So, as we all know I am somewhat new to the horse world. I don’t own my own horse, but have been taking lessons and I feel that I am catching on quickly. The lesson horse that I ride is a draft/paint cross; he is the sweetest horse ever and I just absolutely love him. Long before I started riding, I have always had a love for the larger horse; granted, I love all horses big and small, but I tend to favor the draft breeds mostly.
I’ve been on this site for a little while now, and I tend to get a little overwhelmed with the information pouring in here, there is so much to learn, so much to soak in. So, I’m asking for help, it’ll be awhile before I am able to buy my own horse, but at this point, I’m leaning toward a draft, or draft cross. However, like a lot of my major ‘purchases’ (for the lack of a better term) I’d like to research what I’d be getting into.
What are some of the pros and cons of owning a draft? I tend to wonder how much of all the information being exchanged on our site actually pertains to drafts. How much extra special treatment do drafts get vs. smaller horses? Do they require a special trailer, tack, hoof care, diet, treats, etc. What makes a draft good for riding? Do they tend to be more spooky, or laid back? Over all, what are their temperaments like? Do they thrive more when they are boarded outdoors, or indoors, or a combination of both? How do I know how much weight a draft can carry? How do I know what discipline would be best for a draft? Are some drafts gaited, if so, which breeds?
I know that a lot of information varies from horse to horse; I know no two are alike, but what are some of YOUR experiences with drafts? I’m really just looking for any information at all, anything you can think of that pertains to draft breeds would be a wonderful help.
Thanks everyone!
:wink:
I’ve been on this site for a little while now, and I tend to get a little overwhelmed with the information pouring in here, there is so much to learn, so much to soak in. So, I’m asking for help, it’ll be awhile before I am able to buy my own horse, but at this point, I’m leaning toward a draft, or draft cross. However, like a lot of my major ‘purchases’ (for the lack of a better term) I’d like to research what I’d be getting into.
What are some of the pros and cons of owning a draft? I tend to wonder how much of all the information being exchanged on our site actually pertains to drafts. How much extra special treatment do drafts get vs. smaller horses? Do they require a special trailer, tack, hoof care, diet, treats, etc. What makes a draft good for riding? Do they tend to be more spooky, or laid back? Over all, what are their temperaments like? Do they thrive more when they are boarded outdoors, or indoors, or a combination of both? How do I know how much weight a draft can carry? How do I know what discipline would be best for a draft? Are some drafts gaited, if so, which breeds?
I know that a lot of information varies from horse to horse; I know no two are alike, but what are some of YOUR experiences with drafts? I’m really just looking for any information at all, anything you can think of that pertains to draft breeds would be a wonderful help.
Thanks everyone!
:wink: