Your Draft and Draft Cross In Dressage

[ginger708]

I thought it might be a nice break for us "Draftys" to talk about the training of our horses. The setbacks, surprises, and progress you have made with them. I am really excited to hear about the methods that people are using for their training at all levels.

[lewin]

I'll contribute:

I have been retraining my 9 year-old percheron in dressage for the past 8 months. She was a hunter previously. (I am no longer able to jump regularly anymore due to injury.) We are schooling the 2nd level tests with some 3rd level work thrown in.

Easy for us:
Forward
Lateral work
Trot-reinback-trot

What was hard but we have fixed:
Canter, she used to tune me out and RUN. (We had this problem a bit as a hunter, but the fences would back her off.) I just reinforced my half-halts when she ran through them by immediately walking, walk two strides, and resuming the canter. Lots of canter transitions every session. Tons.

Canter to walk transitions. New spiffy bank breaking saddle fixed these. :D

Walk-pirouettes. She had a bit of trouble with stepping out to the right until I realised that I was blocking her outside leg with too much outside rein.

What still needs fixing:

Flying changes. I am terrible at riding them and since she had auto-changes as a hunter I have very little control over them. I am going to have the trainer work on these.

Overexcitement in the medium/extended gaits. She can do them, but control at the end is still iffy. We are only schooling them along shorter distances and only occasionally going the full length. I would rather have to push her on in a test.


All the way through transitions have been my friend. Trying to slow her down/ create collection through volte's has never worked as she tends to try to speed up on circles. We had to get the simple changes before we could do 10m circles at the canter.

[ginger708]

I found that switching my saddle to a deeper seat saddle helped me with my riding as well. Rocco is wide so being closer to him in a deeper seat has really helped with our progress. What size is your horse. I just wondered if there is such a variance in Percherons as in Belgians.

[lewin]

She is smaller, 16.3 but built like a hitch horse. I had to go custom on a saddle for her as she has really chunky withers, but actually needs a medium tree saddle. A narrower twist on the saddle helped me compensate for her width as well.

There is a good bit of variance in Percherons. I think part of that is the breed has changed from riding horse to agricultural horse to light trotting diligence horses and back again so many times. Her bloodlines are full of taller horses. I think she is a throwback to Highview Dragano who was reportedly a smaller horse.

I have seen a lot of variance in the belgians at shows. And if you compare them to the european drafts they hardly look like the same breed.

[Ambrey]

Lewin's horse is about Smokey's height, but much narrower through the back. I find it funny :)

I won't post to the OP, since I'm not training my horse (right now my horse needs to be posting on a board... "training crooked out of shape green riders... what challenges are you facing?"). I do love Lewin's horse, though. She's gorgeous.

Ginger, we have another Percheron at the barn- he is about 4" taller than either my or Lewin's horse, and built like a plow horse. You would honestly not even know they were the same breed if it wasn't for the heads.

[rubenesque]

This is a great thread.
SO....I have a Suffolk Punch/ TB cross...and yes the draft crosses do have their confomational issues....you know, bred to pull ( a beer truck :lol:)..
All said and done, I wouldn't trade her for the world.

[tartanfarm]

I have a 17 hand 8 yr old shire cross.
Easy--Collection, half steps, pirouettes and most of her lateral work
Tougher--forward and lengthens

We had some issues with connection and putting her right hind under herself but EPM was diagnosed and treated and things are much much better.

The changes are a problem, but they are my problem. My coach has her changing dependably and ready to start tempi's. I'm not getting her forward enough and she bogs down.

So right now we've stepped back to basics to gain her strength and her forward back.

I do find that with these crosses it does take me longer to get them fit, and I need to keep their fitness level up. In the past I wasn't able to hack out with my mare because she was a space cadet. The neurologist 's comment, "she appears to be watching martians". I'm looking forward to getting her out to the local trails/hills now that she is reasonably dependable.

[kahjul]

I have a 5 yo clyde X mare that is schooling 2nd, showing 1st. She is not too tall, 16.1, and about 1400#. She has a very refined head, but it's big, although she doesn't wear WB tack. She isn't as heavy as alot of crosses I've seen, but with the mane (OMG) if she gets overweight she tends to take on the Thellwell look.
She is: very forward when on the bit-pokes around like a lesson pony on the buckle
really easy to change/hh within gaits
tends to fall on her face in downward transitions-getting better
scares herself in lengthenings-getting better
could easily be over collected at this stage-don't think upper level collection
will be an issue
lateral work is tough for her
has great walk pirouettes-always has, don't know where they came from!
The biggest thing I have found with her is that she goes farther faster the less she is in the ring. If I school 2 or 3 days in a row she's good, but nothing really changes. If I get her out for 2 or 3 days, then the next day in the ring is just a series of AHA moments!!

[ginger708]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k230/vtilton/DSCN0507.jpg

I added this link I hope it works. This is my guy at his first show this season. He is 15.3 1800# like butter to the left stiff as a board to the right. He is the first horse that I have trained or ridden with no professional work. I work with my trainer once a week she is my eyes on the ground. That is why its been two years and we are showing intro. I could show training but I want the canter in a much better place.

[grayarabpony]

Ginger I like your training philosophy. Oooo, I love the braid job on your horse. I saw a picture of one like that for the first time in a book at the tack store about a month ago -- would love it try it on my Arab pony!

[Phyxius]

I have two full drafts and they're VERY different.

Shine Hill Peanut (Peanut) is a 17.2h Percheron stallion who weighs #1465, yes this was on a scale at the vet clinic. On a weight tape he's about #1400. He was originally a logging horse and then an event horse.

Due to my schedule and lack of any riding surface at home (I have to trailer out unless I want to ride on the streets in the neighborhood) he only gets ridden once or twice a week. I ride with an event trainer once a week and with an FEI dressage instructor every two weeks. We ride at hunter shows once a month and hit a couple dressage shows every year too.

Forward as never been a problem and we've worked to slow him down. When I'd school in a ring with jumps and we'd be sort of pointed towards one he'd try to veer off course and head for the jump. When he realized that he didn't ALWAYS get to jump he settled down. However, lengthenings are difficult. I'm not even sure it's an ability thing so much as an evasion. He's probably the smartest dang horse I've ever met. Collection is easier. He also has a huge stride and it's not work to have him track up and I'm used to riding Andalusians so sitting that big trot isn't always easy.:lol:

Lateral work at the walk and trot is good. Peanut has a weak left hind that we believe is from his days as a logging horse, he's not lame or off on it, but it makes some lateral work, more work for him and he prefers not to move laterally off my leg at the canter. Shoulder-in, haunches-in, leg yield, and half pass are fine. In half pass I tend to want to bring the haunches too much and I get yelled at. Oops.

Flying changes are simple and we're working on our counter canter instead and he makes me work for it. I must keep position. I switch? He switches.

I ride in a medium width stubben scandica (dressage) and a medium width courbette stylist (jumping). He has a custom bridle from the amish and a size 92" blanket.

We have a YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/PhyxiusESMT) and I post videos that include "oops" moments as a kind of audit-the-clinic type thing for other riders (draft and non-draft). I like including the mistakes to help other people learn too.

