As the heritage of most NZers is from the UK we looked at UK native breeds to find a breed that compliments our temperament. We have found the Welsh cob to be a dependable, longlived, strong horse with a good brain that can take our challenges of terrain and weather.

The Welsh cob is an active horse with a powerful reach of the forearm which is matched by strong hock action. They point their toes with style and will work all day without flagging. They have quality flat bone which allows muscle fibres to adhere strongly so tendon injuries are minimised. They travel gaily, patting the ground lightly with a true moment of suspension and fabulous elasticity of their joints. They have fizz and activity without exploding and will usually stop to assess a threat rather than flee.


Firmness and when to quit Sometimes a firm hand is needed and the softly softly approach of many modern horsey people can backfire big time with as intelligent an animal as the Welsh cob. You may need to be ready to be quite firm with them and be very clear about what it is you want from them and then make sure that they do it. I don't mean beat them or anything, I mean just be aware that they can need a firm hand from time to time. So that means you need to know when to quit asking for something as sometimes it is better to ask for a baby step and then quit for the day before you get into a battle. Then the next day quickly get to where you left off and ask for a baby step further down your intended path of training, and stop once you have it. FIRM BUT FAIR - thats the key.

Inspiration We also dont drill our horses at dressage or jumping or any one thing- they love variety and they love new things, they arent jumping out of their skins so new stuff is fun with these guys, you will find they love hacks out, rides at the beach, a bit of schooling in a clearing on a forest ride will go down much better than drilling them for hours in a dusty arena. Then they will fill the bridle and actually take you somewhere. If you find them sucking back - they are bored, they need inspiring, teach them a trick or a word cue, use clicker training for any problems you encounter. we find them very quick to pick up the food reward idea. the Spanish Riding School in Vienna uses a bag of sugar cubes as treats for their riding stallions carried by the rider and when the horse performs the correct movement in their schooling they are fed a treat by the rider, timing of the feeding is the key. If you are in doubt about feeding rewards read books by Clicker trainers as that is a straightforward way of the rider learning the correct timing. Start on the ground and it will become crystal clear.