The Irish Cob is a native Irish breed and although it has a long history the Studbook was only officially founded in 1998. Prior to this linages were passed down verbally from generation to generation. The breed is referred to worldwide by many different names such as Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Vanner and Irish Tinker.

The Irish Cob breed was developed by the Travelling Community in Ireland. For hundreds of years these sturdy, hardworking horses pulled wagons and carts throughout Ireland, Britain and Europe. The breed adapted to be strong and versatile. They needed to be gentle enough to be handled by children but sturdy enough to pull a wagon all day.

The Irish Cob Studbook Breed Standard

General Appearance – The Irish Cob is compact and powerful, ample both in muscle and bone, yet, with an ability to perform as a good all-purpose animal. Some Irish Cobs tend to be more “stocky” than others. The Irish Cob is well balanced and proportioned, standing straight and square and offering an imposing appearance.

The head, which should be held proudly should be carried on a powerful and arched, well “set on”, neck. The neck should appear to “carry on” through good withers and to finish at the start of the back (this feature should be particularly evident in stallions). The back which should be short and straight should slope gently upwards to a well muscled croup (the back bone/spine or the hip bones should not be apparent). The croup, which is quite high and generous should have both croup muscles well defined, the top of the quarters being exceptionally well muscled, broad and ample. The angle of the spine from the croup to the tail should slope gently downwards and should not be exaggerated, this allows for a high, well “set on”, tail and contributes to good well rounded quarters.

Irish Cobs are from medium weight to heavy weight, (Some allowance in bone measurement can be made for mares and geldings only). Irish Cobs with their unique action, luxuriant hair and feathering and the large range of colours available, combine to present a beautiful and varied sight to see when turned out at their best, particularly when in motion.

The Irish Cob should possess a docile and willing nature, with a friendly disposition towards humans and other animal species. Displays of aggressive and threatening behaviour such as ears back, kicking, biting, rearing and not being under control of the handler, will result in expulsion from Approval Inspection and the Show Ring.

Their height should be under 170cms. Irish Cobs can be any solid colours including black, bay, brown, chestnut, palomino, grey and roan. In addition they can be any solid colours and white body markings i.e. coloured. Irish Cobs which have white markings on the underbelly are described as Splashed or Blagdon.

• Head – should be straight, handsome and in proportion to the rest of the horse. The forehead should be broad and the muzzle, jaw and cheek should be generous.
• Mouth – should have a level bite.
• Eyes – should be quite bold, open and set well apart.
• Ears – should be neat and well set on.
• Neck – should be compact, but not too short and should be generously muscled including the crest.
• Shoulders – should be ample, powerful and sloping.
• Withers – should be of average protrusion or height and should be encased in plenty of muscle and flesh.
• Chest – should be powerful, well muscled and not too broad or narrow.
• Back – should be short, straight, well covered in muscle and flesh and slope gently upwards towards the croup.
• Hindquarters And Hind Legs – The hindquarters should be very generous, well rounded, broad and powerful with a well muscled high croup. The second thigh should also be very generous, quite long and well coupled to good straight powerful hocks. The hind legs should be well boned and muscled.
• Body – should be short and compact with ribs well sprung to barrel shape.
• Forelegs – should be powerful and not too short. There should be a good length of well-muscled forearm and generously boned shins.
• Knees and Hocks – should be well developed and of generous dimensions but should be in balance with the proportions of the horse.
• Fetlock Joints – should match the other joints in power, size and build.
• Pasterns – should also be of sufficient bone and not too long (straight or over angled pasterns are a fault).
• Hooves – should be well shaped, neat and of a size capable of carrying the frame of the horse without stress.
• Leg Hair/Feathering – Leg hair/feathering is a characteristic and decorative feature of the Irish Cob breed. This is especially prominent in the heavier Irish Cobs. However, the amount of leg hair/feathering present may vary considerably, particularly in the case of medium weight Irish Cobs. Leg hair/feathering, should at the very least, fall from the back of the knees and hocks, down to a thick covering of hair/feathers on the heels. Leg hair/feathering should also fall over the front of the hoof, from at least the coronet.
• Mane and Tail – The mane and tail should be luxuriant and capable of growing to a substantial length.
• Movement – Movement should appear sound and free from obvious hereditary defects.

Horse Sport Ireland also hold the studbook for the Irish Part-Bred Cob; the part bred can be a cross of any horse/pony breed and a studbook registered Irish Cob. The ICPB is a leisure horse capable of participating in all equestrian disciplines.