Draft Question

Not going to get into the discussion on the Gypsy Varner, or Gypsy Cob for that matter.

However, I would certainly not take the Webster as a source for defining what a draft horse is. Especially since a draft breed can (and does) produce horses that do not meet Websters definition. I've seen Percherons that are not 16 hands (15.3 is not 16 hands) and certainly not 1600 lbs. As for the "approximately 16 hands high to 19hh and from 1,400 to 2,000 lb".....I know non draft horses that are over 16hh and 1,400 lbs, but it doesn't make them a draft.
Wheter the Gypsy Varner is a draft or not, your definition on "draft" breeds will need to be better than something you pulled out of a dictionary since there well know and recognize "draft" breeds which have many animals that do not meet what Webster says. E.g. The Baroque style of Frisian is considered to be a light draft and the height and weight range dips below that give by Webster.

I understand what your saying LB's...but I stand by my statement, a Gypsy Cob, Vanner or whatever you wish to call them, are not a true draft horse. As I said, they may be considered a draft pony....but not a draft horse.

As it was said, I am going to agree to disagree on this, it is a mute point now for me. We could argue what a "draft" is, I was giving EXAMPLES....

The Percheron of today has been bred to be what sells, plain and simple. I have done extensive research on this breed, as it is my chosen breed to work with and to show. I have been really delving deeper into the history and it is actually saddening to see what we are making this truly wonderful breed into, they weren't bred to be "Hackney's on steroids" as we see in the upper A and AA rated driving shows, however, flash sells. I must give the Gypsy folks credit for keeping true to the breed....and hope that they do not turn their animals into something they should not be or have them do what they were not bred to do. I also applaud them for not putting the extreme scotch bottom shoes on their animals, but...all this is for another thread.

As you can tell from all these posts draft horses can certainly produce ridable mounts. (You can look at crossbreeds too if you want).
They can take longer to fully mature than some breeds, but joints on all horses mature at roughly the same general rate (e.g. 3 for legs, etc...) so by the age of 5-5.5 most if not all the bone joints should have finished developement (possibly the lower neck might still be finishing up since it's usually the last thing and can take longer if there's a long neck).

They also tend to be easy keepers. In some cases, very easy keepers. Most horses I've own have been easy keepers and did/do best on about 1/2 - 2/3 of my non easy keepers, but my current crossbred mare is on about 1/2 the ration of the other easy keepers and I still have to watch her weight. If I don't work her enough she'll put on weight even with the reduced ration.

While drafts do tend to be calmer, steady and easy going (which is why they've been used to cross with other breeds and in forming some breeds like the Warmblood and Georgian Grande) all horses are individuals, so I'd recommend checking out the horse and the parents too if possible. There can always be the exception to the rule.

Awesome!! Thanks! Definitely will keep that in mind!
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Yes, good luck on your search Misssmarie!!! I think for a novice person like me....I think of a 'draft' as a heavy boned type horse.....I know that there are textbook correct definitions....if you seriously want a definate draft...which is actually draught isn't it? But, without being so technical....owning a draft horse for me has been wonderful. I have a full percheron and my little draft cross pony (so far)...not sure how much more she will grow.....either way, they are both a joy to own. They are slow going, easy keepers, attentive and forgiving. Again, I wish you the best of luck on your search!

OldHorseLady,
Your snickers is adorable!!!! I love her!