My other draft is Octavia a 6 year old American Cream Draft. I don't know her history as well as I do Peanut's. She was bred in Texas and moved up to Canada. I purchased her from the lady in Canada at the end of last July. It took me until September to figure out what saddle would work for her...a treeless Barefoot London. She too has a custom bridle. She wears a weatherbeeta 87". Octavia is 17h and weighs approx. #1600.

She's built much different than Peanut and her level of training is quite low. I'd say she currently has about 20 rides on her, two have been shows, and two were trail rides. So, she's quite green! Why did she go to shows then? Well, we belong to a GMO of USDF and they host a team competition every year and we needed an extra rider for an intro team. So, I took her to a "practice" schooling show and then the team comp. Intro A is placed individually and she was less than a point off 5th place! Intro B scores are averaged for placing and our team got 4th! However, I don't know that she'll have the talent that Peanut has. She had a foal in May, but hasn't been ridden since January.

When I first got her I put her in a french link and she hated it so we moved to an eggbutt snaffle and she's MUCH happier. We're obviously going to be focusing on straight and forward when I start her back undersaddle and definately more trail rides! Some of her first rides are on the youtube, considerably less exiting than Peanut's! You can also see her learn about flyspray. I need to put up a "part II" because she now can be fly sprayed standing loose.

Here are a couple shots of her on her first trail ride...
http://phyxius.smugmug.com/photos/193460254_HDQDz-M.jpg
http://phyxius.smugmug.com/photos/193310105_WCRXG-M.jpg
http://phyxius.smugmug.com/photos/193459974_fHpN9-M.jpg

[Ambrey]

Well, since everyone else is, I'll post some pics and such. I want to be part of a positive draft thread :)

Smokey is a 7 year old Percheron x QH. He is about 16.3hh and about 1500 lbs on the weight tape (prob 1400 ideal). He uses a custom saddle- he was in a 39 cm Duett before. He uses an oversized bridle and a 5.5" bit.

I bought Smokey last August to start learning lower level dressage. However, we got off to a rough start and I had a bad fall in November that put me out of commission for an extended period of time. Smokey started dressage training with my current trainer 3-4 days a week in January. He has been doing really well, and I am trying to get back into riding shape but still struggling (my injury consisted of a broken clavicle, broken scapula, 3 broken ribs, and 2 compression fractures. The only thing that still bothers me is my back, but the rest of me is very week and I am not quite symmetrical).

Strengths: Lateral movements, sensitivity and responsiveness, a great mind and sharp as a tack.

Weaknesses: Neck like a brick chimney, can sometimes lock his jaw and get resistant, sometimes forward is an issue for me (not usually for my trainer).

He is super sensitive laterally, so if you don't ride him straight he won't go straight. As a teacher I think it's a huge plus, as a dressage horse it might cause problems ;)

When Smokey gets it right, it looks fluid and effortless on his part. It's lovely to watch :) He is also a dream to ride after his training, and I really have to give kudos to my trainer for bring him so far in such a short time.

None of these pictures are great, but here you go.

"Mom, what the HECK are you doing? You're not even on straight! Get a clue!"
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x182/estarianne/smokey07-08005.jpg

"Ooh, her hands got squishy, I think I'll take a little more rein now..."
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x182/estarianne/?action=view&current=smokey07-08008.jpg

[Avishay]

Fun thread and informative, too.

I've got a 4 y/o Belgian x TB gelding named Avishay - hence my username.

Shay is 16.2, a little shy of 1400lbs, and sporty - he can stop and turn on a dime.

I didn't break him until a couple months shy of his 4th birthday, and he now has 43 rides on him - we're taking it slow and it's really paying off. So far he's proven himself to be sensible, willing, and workmanlike. He gives his best effort and likes to be given a bit of a challenge. He rides well in a loose ring snaffle, and is going nicely in walk and trot - his trot is to die for! Not huge, but he uses his hind end well and it's very smooth - I can comfortably and easily sit his working trot bareback. He's nice and forward off my leg and is generally light in my hand. He's already got a good half-halt response, offers a straight rein-back every time (thanks to lots of groundwork), and is getting more consistent with his leg yields. He's also started work in-hand to teach him shoulder-in and haunches-in.

I'm really enjoying training him and I look forward to each ride.

[NCSue]

Don't have anything positive to report at this time, but hoping I will a few months down the line. Enjoyed reading everyone's post. I'm leasing a 10 y/o, 16.2 Percheron/TB cross, probably 1500 lb. Decent conformation. Biggest issue is that he's super spooky. Seems to really lack confidence in his surroundings. Starting to look to me for reassurance on the ground. Under saddle we aren't there yet. When he spooks sometimes it's just a sideways jump but other times he tries to bolt or worse backpedal. I know that he was an Amish driving horse at one time and ended up scared of traffic -- both 2 wheeled vehicles and other driving carriages. Pretty green under saddle. Quite heavy in the hands. Obviously been ridden with a great deal of hand in an assumed dressage frame. I think previous rider mistook forward for rushing so right now I am working on rhythm, tempo, and forward. He also tends to get very lateral at the canter and runs. Do you think that this part of his lack of training / strength or is the lateral tendency going to stay? Does appear to have a weaker right hind.

Tack -- oversize bridle. Still got to find the right bit and size. He seems to be a 5-3/4" Saddle -- he's not as wide as my Iberian but currently he's been ridden in a Kentaur Dressage Saddle extra wide (36 cm) tree with half pad. Going to see what the saddle fitter can do so we have a little more stability.

[tartanfarm]

Biggest issue is that he's super spooky. Seems to really lack confidence in his surroundings. Starting to look to me for reassurance on the ground. Under saddle we aren't there yet. When he spooks sometimes it's just a sideways jump but other times he tries to bolt or worse backpedal.

NCSue, these are the exact same symptoms that my horse presented, along with a couple of others, before being diagnosed with EPM. Three courses of Marquis gave me a new horse. Because of my experience another women in the area decided to treat her gelding.He had the added symptom of being like a freight train in your hands, and she now also has a new horse. Since almost all horses in TN and NC have positive blood titters, it may be something you might want to address with your vet. I know that these are not the "typical symptoms" of EPM.

[Bravestrom]

Since I have been a very frequent poster on draft crosses in dressage many of you may have already seen my big guy - if not here is a link to some of our horses

www.hotelfun4kids.com/horses.htm

Anyway we placed at our second gold (canadian) national show and I was so thrilled - second time showing level one and we got a 5th out of 20. He was so good - we got 9th in our second class - both tests were improvements from the spring show - spring show - 60, summer show 63, spring show 58, summer show 59.

We have a wonderful dressage coach and have also just started working with a german coach when he comes over every 6 weeks. Our coach also is working under him and watches our sessions to help us.

My fella is really enjoying our work and we are having such fun. Thinking about doing the CNE dressage show.

On another note, my 18 yr old son rode his draft cross at a recent event and scored the top jr score - 74% - converted to 39 penalties for eventing.


