Owners and Breeders of Drafts and Draft Crosses, What areYou and Your Buyers Using Them for?

I'd be very interested to hear all the various disciplines that your horses are used in, and that includes those of you who do not breed, but own a draft. What are the various things all of you do including recreational-only things.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Taylor Jones on October 11, 2010 at 10:56pm

I own a 16.3 hand percheronXthoroughbred who is 9 years old. I bought him from a big dressage sale barn. We've done hunters, and are now moving up into the Jumper ring, and of course, we trail ride every chance we get :) He's so great out in the open, I'd love to take him fox hunting or cross country. Even though he is completely blind in one eye, he jumps everything you put infront of him fearlessly. So brave! I've got a pure thoroughbred too, but I trust my Perch with my life.

Permalink Reply by Deirdra Vierra on March 14, 2011 at 2:55pm

I have a Percheron/Fresian gelding. I originally got him to use in Montana as a cart and sleigh horse, but i have moved him back to California and we are now starting him in Western Pleasure and Gymkahna. I did do 4 months of Dressage with him, but it is too big of a time commitment with all the rest of the stuff that we do. He's big, but he is a good all around horse.

California has a Gymkhana association that breaks down events into speed classes so everyone has an opportunity to win in their class.

I also volunteer in a mounted patrol and I think I will probably use him in that once he gets a season of shows in.

Reading Carrie's comment about people either overwhelming or shunning is interesting to me. I find that it is quite an adventure to ride my boy to the trails - I have to go about a mile on asphalt. I literally have people pulling into driveways in front of me to ask what the heck I am riding - a bit un nerving - but excellent training. At the few playdays I have brought him to I get a lot of curious people and certainly I get some teasing - they usually shut up when we get going - mucho thanks to Beth Parrish for putting those pretty moves on him for me:) He loves to be seen - and by the end of the day everyone seems to want him to win something. I have yet to take him to a schooling show - so I am sure it will be very interesting. I will keep you posted on the remarks.

Permalink Reply by Sherry Cassetori on November 28, 2011 at 1:50pm