Norman cob
Norman cobs are mid-sized horses with conformation of a robust Thoroughbred - they have a square overall profile and a short strong back. The head is well-proportioned, with small ears and a straight or convex facial profile. These horses have thick and muscular necks, deep chests, pronounced withers and broad shoulders and strong hindquarters (not as much as in other draft breeds, though). The legs are short and strong, with a thick bone. Traditionally, the tail was docked, until 1996, when the practice became illegal in France. Norman cobs have a lively trot with long strides, which was achieved via selective breeding. Norman cobs stand between 155-168 cm.
Now something about coat colors. Norman cobs are usually chestnut or bay, or seal brown (in the breed registry, it's called black pangaré, however, genetically, these animals are brown, not with pangaré markings). Bay with white markings are the most popular.
Norman cobs come from the Normandy region in France. Their ancestors were small horses that lived in Normandy - bidets. These were bred by Romans to draft mares to produce war horses good both for pulling and riding. Over the centuries, blood of other breeds was added - Arabians and Barbs, but also Gelderlands, Norfolk trotters and others. Because of Thoroughbred ancestry, Norman cobs are energic and athletic and they mature sooner than other draft horses. In the 18th century, there were two studs founded - Le Pin and Saint Lo.
This multi-purpose breed is calm, willing and hardworking, and very durable. Cobs show great endurance when ridden and are very hardy. They can be used for most equestrian disciplines and they are particularly well-suited for vaulting.
