Pubs called the "Cock", at least round here in Essex and Hertfordshire, are usually at the top of a hill. In olden days of coaches and waggons, a horse was kept at the pub to be used to assist the regular team in ascending the hill. The coach or waggon would then stop at the pub to unharness the "cock horse", and probably refresh the passengers.

Or so it says in the "Cock" at Henham!

Looking forward to refreshment (liquid and acquaintances) at Stony Stratford!

Alan