The Irish Farmer Cob

The Irish Farmer Cob

Before World War I, Irish farmers in Ireland developed the Irish Farmer Cob as a medium-boned to heavy-boned type of horse, that is not too short-legged, and that is from 14.2hh to 15.2hh (Standard) and from 15.3h to 16.2hh (Maxi). The Irish Farmer Cob was developed as a workhorse (for field/agricultural work and carriage work) as well as a riding cob (including for hunting and showing). The Irish Farmer Cob was also used as a workhorse in Irish cities.

Spanish influence 

It is said that a number of Spanish Armada ships wrecked along Ireland’s west coast were carrying Andalusian Horses that escaped and bred with the native ponies and horses to produce the elegant and athletic, predominantly grey, Connemara Pony and Irish Draught Horse that contributed to the breeding of the Cob, Show Cob and Irish Farmer Cob.

Historical records show that during the 1588 Spanish Armada, multiple ships wrecked along Ireland's west coast, particularly during the "Great Gale" of September 1588. Notable examples include three ships—La Juliana, La Lavia, and Santa Maria de Visón—that were wrecked at Streedagh Beach in County Sligo, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Other wrecks occurred in counties Clare and Donegal. The Irish Farmer Cob was used in Irish Cities as a workhorse.

NOTE: It is because coloured horses were not held in high regard in Ireland or Great Britain before 2000, that most coloured Irish Farmer Cobs were sold for little money to Irish Travellers before 2000.