Last updated: 3 July 2026

Horse breeds

Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob

A compact and sturdy cob type from Ireland and the United Kingdom, often piebald or skewbald and with abundant feathering.

Origin
Ireland / United Kingdom
Character
gentle and willing
For beginners
Yes, suitable
Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob

Origin

The Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob originally comes from Ireland / United Kingdom. A compact and sturdy cob type from Ireland and the United Kingdom, often piebald or skewbald and with abundant feathering. In different countries it is known as Tinker, Irish Cob or Gypsy Cob.

Appearance and character

In-app indicators

Dressage
Jumping
Own mind
Sweet
People-oriented

These are simplified app indicators, not fixed breed laws. Every horse is different.

Good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Did you know?

In different countries, this breed is known under different names.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob come from?

The Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob originally comes from Ireland / United Kingdom. A compact and sturdy cob type from Ireland and the United Kingdom, often piebald or skewbald and with abundant feathering.

What is the character of the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob?

A compact and sturdy cob type from Ireland and the United Kingdom, often piebald or skewbald and with abundant feathering. In different countries it is known as Tinker, Irish Cob or Gypsy Cob.

Is the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Can I mix the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob with another breed?

Yes. In the HorseJournal Breed Mixer you pick the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob and a second breed, and the app creates your own dream breed with a name, a trilingual profile and an illustration.

Breed Mixer

Mix the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob with another breed

Pick two real breeds and HorseJournal creates your own dream breed. Below are two examples of a cross with the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob. In the app you name your dream breed yourself, get the full trilingual profile, save it to your horse and make your own share card.

Cross of the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob with the Arabian
Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob × Arabian
Cross of the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob with the Welsh pony
Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob × Welsh pony