Spotted Draft horse questions?
April 22nd, 2007 | by drafthorse |
coal_region_girl asked:
I would just like to know some more about my draft mare. So i listed some questions below.
I would just like to know some more about my draft mare. So i listed some questions below.
1. Where did the “Spotted Draft” originate from?
2.about how many draft breeds are there?
3. Do you need to treat them different while under saddle?
4.How hard is it to teach them to drive without any other horses in the area that do so?
If you want to include any other details or facts about draft horses feel free. I just want to learn.
EDMUND
2 Responses to “Spotted Draft horse questions?”
By frnimay on Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
go here..or google..spotted draft horse..
once i was doing a search and found a site that listed every rare breed of horse known..i wish i had saved it..lots of info and pictures..
By Danielle B on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
1.Spotted drafts are not technically full drafts, most of the time they are draft crosses (half paint horse). Spotted drafts were started from people who loved the temperment of the draft, but the color of the paint. NASDHA.com is their registry. Or are you thinking of the gypsy horses? Those are full drafts that are pinto colored.
2. There are over 30 draft breeds that I know of, a lot of them are rare.
3. As for training- I have been training drafts and draftcrosses for years- you train them like any other horse. Usually, you get less fuss and they are more willing and eager to work. I have only had a few that would buck or try to harm a rider- most loved people and loved getting out.
However, you need to establish quickly that you are the boss. Once they realize they are bigger than you, you will run into a lot of trouble. Because they are bigger, they need to respect you completely to be safe. I have an excellent bond with my 17.2h Gypsy horse, but a raised voice will get her to stop being dangerous (or stupid) and get her listening. Act just like a lead mare in every situation.
4.Driving- I ground drive all of our horses, but all the drafts are broke to ride, I have never pulled a cart with any of them. If there are no other horses in the ring, you need to be the dominant horse and show that you are secure and confident. If you are calm, they will be (same with any horse).
Other facts- you can do anything with them, but realize the endurance limitations (however, like I said, most spotted drafts are only half draft horse, so they have the endurance of a lighter breed of horse). I currently compete first level dressage with my full draft horse- and we will most likely be moving up soon, once I get my act together.