My guy is a clyde/hackney cross. I also own his sister and she had a foal last year by a swedish warmblood - this colt is awesome - he was playing in the field the other day and experimenting on his own with canter piroettes.

I can't wait to start working him.

[VTHokie]

I have Ginger (registered name is Mighty Sunny), a 3/4 Belgian Draft/Paint Cross (N.American Spotted Draft) mare, 4 yrs. old, 16 hands around 1250 lbs.

We're still deciding exactly what our "career" will be, but have had 2 dressage lessons, participated in 2 hunter shows (last show was in May where she jumped her first course of jumps in the 2' low hunters and to my surprise placed 6th in a class of 13 after only jumping for 2 weeks. :D )

I'm still grinning right now, because she gave me her first flying change today! It was a bit, umm... rough.. but she did it. We cantered across the field went to turn, to change direction, and I was about to break to the trot when she turned her butt in and with 3 slow motion round mini bucks, she gave me a full change. It almost felt as if the first buck resulted in a hind only change, then she bucked back into the outside lead and then the third buck resulted in the correct lead. She was definitely pleased when she got it right, ears forward, etc.
Next time around was easier, just one slow buck/hop into correct lead. Almost not even a buck but rather a slow motion hop into the air with a hump in her back.
Other side, was trickier and required a circle but she did get it. I think with some more experience this will be easy for her. The first change was definitely her idea, but after that I started giving her the cue and she knew just what I was requesting. So smart!

Our challenges are - forward (she tends to be a little up and down, and I have to push her sometimes), can be spooky but it mostly results in a quick speed up for a few steps or a side step/looky moment. I've found the best thing is to just stop and let her watch whatever is distracting her. After that she sighs and lowers her head and we're ready to go. Bending is new and challenging especially when she's being spooky, of course.

Easy for us - walk to canter transitions, downward transitions (just have to remember to really keep my leg on so we don't collapse into the transition), likes to stretch down.

Here are some videos (pics are in my signature):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJfMRE87bU flatwork at home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l71PZ2UkvHI&feature=related jumping at home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQq_glSpcq8 showing over fences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i08ZsCjE_B0 showing in undersaddle class

[Ambrey]

Look at this guy! He is Percheron x TB (notice they don't actually mention that...).

http://www.paintedponysporthorses.com/rex.php

[mishmash]

My full Perch is a 17.1, 11 year old gelding. He was bred in Canada, sold as a weanling. Was originally trained to be a hitch horse, ended up too hot for the job, and was sold at an auction to my trainer, with a note "Not a ladies horse" :lol:
Strengths: athletic, 'fancy pants' trot: smooth, lots of suspension, elastic, naturally rhythmic; flying changes; nice big walk, collection
Challenges: attitude-horse has more opinions about things than I do, easily distracted, a recreational spooker
From a sheer physical standpoint, think he is capable of doing all the upper level movements. From a mental standpoint, getting him to focus and not argue about things can be difficult some days.
We have 3 modes:
1. " You and what army, lady" mode
2. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll do it" mode
3. "Yes, ma'am!" mode.
My trainer would like to see a lot more Mode 3, and less of the other two. Would say that is my biggest challenge-he is big, gorgeous and knows it. I have learned to be much tougher and a better rider because of him. I do have a young rider who rides him 2 days a week-she has more consistently good work with him than I do, but he also has some naughty times with her. The nature of the beast.
Love him dearly. :yes:

[Ajierene]

What was hard but we have fixed:
Canter, she used to tune me out and RUN. (We had this problem a bit as a hunter, but the fences would back her off.) I just reinforced my half-halts when she ran through them by immediately walking, walk two strides, and resuming the canter. Lots of canter transitions every session. Tons.

I had to chuckle a bit at this. I started working with a lady that I still work with and bought my mare from because of a Percheron canter issue. He could canter - but he couldn't canter AND turn.

Well, she owns 10 acres in a small neighborhood (only a certain amount of houses could be within 100 years from the bay, so they couldn't split up the 10 acres anymore...lucky her!). Imagine the look on the neighbor's faces when she came cantering past them because her ring area did was not originally fenced in and she would ask for the canter - ok....turn - not so ok....

The only horse she ever regretted selling - once the canter+turn issue was fixed, he was a great horse - real great mind - almost no spook (hey, a deer suddenly jumping out of the bushes would scare me also..and he only jumped a bit, not bolting or anything), great gaits and ability to bend and everything, once he figured it out....miss him.

[preferred]

Ambrey,

All I can say is "wow!" AWS has some nice horses!

Mishmash knows what I mean :cool:

before I get crucified.....I didn't say AWS has ALL nice horses....I said SOME nice horses. This is true for all registries...not every horse registered is the ideal.

[DQonaDraft]

I have an 8yo Percheron Mare, black, 17H and probably 1600lbs. I have owned her since she was 3 and have done all the training on her, with the help of 2 wonderful FEI trainers/mentors. We had a long lag in training as she sustained a pasture injury last year-fractured her P1 in the left hind leg. It required surgical repair and it was very questionable if she would come back sound. She was on stall rest for 6 months. She was so fit at the time of injury and lost it all.

I ride in a 38cm Duett Largo and an oversize Laser bridle. She squeezes into an 87" blanket but could really use a 90", but they are so hard to find. She is barefoot.

Easy Things: All lateral and collected work comes easy for her. She is super sensitive to the rider's seat and leg. Has a very active hind leg and will work her fanny off! Super work ethic and temperment, never says "no" and I have to be careful as I can really push her past her limit sometimes.

Hard Things: Canter is our challenge right now, but as her fittest and strength is increasing, it is improving exponentially.

I am lucky that my trainer loves her too and works just as hard with us as she does with her clients with the $50,000 warmbloods. She will say "There's my favorite Percheron!" and I will say "That's because she is your only Percheron!" :) I struggled alot with the perception people had of us. And I will admit there have been times when I would say I ride a Percheron cross when asked what type of horse I ride, because I was embarassed to say she was a full, registered Percheron. How ridiculous is that? So I had to get over myself and really own the fact that I ride a big draft horse and she is better trained that most people's horses ever will be. She is special for who she is and I have to honor that.

I am totally realistic about her ability to move up the levels. But I will train her as far as I can and enjoy the learning process. I LOVE this horse and as much as I would like to have a more "suitable" dressage horse, I wouldn't give her up for the world!

[Tonja]

Years ago I started a young Percheron gelding. He was an incredible horse! Amazingly, he was more balanced and agile than many of the pricy warmbloods I’ve ridden. He was destined to become a trail horse but I couldn’t resist playing with a little bit of lateral work with this guy – it came so easily to him.

A client brought me an 18hh Clydesdale. He also had a lot of natural balance and carried himself and maneuvered with surprising ease.

I competed a Shire/TB cross at first level. He did very well. We brought home the high point award for his owner. However, he was not as naturally balanced or agile as some of the purebred drafts and warmbloods I had ridden. http://www.ridingart.com/images/Van-Dyke-Trot-crop.jpg

Have you seen the photos in Dressage Formula of the Percheron/TB cross, Atlantis, ridden by Erik Herbermann?!! The photos illustrate exemplary dressage work! :cool: Erik details his method in the book.

