage, but it can help your jumping, too.