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Western + Draft... Possible?

8K views 42 replies 19 participants last post by  kiltsrhott 
#1 ·
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.
 
#2 ·
Not sure how dressage=draft??

But that said, drafts aren't really built to be riding horses and are not over athletic in that way. I don't see why you couldn't do the basics of anything with a draft but don't try to do speed events. Wonder how they do with cows...
 
#3 ·
I probably wouldn't try speed events with drafts as they're heavier and generally not built to move fast.. but I'm sure they would do some sort of WP! Maybe not higher up, but I don't really know. Here's a video of a Percheron WP class! I think it's absolutely beautiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFWqAnzgAOM

As for dressage, I'm not sure that it means "draft" as I haven't seen a whole lot of dressage drafts, but I may be wrong.
 
#4 ·
Love the little boy on the grey :)

I'll say that as neat as that is, for what western pleasure usually is (an open class probably with stock type horses) I wouldn't expect any of those to place well. In a breed class where you can do what you want it's different, but I'll also say there aren't many Percheron breed classes in this area (that I know of at least, but that's still the point).
 
#5 ·
I agree! I have seen draft crosses excel in pretty much everything, but not drafts themselves. If it was a breed specific class it'd be cool but I wouldn't expect to go anywhere
 
#6 ·
Drafts, in general, aren't going to be great at any riding discipline. Even on trails, they don't have the endurance of a standard sized horse. If you find the right one, they can do just about anything at low levels, but if you want to win or be even remotely competitive beyond that, a draft generally isn't the way to go. Even at low levels, I generally wouldn't expect to place on a full draft simply because of judge bias.

Are you dead set on a full draft or would you be content with a cross? I've got 2 crosses and I use one of them for ranch work (the other isn't started under saddle yet). He's not very athletic and he tires faster than the other horses, but he tries his heart out and he's very intelligent/easygoing.




 
#14 ·
I think a horse like this would be perfect for the OP. I was a little hesitant when I said draft cross because a lot of them are plain fugly or have the draft body without the brain or are big and hot and bred more for a competitor. The right one (like this) would be perfect!!

In response to another post, I don't really consider Welsh Cobs drafts.. or Friesans though they are technically light drafts, I think of that as a separate group. I think the OP is talking about the traditional draft look (she said Clydesdale I believe) which I'm sure are great for what they're bred for (and Clydesdales seem more athletic and you could attempt to do stuff on them) but not really riding horses.
 
#7 ·
Like smrods said, drafts aren't going to your first choice to excel in any riding discipline. Drafts are made to pull and be in a harness, so right there you start off with the disadvantage of not being built to be a riding horse. Their build influences their ability for self carriage, hind end engagement, and ability/ease to support a rider properly. Or rather lack there of.

That being said, a draft is a horse, and like any horse (baring unsoundness) you can train him to the 9's... or as far as his physiology lets him. In terms of events, the ones you will probably have a chance of doing better in are the ones more influences by finesse and training than the horses' natural movement. In english riding you might have more luck in things like low jumpers and equitation classes. In western, classes like trail, horsemanship, showmanship, and western riding require a lot of training an precision. They are judged more so on your ability to handle/control your horse, and how well your horse responds, and less on the horse's natural way of going. If I were you, those are the class types and skills I would focus on. You probably won't be in the ribbons in bigger shows (most big western shows are breed shows anyways), but there's no reason you can't be competitive at a smaller/local/fun level.
 
#8 ·
Yah I understand how they aren't built for speed, being a big and heavy and all. And if I were to compete it would probably be local events and such, but I understand how a full Draft could only take me so far, especially if I did decide to compete in bigger competitions. And yes, I'm completely alright with Draft crosses :) I actually found a 15 year old Draft gelding cross with a Quarter horse :shock: I'm wondering how that'll look! (Haven't seen pictures yet) Hes only 15 hands, not as tall as I was dreaming of haha but recommended for beginners since he was previously working as a lesson horse and has been on trail rides. But I still have a lot of time to look for the perfect one, if I do decide to go with a draft/draft cross. Would love suggestions for a breeder or anybody you know selling any in the Houston/Katy Texas area!
 
#15 ·
A lot of those horses are so bulky size is irrelevant even if it's on the shorter end my guess is you'll end up liking it. How tall are you if you don't mind me asking?
I think the right cross would be perfect, post some pictures here for a critique because like I said a lot of them just don't work haha. For what you want it doesn't need to be fancy, just a good solid working horse. Get one like smorbs' that would be perfect for you :)
 
#9 ·
Are you only interested in searching for draft breeds?