[perpetual_novice]

Have you seen the photos in Dressage Formula of the Percheron/TB cross, Atlantis, ridden by Erik Herbermann?!! The photos illustrate exemplary dressage work! :cool: Erik details his method in the book.

As a person who has only had access to totally "unsuitable" horses Herbermann's book is my bible.

In every picture in the book his horses under saddle look correct and contented.

[ginger708]

I will say that having to fix a lot of things with Rocky has made me a better rider. I have always said at my barn that it is easy to teach a horse with a build for dressage. I really want to learn what is is like to bring out what a horse is doing out in the field and have him do it under saddle. If you read the book on dressage written by the masters that is really the roots of dressage. Taking the naturals movements of the horse and enhancing it under saddle. I did not want a warm blood or a thoroughbred I wanted the horse that was going to challenge me every step of the way. That is why I picked Rocco. When he was playing out in the fields I would see his form of an extended tort and a really lofty canter. So I always knew that he had talent to be a solid dressage horse and the perfect project horse.

[CentreEquestre]

Of the 3 horses I own, 1 is a full draft (reg. Clyde filly) and the other is a Clyde/Perch-QH cross. They are just yearlings at the moment but planning to show them dressage and Hunters.

Calypso the Clyde cross:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/325741358.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/321579643.jpg

The full draft, should be fun doing dressage with that one:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/20105377/326051186.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/20105377/326051203.jpg

Various photos from the draft horse forum:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/323396398.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/322956511.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/316760462.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/316760457.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539341.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539337.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539336.jpg

[Ambrey]

That big roan clyde just kills me. He is magnificent!

eta: I found the farm that owned him- apparently he passed away last year? Anyway, look at these gorgeous pictures, full draft lovers!

http://www.sherwoodshires.nl/fotoframeseng.html

[Ambrey]

I will say that having to fix a lot of things with Rocky has made me a better rider. I have always said at my barn that it is easy to teach a horse with a build for dressage. I really want to learn what is is like to bring out what a horse is doing out in the field and have him do it under saddle. If you read the book on dressage written by the masters that is really the roots of dressage. Taking the naturals movements of the horse and enhancing it under saddle. I did not want a warm blood or a thoroughbred I wanted the horse that was going to challenge me every step of the way. That is why I picked Rocco. When he was playing out in the fields I would see his form of an extended tort and a really lofty canter. So I always knew that he had talent to be a solid dressage horse and the perfect project horse.

I feel exactly the same way, Ginger! I see that Smokey can walk the walk in turn-out. If I can get even a fraction of that kind of animation and movement out of him, I'll feel like I've succeeded.

We're not there yet for sure. My trainer is a gentle, precise, and effective rider, but he doesn't really "go for the gusto." I don't know if I'll ever get there :( Smokey does not have, as Roan so aptly put it, "boingity" under saddle. He's a "nice" mover (maybe a little above average), and can be precise in his movements, but he's not the showstopper.

Well he is, but maybe not for the reasons I would wish for :D.

I am going to put Lewin on him some day and see what happens :D.

[MyReality]

I was watching VTHokie's videos.

I thought to myself... everybody needs a Ginger. No rider's education is complete or her horse experience complete without a horse like Ginger.

A horse like that, let the rider have fun, builds her confidence, and learn a few things along the way, most importantly let the rider experiment and apply herself. You need a horse that has such cheerful outlook in life to grow up with, even if you aspire to greatness.

Ginger is very nice.

[preferred]

Have you seen the photos in Dressage Formula of the Percheron/TB cross, Atlantis, ridden by Erik Herbermann?!! The photos illustrate exemplary dressage work! :cool: Erik details his method in the book.


I need this book! Anyone have a copy of know where I can get it? I ggogled and got nothing.

Better yet, anyone know how I can contact Erik to teach a clinic? Our GMO has many horses that are crosses and "non traditional" and I think he would be a big seller.

I have a talented TB/Perch coming along nicely with lofty goals....this would be such an inspiring read.

THanks a bunch!

Also, if anyone here with a draft cross wants to consider AWS for all breeds for the USDF contact me directly as I have the details & paperwork you need to get it done.

[Avishay]

Preferred - you can find the book new and used on Amazon for about $24. :)

[VTHokie]

I was watching VTHokie's videos.

I thought to myself... everybody needs a Ginger. No rider's education is complete or her horse experience complete without a horse like Ginger.

A horse like that, let the rider have fun, builds her confidence, and learn a few things along the way, most importantly let the rider experiment and apply herself. You need a horse that has such cheerful outlook in life to grow up with, even if you aspire to greatness.

Ginger is very nice.

I agree! :winkgrin:
Everyone does need a Ginger.
I've ridden a few million horses and ponies, it seems like, being a being a lesson barn kid eons ago, and then with an OTTB as an adult, but this horse has been a blast and I've been able to work with her without a trainer even at her age. Just a once a month lesson to keep things going in the right direction.

[Phyxius]

Better yet, anyone know how I can contact Erik to teach a clinic? Our GMO has many horses that are crosses and "non traditional" and I think he would be a big seller.



Which region are you in? I'm in Region 1 and my GMO is PVDA (Potomac Valley Dressage Association). Erik does clinics almost every month at a local farm here - http://www.equilibriumhorse.net/ If you click on the clinic info there Karen's contact info will come up and I'm sure she could give you details on contacting Erik.

[Ambrey]

Wow, wish someone with draft experience would come out here and clinic!

[slc2]

if we can have golden retriever dog food we can have trainers that 'specialize' in draft crosses.

[preferred]

any websites for Erik?

[Fancy That]

I love this thread!!!

I just posted in the Trail Forum that we got a 17.1+ hand Belgian as a "hubby horse", but since I dabble in eventing, I'm going to secretly train him to do Hunter Paces, maybe Beginner Novice?? Muaaahh haha haaa!

Actually, my honey will be perfectly happy to see him "go english", instead of just being a Western Trail Pony :)

I LOVE your Clyde/Hackney/SWB cross! What a looker! And I'm drooling on my keyboard over your chestnut with chrome Clyde/Hackney boy!!!!

Wow.

I'll share some pics of our new Belgian boy next.... He's gorgeous and built super uphill, so we'll see how he takes to dressage. He's already a bombproof trail horse extraordinaire.
Since I have been a very frequent poster on draft crosses in dressage many of you may have already seen my big guy - if not here is a link to some of our horses

www.hotelfun4kids.com/horses.htm

Anyway we placed at our second gold (canadian) national show and I was so thrilled - second time showing level one and we got a 5th out of 20. He was so good - we got 9th in our second class - both tests were improvements from the spring show - spring show - 60, summer show 63, spring show 58, summer show 59.

We have a wonderful dressage coach and have also just started working with a german coach when he comes over every 6 weeks. Our coach also is working under him and watches our sessions to help us.

My fella is really enjoying our work and we are having such fun. Thinking about doing the CNE dressage show.

