| |
HORSES OF THE WORLD
NORMAN COB
Origin:
Europe - France
|
 |
History:
The Normandy in France has long been renown for its horse breeding. The
ancestors of the modern Norman Cob were bred at the historic stud of Saint Lô. The Norman
Cob was named after the English Cob and was developed as a distinct breed at the beginning
of the 20th century when breeders distinguished their half-bred horses as riding horses,
especially for the army, and those of sturdier built as draught horses.
In the La Manche region the heavier Norman Cob became even more popular as a work horse
than the Percheron. Over the years selected breeding has produced a sturdier, muscular
horse to better cope with the work required, however the Norman Cob does not have the
massive statue of true heavy horses.
The tail of the Norman Cob is still traditionally docked depriving the horse of a vital
means of protection against flies. Over the centuries this mutilation was carried out for
some ritual purpures, to prevent the tail from getting entangled with the harness and
equipment as well as for fashion reasons.
Characteristics:
strong, stocky built, light draught horse
Head: kind expression
Legs: well proportioned limbs
Tail: traditionally docked
Color: chestnut, bay or bay-brown, occasionally grey or
red-roan
Height: 15.3. to 16.3hh
Temperament: kind, gentle
Qualities: energetic action; lively, free moving trot
Today:
The Norman Cob is still used on small farms in France in the La Manche
region, Normandy.
|