A maxi cob is not defined by a specific horse cross. It is a show type: a cob over 155 cm, still expected to keep true cob characteristics such as a compact, substantial build and shorter legs.

What that means

  • You can get maxi cobs from many different breeding mixes.
  • The key is the type and size , not a single “correct” cross.
  • In British showing rules, the maxi cob is the cob category for horses exceeding 155 cm, with a recommended top end around 160 cm.

Common cross types

People often see maxi cobs from crosses that add size while keeping substance, such as:

  • Native or traditional cob lines crossed with a taller sport horse or riding horse.
  • Draught-influenced cobs crossed with lighter riding types.
  • Irish or other mixed-purpose backgrounds that produce a big, broad, sensible horse.

In practice

A good maxi cob usually looks:

  • Big but not rangy.
  • Deep through the body.
  • Short in the leg relative to the body.
  • Strong, with a cob-like head, neck, and overall presence.

Show-ring view

Judges generally care more about the horse’s overall cob stamp than the exact pedigree. That is why two very different crosses can both produce a competitive maxi cob if they show the right build and way of going.

Quick note

The phrase “what horse crosses make a maxi cob” sounds like a breeding question, but the answer is really that there is no single required cross—maxi cob is a type class , not a breed.