On another note, my 18 yr old son rode his draft cross at a recent event and scored the top jr score - 74% - converted to 39 penalties for eventing.


My guy is a clyde/hackney cross. I also own his sister and she had a foal last year by a swedish warmblood - this colt is awesome - he was playing in the field the other day and experimenting on his own with canter piroettes.

I can't wait to start working him.

[Fancy That]

Love this thread!

I dabble in eventing with my Morgan, and we are constantly working to improve our dressage :)

But the exciting news is we just purchased a "husband horse", who is a FULL BELGIAN DRAFT. He's 17.1 hands and is the sweetest, most gentle, quiet, willing horse I've ever been around. Though he was purchased for trail/camping/fun.....I'll be riding/training him too, and will look forward to see how he reacts to cross-country jumping..heheheeee. I've also fallen in love with his THICK, CURLY LONG cream mane and tail! Plus I think he has a cute/pretty head. Okay, nuff bragging :)

I really enjoyed seeing all the "riding drafts" and all that you guys do with your drafties!

Here's Jake:
With old owner up, in CO
http://tinyurl.com/3p98ab

Walking on lunge
http://tinyurl.com/5qx379

With me, up...when trying him out
http://tinyurl.com/6c4lj4

Look at that uphill build
http://tinyurl.com/6glk8b

[Bravestrom]

Thank you - Fancy That - he is a real doll - already taller than his mom - who is 16.2hh and he is only a year - he is a real doll - very social - he loves being with the herd and comes when he is called.

He already does canter piroettes on his own and flying lead changes galore.

He should be fun to work with.

[Tonja]

Preferred - you can find the book new and used on Amazon for about $24. :)
The 4th edition of Dressage Formula has just been released. My copy arrived a couple of weeks ago. The book has been expanded and also includes some ABSOLUTELY AMAZING photographs of Egon von Neindorff.

[perpetual_novice]

any websites for Erik?

http://www.equilibriumhorse.net

Unfortuately, I think his clinics are on site at a facility in Maryland; I don't believe he travels or at least he never travels far from his area.

In the past I've tried to find people who have trained with him, but I have been unable to find anyone in the area where I live. :(

[CatOnLap]

I learned to field hunt on a percheron/TB mare who could jump the moon all morning and come home and pull the manure sled in the afternoon. Loved her. In the dressage ring, she would tank around, too forward, ehavy on the forehand. I didn't understand why until I learned more about draft conformation.

I presently ride my niece's percheron/appaloosa/morgan cross that I have had since she was a yearling. She has the lovely placid draft temperament, and is safe for any beginner. She is small (15.2 and about 1000 lbs) and has typical draft conformation "problems"- slightly cow hocked, and narrow through the jaw, a bit thick in the neck and throatlatch.

She finds lengthening at the trot and also collection/coming onto the verticle quite difficult due to her conformation, like many posters have mentioned about their crosses. I have shown her once in dressage, achieving 71% at first level and probably won't bother to take her further because she isn't really suitable for dressage.

Any good rider on a sound horse can get 65% or better at that level. I will however, continue to train her in dressage- it is improving her but goes more slowly than with others due to her shape. She is learning half pass and the lateral work is quite easy for her as long as I don't demand that she be on the verticle. She can sit back and carry, but to ask her to do that a lot will put undue strain on the hocks in future if I were to take her into higher level dressage. I judge she is perfectly capable of doing third level, but not much beyond. Since fourth level is where it gets interesting for me, I wouldn't waste the money on showing this typical draft cross, and my niece is likely to take her home before we ever got there anyway.

She is far more suitable for other things. She is drop dead gorgeous for a western horse and in the only western show I took her in, got green horse champion in western pleasure. If you let her drop her head and extend her throat so she is comfortable, she rides completely off leg and seat aides and is as soft as a sofa. Western has no lengthen trot, which pleases her, and she can trot at the pace of my other horses' walks, so that pleases the judges.

She jumps like a deer and likes to jump and makes a cute little hunter pony picture, so she is working gymnastics. I don't show hunters here as its mostly a kids circuit locally. If she was for sale, I would show her there for exactly that reason.

I don't know where my niece will take her if she remains interested in horses, but she will be capable of and do well in western or hunters or simply on the trails, where she is my favourite because of her versatility, strength and stamina.

But for dressage, I prefer a different style of horse. I have a large hano who is about 17.3 and 1600 lbs and a medium appaloosa-(16 hh and 1000 lbs) with a lot of TB in him. Both horses have better comfo and movement for dressage than the perch cross.

[ButterflyIris]

I have a Percheron/Paint cross that I've been working with for almost three years. He was a rescue case and virtually unhandled when I got him. We played with jumping for awhile, but that didn't work out due to discovering that he has arthritis in his hocks. We estimate that he's about 9. He's been injected since and is going pretty nicely.

I appreciate this thread because my confidence in being able to show him dressage waxes and wanes as he has his difficult moments.

His specs: 16.1, dapple grey, about 1200 lbs., needs a 6" bit, 81"-84" blanket, size 4 shoe, full set = $175!

I have an extra-wide tree Passier on order. I think that's part of the reason for my current discouragement. I've been riding in my forward-seat saddle and I just don't have as much contact and correct position as in a dressage saddle. I've been out of a dressage saddle since April :-( WAH!

He went to his first schooling show yesterday just to walk around and he was really good as long as he was working. Once I got him in the shade to relax he became extremely antsy. That's one thing about him, I try to stay very soft, but once he gets strong I have to be stronger! That took awhile to be able to handle!

I don't know if anyone else has this experience with them, but it also takes him awhile to warm up.

Here's a pic, sorry about cutting off my head and the schooling attire. I took this back in April with a saddle that really didn't fit.
http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs229&d=08290&f=img_0374281.jpg

[Tonja]

From what I understand, Erik has cut his clinic schedule back quite a bit but he still does travel. I know that, in addition to teaching in Maryland, he clinics in CA and North Carolina. I know he clinics other places in this country and in Europe but I’m not exactly sure where. I found out about his CA clinics through Equilibrium Horse Center.

[Fancy That]

Of the 3 horses I own, 1 is a full draft (reg. Clyde filly) and the other is a Clyde/Perch-QH cross. They are just yearlings at the moment but planning to show them dressage and Hunters.

Calypso the Clyde cross:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/325741358.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/321579643.jpg

The full draft, should be fun doing dressage with that one:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/20105377/326051186.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/20105377/326051203.jpg

Various photos from the draft horse forum:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/323396398.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/322956511.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/316760462.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/17468683/316760457.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539341.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539337.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/323539336.jpg

Hi Calypso - what is the "draft horse forum?" I'd love to know and join, as we have a brand new big full Belgian boy :)

[lewin]

www.drafthorsevillage.com

also

www.draftresource.com

[sid]

I haven't had time to read the whole thread, but I'm always interested when the topic of draft x's come up when discussing their qualities as they related to serious dressage (i.e. competition beyond 1st or 2nd level).

Whether the x has TB blood on the top or on the bottom of the pedigree can make a huge difference in ability, as does the breed of draft used in the cross.

