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 About Norman Cob Horses
Norman Cobs are descended from bidets, small horses thatrnfrom Asia. They were brought by the Celts. They lived in Brittany and Normandyrnbefore the start of the Roman Empire. Eventually these horses reached Russiarnand were interbred to Mongolian Horses. Romans interbred these horses withrntheir heavy pack mares. In the 10th century the Norman breeders were known forrntheir war horses--large, strong with good endurance. In the 16th and 17thrncenturies Barb and Arabian blood was introduced. In 1665 the first royal studrnfarms were founded. Stallions were selected in 1730. In the 19th century thernNorfolk Roadster was mixed in. English Thoroughbred blood was added along withrnEnglish hunter stallions. The horse developed into the Anglo-Norman (in Francerncalled the Normand Cob) and recently Selle Francais horses.rnrn
rnrnEven though Norman Cob stallions are to be found at thernNational studs, especially at Saint Lo, no studbook is kept, although breedingrnis documented and in some areas performance testing of young stock is carriedrnout.rnrn
rnrnNorman Cobs range from 15.3 hh to 16.3 hh. They are a lightrndraft horse with a forward moving trot. The trot is the working gait. They havernfreedom of movement with a high set tail. Their build is strong and stocky. Theyrnare energetic, docile, lively, and of excellent temperament. Their neck isrncrested and their head is heavy. Their coupling is short, have powerfulrnhindquarters, proportionate hocks, sort cannons and shanks, with prominentrnjoints. Their barrel is round and deep. They have strong shoulders with a goodrnslope, and a strong back. Their hooves are medium sized, hard, and sound. Theirrnlegs are short, extremely muscular, lightly feathered at the heel, with goodrnbone. They are found in chestnut bay or bay and brown. Gray and red roan arernrare but do exist.
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