New Cob, is she over weight?

[kas]

??? Hi to everyone, I must apologise first as this is my first post & if it doesn't read correctly that'll be because I'm new to all this..
I have just got myself a lovely 14.3 cob Mare, but she seems to be on the fat side, ( I think?) I know that sounds daft, but I've never owned a cob & she is a middle weight & I have no idea how big a middle weight should be? A friend said to go off a weight tape, but I don't think the weight for her breed may be right on that? Can anyone please advise..??
Many Thanks,
Kas
xx

[erika george]

Horses, like people, put on weight in different ways, sometimes dependent on breed. Cobs tend to look fat, partly because of build, partly because of the amount of hair they carry at this time of year. My friends cob at this time of year looks like a walking easter egg because of his coat. Once ridden and sweaty he looks very trim. A weight tape is useful because it will give you a starting point, but don't expect a cob to weigh as little as a TB.
There is plenty of advice on the web on how to condition check a horse if you are worried as horses will gain weight on different parts of their body. Their neck, shoulder and bottom areas are all likely places. Personally I run my hand along George's rib cage. If I can feel his ribs then that is good, if I can see them he is underweight, when I cannot feel them then he is a pudding. Once you get to know your horse then your girth will guide you to weight. For me 3 holes on each side is fine, 4 holes then his weight has dropped, 2 holes then he is becoming a pudding! (I can talk ...!). This will naturally depend on your saddle, girth arrangement.
Personally if I wasn't sure and the horse was new, then I would get the vet out to advise and maybe check teeth etc.

Good luck,
Erika & George