[Phyxius]

Whether the x has TB blood on the top or on the bottom of the pedigree can make a huge difference in ability.

Why do you believe that to be true?

[slc2]

For as long as people have been crossing draft to thb, the tradition has been to have 'blood on top' (the stallion goes on top of the pedigree, or the mare, or whatever). Horse people felt for many hundreds of years that a mare contributed NOTHING as far as characteristics, then a mare only contributed SOME characteristics, with the stallion contributing all the really important ones...it's still a tradition, and many breeders are convinced it's always better to have the 'blood' (thb blood) in the stallion, not the mare.

[sid]

Phyxius: I believe using the TB as the dam will make a better cross. Lighter, more refined, more agile. I've found this to be true from personal experience, as well as from many discussions with several breeders of Shire crosses years ago. Forget "tradition".

When I was at a short course at CSU many years ago and when I was crossing Shires and TBs, I asked Dr. Shidler for his thoughts on the "contributions" of mare vs. stallion. He said he couldn't prove it, but in his experience (which was VAST) he believed mares to be somewhat more influential. Of course, that can be thrown out with a hugely prepotent stallion.

Typically, one can see the difference between a cross with a TB dam vs. a draft dam. Of course there are always exceptions, but generally speaking this has been my experience.

[Phyxius]

For as long as people have been crossing draft to thb, the tradition has been to have 'blood on top' (the stallion goes on top of the pedigree, or the mare, or whatever). Horse people felt for many hundreds of years that a mare contributed NOTHING as far as characteristics, then a mare only contributed SOME characteristics, with the stallion contributing all the really important ones...it's still a tradition, and many breeders are convinced it's always better to have the 'blood' (thb blood) in the stallion, not the mare.

Right, I understand that some people THINK that, but I'd like to see proof.

And since the other poster believes it to be true not just a tradition, I was wondering why?

I've said before and I'll always say that each parently is equally important. With ANY breeding you should always "hedge your bets" and breed the best possible stallion to the best possible mare to get the best possible foal for whatever your goals are.

[sid]

I edited my prior post above. In my breeding program I wanted more influence from the TB, so I chose TB mares who were very dominant (by examining their prior TB offspring).

[flypony74]

I have a 7 year old Percheron/TB gelding who is 14.3hh and is VERY drafty....yes, at that height, he is kind of a freak of nature, but he is awesome. We compete in lower level eventing (showing BN, schooling N) and could put in a respectable 1st level test right now....lengthenings aren't really there, but the rest of it is. He is very short coupled so lengthenings will always be hard, but collection and lateral work are easy for him.

Probably our biggest training challenge is when he gets tired and doesn't want to really engage (he can be a little lazy), because then he gets heavy and a bit resistant. He is a good teacher that it all has to come from behind....I have to ride correctly to get the best work! I try to do a lot of exercises that really work on getting him engaged and really through. Impulsion is sometimes a problem but as he's developed he is a lot more honest about staying in front of my leg, which helps.

He's not every going to be a Grand Prix horse, but then again, I'll never be a GP rider, so we're perfect for each other. He has a great brain and tries hard, but is super forgiving when I make an inevitable ammy mistake. He is virtually bombproof so I can just go out and have fun with him, whether it be a really big USEA event, or just a trail ride with friends. I'm so lucky to have such a great equine partner.

Here he is in the dressage at a USEA event at the KHP a few weeks ago. I warmed up a little too long (first pic) so he was starting to get tired, so he's a little in front of the vertical, but he is being a good boy. Second one is warming up (with my trademark bad habit....LOOKING DOWN!)
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2132618170048526821eajZSV
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2836367290048526821byYdfT

At a CT in May.
http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2839922740048526821XhSThI

Warming up for a jump school at home.
http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2204016830048526821Ixqhrh

And, he jumps!!
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2927881590048526821WTzeVV
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2469538510048526821cunCZd
http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2673164160048526821asQNqP
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2053122620048526821lUDDLG
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2206247110048526821wYrQXa
(Last two are minus the noseband because he had cut the bridge of his nose and it was still healing)

Can you tell I love my draftie?

[Ambrey]

sid, I'd love to see more pics of your Shire Sporthorse! Do you show him?

[Cielo Azure]

We are trying to put together a quadrille for the GA Draft Horse show in Perry, GA.

Robert (my husband) was asked to do a dressage demonstration, as a way to fill time between hitch classes. Robert, Spencer (my son) and I were kicking around the idea of doing a quadrille. We have Katie (the well-trained one), my horse (Katie's daughter and now mastering the fundamentals of w/t/c) and Genie (the big one, who is reliable at w/t but has a rock solid personalitiy in the ring). Anyway, we need (want, hope for) a fourth horse to join us!!! Anyone in the north Georgia area (we are in Jasper) with a black Perch or Perch cross, who might like to join us in putting something together?

We plan to do a routine that highlights Katie's skills while showing off just what a quadrille is. If your horse is also well dressage trained, it could be really fun with two good mares to show off!

The show is in Oct 11 (sat evening). You would need to be able to get over to our place for at least two or three days (afternoons) of practise.

It should be a blast. B.T.W. feel free to cross post!

[sid]

Actually, I have several who are now in their mid teens that were used for a dressage lesson program for a number of years under the training and teaching of Candy Allen. A few would clinic with Martin Kupper who would come over from Germany for a week. I can't tell you the number of people who were so surprised once I told them what they were. In fact, one Dressage "S" judge loved two of them (out of the same mare) and wanted to know if I'd sell them, presumable for her lesson program. They're nice uphill movers, with big engines and strong lower backs. Someone thought my one mare was Dutch, someone else thought one of my geldings was a Holsteiner.

Most of my horse riding activities have come to a halt in recent years due to job and caregiving obligations, so they're now just pure pleasure for me (when I have the time). I'm also pleased to say they are still sound, and despite the years of lessons, not one has had joint injections of any kind ("hybrid vigor" and good footing!)

I don't show, but enjoy the fact they were so well trained and I can just learn on them.
I have video, but few if any pics unfortunately except when they were babies.

[Fancy That]

I have a 7 year old Percheron/TB gelding who is 14.3hh and is VERY drafty....yes, at that height, he is kind of a freak of nature, but he is awesome. We compete in lower level eventing (showing BN, schooling N) and could put in a respectable 1st level test right now....lengthenings aren't really there, but the rest of it is. He is very short coupled so lengthenings will always be hard, but collection and lateral work are easy for him
<snip>
Can you tell I love my draftie?
=====================================
OMG - I'm in love with your little draftie!!! He reminds me of a gorgeous CHUNK of a Cob that we had at my old show barn! Same exact grey/dappled color, too! I also love how his roached mane accentuates his curves and "cobb-y" look!

You guys make a fantastic team! I especially love the photo from your Midsouth HT (khpstadium1) Looks like a winning hunter round with that form over fences!

In all the pics, he just has that saintly, soft look about him - especially over fences. It reminds me of how my Morgan looks over fences...

Thanks for sharing!