The draft cross will probably look just that. My friend had a Suffolk QH cross and she was about 16.2 and a tank. She did dressage and WP with the mare- had a lot of difficulties with the dressage though. I think you may be confusing drafts with some warmbloods, maybe.? As they can look kind of beefy and to an untrained eye the differences btwn the two breeds may not be so obvious..

If you want to do WP with your future horse- do it. No draft is going to be great at any riding discipline, but if you had to pick one that's probably a good start. You'll have a helluva time trying to train a draft to dressage though.

Good luck
 
#19 · (Edited)
They are beautiful! I think a horse like that would work perfect for me. I love their heads! I'm not sure why I just do :D

Littlebuddy, you live, it seems, VERY close to me since I'm in the Houston/Katy area as well. If you'd like, I can keep a look out for you. I have a few connections that may know of a nice draft cross for you if you tell me exactly what you're looking for. How far are you willing to travel out to see a horse?
That'd be perfect! At the moment, I could easily say what I'm looking for, but I'm going to run it by my parents officially just to get an approval from them, and then I'll go ahead and reply better. But, by what I'm looking for, do you mean general height or specific things? If so, I've always loved tall horses, anything about 15 hands would be good for me, but 16hands and above I would prefer. Feathering? Not a absolute but it looks gorgeous, not sure if draft-crosses get the feathering but it would be nice. I don't mind a half-trained horse, or a horse who needs a refreshment, I wouldn't do it myself, and would prefer an already trained one, but I wouldn't mind since I know some people who could train him/her for me. I'm starting to prefer a Gelding, before It didn't really matter, but my mom told me about instances with her Appy mare when she was in heat and a stallion happened to pass by on a trail, and with a draft cross, I'd imagine it'd be even harder! So I'd prefer a gelding. As for the time to travel... Anywhere around 2 hours would be fine, possibly 4 but that may be pushing it a bit.

A lot of those horses are so bulky size is irrelevant even if it's on the shorter end my guess is you'll end up liking it. How tall are you if you don't mind me asking?
I think the right cross would be perfect, post some pictures here for a critique because like I said a lot of them just don't work haha. For what you want it doesn't need to be fancy, just a good solid working horse. Get one like smorbs' that would be perfect for you :)
Yes I definitely will post pictures! And, uh, oh gosh. I know last year I was 5'2, but now I think I'm probably around 5'8-5'11?

@DraftyAiresMum
I've tried looking for a Percheron, or a cross, can't find any in my area! But yeah, I agree. Hopefully I can find the right one that could at least have some fun in the competition ring :)

Oh, and not sure if I mentioned this or not, but I am on a budget. For buying a horse at least. Knowing my dad though, he'd probably buy just about anything no matter the price, and wouldn't add up all the care and bills afterward -he's not a horse person- actually afraid of them! (I didn't tell you guys that though :wink:) My moms definitely the horse side of the family. We can support a horse, but the less we buy one for, (the right one of course) The more we'll have to spend on its care and spoiling it a bit :-p
My parents are going through an divorce, and that effects the budget some as well, but my dad will most likely be the one to help buy the horse, but I and my mom, will probably be the ones to support it. So I'd say $5,000 may be the absolute up-most, But I'm not completely sure on that.
 
#11 ·
My cousins drive and trail ride their full percherons. I find them big, clunky, slower than a saddle horse and way less agile. But for just riding around the farm, or for someone who wanted a large, slow and steady mount, they would work. They are amazing to pull with, that's where they really excel.

On the other hand, draft crosses can be amazing saddle horses. A good draft cross will have some added thickness, big bones and an even temperament from the draft side, with more agility, lightness and endurance from the cross. My bo has a Belgian x appaloosa, and he is a fantastic ride.
 
#12 ·
I have seen quite a few draft breeds excel in Dressage. Mostly Frisians, Percherons, and Welsh Cobs. I think the smaller draft breeds might bet better at certain western disciplines. But I admittedly don't know too much about western disciplines. I used to consider myself a western rider- but turns out- anyone can plop themselves in a western saddle on a dead broke horse and go for a trail ride!
 
#13 ·
Littlebuddy, you live, it seems, VERY close to me since I'm in the Houston/Katy area as well. If you'd like, I can keep a look out for you. I have a few connections that may know of a nice draft cross for you if you tell me exactly what you're looking for. How far are you willing to travel out to see a horse?
 
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#16 ·
I have a Percheron/paint cross gelding who is pushing 17hh as a coming 5yo. He hasn't bulked out (yet). He can move like a WP horse (minus the peanut rolling) if I ask him to. I am hoping to show him in local shows this year. I'm not particularly hoping to win, just to have fun. If we get a ribbon out of it, awesome. If not, no big deal.

