I'm more of an Western event kind of gal. But willing to learn Dressage, just to be able to work with a draft Is there an Western Event a Draft horse breed could compete in, and could excel at it? I just might stick to trails and just have a draft horse for a snuggle bug, but it would be fun to compete together.
Another thing to consider since you are on a budget is tack. I bought the biggest widest saddle I could find when he was 3. By the time he was 5 he had out grown it and I wound up having to get a custom saddle for him. He needs a 7.5 inch bit. Just try to find one of those at the tack shop for a saddle horse. Also farriers can be very expensive.
Huh?? I was at a horse expo this weekend! And there was a timed Trail event! There was a beautiful Draft that rocked it!! I have also seen Drafts jump and do awesome english style!!
I have two clydes that are trained english and western....We are training the one to compete at Jousting!
I think you should look into the draft community a little more....alot of people see the word draft and think they are only good for pulling carts! NOT THE CASE
Look up Draft Friends on FB.....Ask them what they think about drafts and how they compete
A better FB draft forum is also "Draft Horse Addicts"....they have a lot of people who love drafts, half drafts, mules and draft ponies. If Draft Friends is run by Neil Dimmock...stay FAR FAR away from that man.
Point being - IF a draft kicks you, tramples you, bites you, etc. Hey, even steps on your foot. Chances are it will hurt you a LOT more than if it was a 800 lb horse. I don't think you can disagree with that.
I never said "a draft is more likely to hurt you than a lighter horse."
The other was my personal opinion and description of myself, will I ever own my own draft probably not, but not relevant.
As far as them being strong and pushy. I said that was a generalization. Many of them are. Many of them are not and it depends on how they are handled however for every good trainer who can handle the horse well, there are many who can't. If the horse figures out it's size and how to push people around it can be extremely dangerous. There are plenty of pushy smaller horses, however it's not so much of a problem because if need be you can out muscle them and there are more people who are intimidated by drafts and are less likely to train them properly. Yes it's all about training, and a great draft horse is fantastic. It can be hard to find one that has had that training though, at least in this area. Even for a well trained horse, IF they react they ARE strong so it will be more of a problem. I did say it was all about the training.
I was also thinking that with riding- similar type of thing.
I didn't say anything with the intention of scaring anyone. I also specifically said to the OP that if she found the right horse it could be the perfect match.
Simply put they are much larger and have the potential to be a much bigger handful then a smaller horse. Do you disagree?
I'm sure your horses are great. There are many great drafts out there. Never said there weren't. I also said "So I would say the right horse would be excellent for a knowledgeable beginner working with someone" and that they are "beginner friendly" horses. I stand by that. They are an excellent first horse if you find the right one (as with any breed or type, there are "right" and "wrong" beginner horses)
If you are not looking to make it to the tip top of competition, it doesn't matter what type of horse you have. With enough hard work, perseverance and the right training, nearly any horse can perform passably well in nearly any discipline. As has been said before, most western horses, particularly those that work with cattle, or in speed events, tend to be smaller, and more compact. They have to be built like little sports cars to maneuver like that so easily. A draft or a draft cross is not incapable of participating in the same events but they are unlikely to win much. Drafts and draft crosses have a disadvantage in the pleasure arena as well. Judging in these disciplines is more subjective and judges are likely to mark down horses that do not fit an ideal type, even if they are performing well. What matters most is that you find a horse that you love, that has a temperament and level of training that suits you, and that you have fun with whatever discipline you choose to pursue. It's not about the ribbons you win. It's about the good times you have with your horse!
I have a Shire/Thoroughbred cross that looks like a Shire. The advantage to her mixed pedigree is that she has the the good bone, and striking looks of her Shire parent with the athleticism of her thoroughbred parent. She doesn't move quite like a draft. She's much lighter on her feet, and moves more long and low than her purebred draft counterparts. She can be a bit lazy at times but she's not pushy or rude at all. She's very light on a lead and sensitive to her rider's aids.
There are plenty of drafts out there that are not so light and easy to work with, or that are built like train wrecks, but there are drafts and draft crosses that are well-built, and sensitive. You just have to find the right one! Don't let the nay-sayers discourage you from finding your dream horse, but remember to take off the rose coloured glasses and look past those pretty feathers and big feet when you go to look at horses. And bring an experienced friend or instructor with you. You want to find a horse that is perfect for you in every way, not just in size and appearance.
Here's my draft cross. I have never had her in western tack, but my dad runs poles and barrels with his appaloosa mare and I ride with him. Ursula won't beat his horse in timed competition but we are still able to have fun with it!
The one usually western event that she is getting pretty good at is obstacle trail. She can maneuver obstacle trail courses like a horse half her size!
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