[xojilliexo29]

I was riding a 6 yr old Percheron who was VERY TALENTED. gelded when he was 4 (bred about two times) and he developed a beautiful crest and natural frame. i met him on an internship [he was the horse i was too small to ride] but i got on him and we clicked. i had 5 days to prepare for my first show which we got a BLUE! he was trained on ground lines and his leg yeilds and half passes were natural for him. we broke through into some shoulder ins as well. fortunately for me he had amazing gaits. he could collect until we barely moved and extend like no other. my two problems were that he would resist the trot to canter transition and that he would half pass into the middle of the schooling ring. haha
after the internship i went to buy him but realized i needed time to try more horses. unfortunately he died from colic complications :(

[Luna]

This is a very interesting thread! I would say that collection and forward momentum come very easily to my horse, as well as 'lightness' in the bridle. Legthening is difficult, as is lateral movement. She is also VERY hot under saddle, so our canter is often too speedy for my liking. Due to her short neck, she can start to cheat by dipping past the vertical.

Luna is a 15.1hh Belgian, Quarter horse cross.

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/42460/2444452180036319172S425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/42099/2752537560036319172S425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/3697/2967623950036319172S425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/41062/2611067830036319172S425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/25466/2746466390036319172S425x425Q85.jpg

And a little jump:
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/25762/2798653980036319172S425x425Q85.jpg

[Phyxius]

Luna is a 15.1hh Belgian, Quarter horse cross.


She is SUPER cute!

I just realized that I didn't post any pictures of Peanut, only of Octavia...so here's some Peanut.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/_phyxius_/peanut/trotnice5.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/_phyxius_/phead1.jpg
http://4leggedfotos.smugmug.com/photos/324890763_gx3yr-M.jpg


Jumping -
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/_phyxius_/peanutjump.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/_phyxius_/peanut/pccjump.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v283/206/119/535468385/n535468385_720115_8309.jpg

And, of course you need stocks to trim or shoe a draft...right?
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j51/phyxiusfoto/5peanuttrim2.jpg

[Renate]

Hopefully this link will work. Here is a picture of my boy, Biscayne, just turned 4 yrs old in June 08. He has only been under saddle a few months. He stands at 16.3 hands and is a Clydesdale/TB cross.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2303426640103788148XyXkgy

Picture here of him when has was almost 3 yrs old.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2754724570103788148bwnGqy?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2923830860103788148CKNcER?vhost=good-times

[sid]

The problem in assessing draft x's is what they look like at age 3 can be quite different by age 6 or 7 -- even 8. They are very slow to mature.

Having been a breeder I can tell you you really don't know what you have until they are at least 6 years old. When they are younger they look very "dressagey" because of their nice toplines and they can still appear "svelt".

The muscle comes on much later when you can finally assess "heaviness", final length of neck and way of going as they deal with what they inherited in sheer volume of height and muscle -- and how they travel with it.

They are enormously loveable...but that can't override an objective opinion of how they might fare in the tough sport of dressage, of course depending upon what level one aspires to acheive competively.

[tmo0hul]

Here is my Grace - a 5 yr old 16.3h TB/Belgian mare. She was started last year and had 90 has US and has been in trining for 45 days this summer. She did not inherit much from her dam (the Belgian) other than a large head and she is a bit close in the hocks. Most people take her for an IDSH.
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn45/tmo0hul/Grace/

I'd appreciate any thoughts as to her dressage potential.

[spotteddrafter]

Yay, drafts in dressage! :)

I'll add mine as well.

I have a 13yo North American Spotted Draft mare (her sire and damn are perch/paint Xs). She was born and raised in Amish country, beginning her life pulling plows and whatnot for the Amish farmer that breeds for spotted drafts. She was sold at age 4 to a couple that ran several public trail riding facilities, who were also breeding for spotted drafts. I worked there, as a trail guide. One look at her, and I was hooked. Took me almost 2 years to convince them to stop popping babies out every year, and sell her to me. That was almost 5 years ago. :winkgrin:

She never had any kind of formal training, but I'll tell you what...those Amish certainly know how to desensitize their horses! Just last night I had my almost 4yo son with me for my lesson, he was dragging jump standards and cups all over the arena while we worked, and she never blinked an eye his direction. After I bought her, we were just trail girls until I moved to one of the area's better H/J/Dressage barns. In January of this year, we began dressage lessons.

Stats:
13yo
16.0hh
1300lb approx (weight tapes out to 1315)
Shoe Size: 3
Saddle: 36cm (XW - XXW)
Bit Size: 6"
Blanket Size: 81"

Everything is actually going very very well, and in fact we are showing our first show on August 2nd - Intro level. The first month or so of weekly lessons was definitely a struggle because both my mare and I were learning dressage together. Learning how to bend, the cues, moving off of leg, etc. The hardest part has been bend. She is very, very lovely going counterclockwise (leading with left), but going right has been a complete struggle. Doesn't help that I'm a lefty and I'm trying to get it right with myself as well.

Comformation wise, she's actually really nice. A bit cowhocked, but that's actually preferable for the drafties. Very thick neck, which has been a bit hard to unlock, but she's got a heart of gold and that draft mentality of try anything I point her to. In my heart, I know she's not going to be more than a First Level horse, and that's actually just fine with me. I've got NO plans to do anything other than improve my riding in this new discipline, and improve the communication between us.

So, here she is. Jetta:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/spotteddrafter/jettaside.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/spotteddrafter/freewalk.jpg

[Fancy That]

Yay, drafts in dressage! :)

I'll add mine as well.

I have a 13yo North American Spotted Draft mare (her sire and damn are perch/paint Xs). She was born and raised in Amish country, beginning her life pulling plows and whatnot for the Amish farmer that breeds for spotted drafts. She was sold at age 4 to a couple that ran several public trail riding facilities, who were also breeding for spotted drafts. I worked there, as a trail guide. One look at her, and I was hooked. Took me almost 2 years to convince them to stop popping babies out every year, and sell her to me. That was almost 5 years ago. :winkgrin:
<snip>

So, here she is. Jetta:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/spotteddrafter/jettaside.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/spotteddrafter/freewalk.jpg


Wow - she is absolutely stunning! I'm a sucker for flashy/colorful and the black and white is my fave. I love how she looks w/ the french braid!

May I ask - what breeds were the foundation of the Spotted Draft?

We just got our own draft, the Belgian gelding I wrote about earlier in the thread. It's very exciting! Thanks for sharing your story...

[DraftXRider]

Hi all....

Just wanted to thank you all for starting this thread... and I recognize some names from the draft boards...

I have a 3 yo Perch X mare that I adopted in a fit of horseless passion..... I was hunting for my first real non-project dressage horse and saw her pathetic face on a rescue site....a few foggy days later I was arranging shipping for one barely handled (halter broke, sorta only - as in she had a halter on when she came) long yearling (estimate), starved rescue filly........

I lightly backed her in January and ride about 2x week now and continue to do a crap load of ground work. She is an absolute joy and a gift. She has heart...but I honestly don't see DAD in our future...but she is kind, safe and a heck of a lot of fun. I'm going to see where we go, enjoy the adventure and worry about the desintation when we get there.