My best friend wants to try to turn him into a barrel horse. When she said that, I asked her if there was a 6D division, but he ain't very fast.

So, I guess my point is that yes, you can do just about anything you want with a GOOD draft cross (like smrobs' or mine). You may not win, but you're sure to have fun.
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#20 ·
My dream horse was a darft horse... until I had to put shoes on a massive Clydesdale at farrier school.... I could fit the shoe around my waist! I was so tired and I only had to do one hoof. That is when I decided no drafts for me lol.

They are wonderful to look at though and every one I have ever met was the sweetest thing.
 
#21 ·
@Roux I could imagine! Big ole clonkers they got, its amazing how gentle they are :) I've only met a few though.

Shouldn't be looking at horses yet, can't hep it! Just for the fun of it ;)
This boy isn't a cross, and I were to get him, he'd probably just be a nice trail ride, he is a Shire, $2,500, 8 years old, 18 hands high! Probably getting a little bit ahead of myself. Ride-able, and since it seemed like hes used to pulling things, I'm sure the ranch I am getting lessons and helping out at, would love his help around the ranch, since she pays people to haul things here and there, IF I were to get him. He isn't in Texas though, but less than an hour away from some family, some of my 'horse' family- So I could still test him out and be able to bring him back here. Again, half for the fun of it :wink: Since I'm not yet ready, but who knows, he might still be available when I am! But, what do you guys think?

A SHIRE who is Calm, Gorgeous, and Well Behaved!
 
#22 ·
Do you have the experience (and $$) to deal with a horse 18hh?? Even the most gentle calm horse is still a horse and is also still unpredictable. That is why (plus athleticism) we are advising against a full draft. And he's not 18hh I see, he's 18.2. May not seem like a big difference but trust me in person that's huge. How tall are you?

Let's put it this way. I am not really a draft person and prefer my little hot horses, regardless of that I am a very experienced handler and work with many horses daily. I would NOT want to deal with a horse that big!! The biggest I deal with regularly is about 17.2 and those are horses I know well and feel comfortable with. PAIN to tack up though, and I've ridden the one and while he doesn't feel so big undersaddle not my favorite. I'm 5'3" but still.

The SMALLEST amount of disrespectful behavior could get you killed, and you don't have the experience to keep that from happening.
So no, wayyy too big. You say you've only known a few drafts so you may like them but you have no idea what you're in for from the sound of it. I would put a cap at 17hh. No bigger. There are plenty of nice drafty Percherons and many more crosses in the 16hh, or less, range.

All that ad really says is he rides and drives (supposedly). His temperament thing says 2/10 (I'd ask why, though don't at all go by those) He is cute. Shrug.

I hate riding drafts, they are (generalization) strong and pushy. Do you have the experience and muscle to actually ride him and keep his head up? What if he spooks? Will you ride him and stop him or be a little insect on his back as he gallops away. He's not absurdly beefy which is good, just way too big.

$2,500??? For what a horse that "hooks up and behaves well with it" and does trail riding but does not neck rein. That's a lot of money for a dime a dozen horse. (well maybe not because of his size.. maybe that's why they upped the price!)

If you do go look at this horse do NOT spend that much on him!!
 
#24 ·
Oh go back a page to my last post, I replied to the height thing (I got that wrong though, I'm 5'4!) and my budget. (But that budget was wrong too) This horse is $500 over my budget, I asked my parents and my mom said around $2,000 is probably tops. So that's out, but I do love that stocky look! But I don't mind 16hh, probably much better, since I am a beginner. My mom said she'd settle with the right cross for me, but is also out on a full draft. I'm starting to back out on an event, and just focusing on a riding horse. But yes, I'd prefer western over English, but I've never tried English before. This may not apply with a horse, since its probably much more different, but I do have a quick reaction time when something goes wrong, so I'd probably not freeze- But don't quote me on that :wink: That's only applied when handling Great Danes, and Siberian huskies- when a fight would break out, and you happen to be standing in the middle :shock: So when put on that spot, I can generally handle things, but if I'm not put on the spot- I do have trouble. I'm not sure whats up with that :?
 
#26 ·
Not sure how I missed that. Sorry lol.

Well as I said I'm 5'3". I know everyone has their preferences but I would NOT recommend getting above 17hh, knowing your height I'd advise no more than 16.2 but as said everyone has their preferences. My Arab is 14.2 or so and I look great on horses that height lol. (I hope you didn't grow 9 inches in a year! :D)

Still think a cross would be perfect, but I know I've said that a million times.

Since you're still growing too I'm assuming your younger.. are you SURE you are mentally ready for a horse, especially one you may need to be firm with? Of course financially too but I'm sure you've thought of that.

With the divorce- are you sure this is the right time to look?

Also, 5,000 is a rather large budget. You're not looking for a show horse you're looking for a trail mount. I would say you can find a nice all around cross for much cheaper. You just want a nice solid beginner horse. Don't need anything fancy. Especially if you can short cut on the training (do NOT shortcut on the temperament if you're a beginner!!) with some help. You should be able to find the perfect horse for far less.

What about a Mustang? Some of them are the perfect little draft cross type. They may not (generally) have the size, but they have the look! They tend to have a good head on their shoulders too.
 
#29 ·
Perfect timing, just saw what you wrote.

https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/onlinegallery.php
(Keep in mind these are wild horses, but just to show the type. I would suggest getting one with some handling lol)

Or a cob type.
haha I was actually looking there from your first post! There's one near my Grandpa, 16 hands, 8 years old. Very cute too! I read he can get a month board and ground work for free, and my Grandpa said he can keep him with a friend, and continue to saddle-train him until he believes hes ready for a beginner like me lol, and then bring him back here. Do you think that could work? And as far as mentally, I believe I am, once I finish lessons and all. I've grown up around horses, and rode fairly tall ones on trail rides (they were older though, and trained to follow the horse in front of him, I don't think that counts as experience)
And the divorce thing, I probably won't be getting a horse until that is over, I am aware of that. But by then, I should have a long while bit of lessons done.

Draft crosses would certainly be the best bet... I've noticed the foals of Draft Crosses tend to favor their dam's.

Fiona is out of a APHA mare and RID Hang on Johnny, she doesn't resemble her Sire at all... But looks identical to her Mum.

Of course... She can haul "some" butt ;)

She didn't particularly "haul butt" on this one, she'd never done the Keyhole before and was "What the heck?!!" with the flower on the ground *chuckle*

Fi on keyhole BBHSA - YouTube

Fi on Plug Barrel - YouTube

That being said, she can't compete with the big boys, but we the most important thing is to have fun.
Aw! Definitely seems a good draft cross would work out. Loving the look of the Mustang as well though!
 
#28 ·
Draft crosses would certainly be the best bet... I've noticed the foals of Draft Crosses tend to favor their dam's.

Fiona is out of a APHA mare and RID Hang on Johnny, she doesn't resemble her Sire at all... But looks identical to her Mum.

Of course... She can haul "some" butt ;)

She didn't particularly "haul butt" on this one, she'd never done the Keyhole before and was "What the heck?!!" with the flower on the ground *chuckle*

Fi on keyhole BBHSA - YouTube

Fi on Plug Barrel - YouTube

That being said, she can't compete with the big boys, but we the most important thing is to have fun.
 
#30 ·
I can tell you, tall horses really aren't all that. My red horse is the tallest I've ever ridden for an extended period of time (rode my 18hh percheron a few times but not really enough to notice), he's 16.2.

I stand 5'5 with long legs and he's very hard for me to get on without a mounting block of some sort. Thankfully he's content to stand while I scramble up his side. If he ever decided to be fidgety about mounting, I'd be in trouble.
 
#32 ·
As smrobs said, "bigger isn't always better." Like I said, my gelding is pushing 17hh as a coming 5yo and he still has a couple of years before he's done growing (up and out). I'm 5'7" with a 32" inseam and my best friend is 5'9" with a 36" inseam. Neither of us can mount my gelding from the ground without a boost. Trail riding with him as a 15.2hh 3yo was a pain if I had to get off. I had to find a "convenient" rock or stump to get back up on him, which weren't always handy.

And forget finding tack if you don't live in an area where draft horses are common. My gelding wears a draft-size halter and bridle. I live in a land of petite-headed QHs and TBs. I either have to have any tack custom made or buy online, which is chancy.
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#33 ·
I can't imagine wanting a huge horse being as small as you are. I ride a Belgian with some TB in him--mostly the brain I think. He is 16-3 and close to 2000 lbs. he has the huge draft feet but is amazingly agile for his size. I got such a big horse because I am 6-6 and around 260 lbs. and need a big horse to haul me around. His withers are even with my shoulder standing next to him and I can mount from the ground. I could not imagine riding him all the time if I was a foot shorter though. Why not get a cob or something if you want the drafty look. Another thing to consider is how strong these horses are. I do a lot of ground work. I have never had a normal size horse that could get away from me, but if my guy decides to leave there is nothing I can do about it
 
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