[spotteddrafter]

Wow - she is absolutely stunning! I'm a sucker for flashy/colorful and the black and white is my fave. I love how she looks w/ the french braid!

May I ask - what breeds were the foundation of the Spotted Draft?

We just got our own draft, the Belgian gelding I wrote about earlier in the thread. It's very exciting! Thanks for sharing your story...

The easiest definition of a spotted draft is crossing a registered Paint with a registered Draft. Most breeders use Perchies and Belgians for the draft half, but there is a Clyde/Paint where I board...and I've seen Shires used as well. My mare's sire and dam are both Paint/Perch crosses.

I believe the NASDHA registry officially opened in 1995, but there are recorded pictures and documents from back in the 1800s of the flashy "pinto draft" horses.

For me, I fell in love with my mare. I don't care what registry she is, but I will say...I definitely have an affinity for the Percherons. Any draft breed is enough for me to sigh and ohhhh over...but the Percherons just captured my heart a long time ago.

[ThinkTwice]

I admit that I've been intimidated by the sheer mass of these big horses in the past. But I've had the opportunity to ride a friend's 17 hand Percheron/TB mare for the past few weeks, taken some lessons and I'm loving it.

After not riding much in the last year, I truly appreciate the steady brain and bad-back (mine) friendly gaits. She has a nice work ethic and is tolerant of my mistakes without being dead to the aids. Plus, it is nice to be able to focus on my myriad riding and position issues without worrying about managing a highly sensitive, enthusiastic horse. I got lucky, since this mare has some professional dressage training, it's finally becoming clear to me when I get it right and when I don't.

While I appreciate why this might not be the breeding or conformation for a rider with serious upper level aspirations, for those of us at the lower levels, learning or re-learning the basics, this is a lovely ride!

Here she is warming up before a lesson (crooked canter, amazing how little ol' me can twist her into a 1300 lb pretzel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZmQxpbx7Lk

And later, during the lesson, a bit straighter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPzmZG_GmHU

And hopefully, if I get back in shape, jumping? She's awfully cute over a jump, but it's been awhile for me.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2392794840058571225BNTopK

[DraftXRider]

ThinkTwice: welcome to the fandom... I do think the draft cross is a great option for many of us. I know that there are times when I itch to get a prospect for competing local upper levels (and yes there are crosses who are!..my mare just isn't one of them).... but then talk myself off the ledge. One of my reasons for leasing my 4th level guy out was he needed a level of dedication that my job doesn't allow....

My mare on the other hand, while not a replacement in terms of sheer movement and talent, she has become a dear friend. Something I haven't had in a riding partnership in a long time. While not true of EVERY draft cross I find that she is more logical than most other horses in the barn. 90% less reactive in general.... more tolerant of moments of human inadequacy.

That said I don't think draftx are for everyone.... I've worked with draft crosses for a long time and I can't tell you how many people think that they're getting an instant schoolmaster (not dressage, just riding in general) just because the horse is part draft. No matter what the age of the horse... a young horse is a young horse, a green horse is still green.....I find most draft crosses are independent thinkers... need a clear 'alpha' and not half as bombproof as people think. The 'bombproof' comes like most other horses... start with a good mind and then miles, miles, miles.

Anyhow.. welcome to the fandom :D

[Bravestrom]

my fella has now done 2 national shows (gold in Canada). At the second show we got a 5th out of 20 in level 1. We are going to another gold show at the cne next week - should be fun

My guy is a clyde/hackney cross.

Wish us luck

[VTHokie]

I admit that I've been intimidated by the sheer mass of these big horses in the past. But I've had the opportunity to ride a friend's 17 hand Percheron/TB mare for the past few weeks, taken some lessons and I'm loving it.

After not riding much in the last year, I truly appreciate the steady brain and bad-back (mine) friendly gaits. She has a nice work ethic and is tolerant of my mistakes without being dead to the aids. Plus, it is nice to be able to focus on my myriad riding and position issues without worrying about managing a highly sensitive, enthusiastic horse. I got lucky, since this mare has some professional dressage training, it's finally becoming clear to me when I get it right and when I don't.

While I appreciate why this might not be the breeding or conformation for a rider with serious upper level aspirations, for those of us at the lower levels, learning or re-learning the basics, this is a lovely ride!

Here she is warming up before a lesson (crooked canter, amazing how little ol' me can twist her into a 1300 lb pretzel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZmQxpbx7Lk

And later, during the lesson, a bit straighter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPzmZG_GmHU

And hopefully, if I get back in shape, jumping? She's awfully cute over a jump, but it's been awhile for me.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2392794840058571225BNTopK


I love this one :D:
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2450249990058571225OQJFJx

[Ambrey]

my fella has now done 2 national shows (gold in Canada). At the second show we got a 5th out of 20 in level 1. We are going to another gold show at the cne next week - should be fun

My guy is a clyde/hackney cross.

Wish us luck

Congrats prodomus! You guys are kicking some butt!

[RTBSH]

Ambry,

That stallion you posted on page one, Rex, used to be in training with Sarah Geike. He is a very nice boy. I think that she showed him through 3rd.

[thathorse]

What a great thread!

My husband has Dolly, and 8 yo Belgian mare who is teaching him to ride. I just started Angus a 4 yo TB-Shire cross who is a total LOVE! He now has a whopping 3 rides on him LOL He tends to... conserve his energy shall we say. When he actually puts some pep in his step he is a gorgeous mover. Doesn't hurt that he's a dapple grey with a loooong flowing mane and forelock tumbling over deep, kind eyes... Hmmm, maybe we should forget a dressage career and make him a model for romance novels instead!

I'll post a link to video footage once we get some hard drive issues resolved...

Warmly, Kirsten

[tikidoc]

I have a 10 yo Clyde TB cross, Rocky, who I have had since he was a 2 yo. He does dressage and some jumping. He is getting back into work after a year hiatus or so of very little work. He was free leased to a friend while I was working on getting my other guy, a Belgian WB (not draft cross) started in the eventing world. My time was pretty limited so I could only work one horse. My time is still pretty limited, unfortunately, but I am now trying to work both with some help from my barn owner/trainer. I'm hoping to bring Rocky home in the next year or so, once we get fencing up and a small barn built.

This is my BO on him recently. Rocky is pretty fat in the pic. I think he has dropped 50# or so since, but still needs to lose some more, plus increase his fitness before we start back with jumping. He looks much draftier when chubby, as he is in this picture. He is a joy to ride dressage. Despite a year off, he is very light in the bridle. He tends to get heavier (and very excited) over fences, until they get big enough to back him up a little.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f190/tikidoc/?action=view&current=rocky.jpg

This is a few years ago, with my previous trainer on him (we have since relocated). Never could get the guy to wear a helmet:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f190/tikidoc/?action=view&current=jumper.jpg

And same year and trainer, showing hunters:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f190/tikidoc/r2.jpg

I guess I need to get some pics of me on him...

[preferred]

Nice form over fences. I'm a bit shy about jumping these big guys because I hear horror stories of how they are prone to ringbone. Reality or myth?:confused:

[SBClancy]

Below is a picture of my 7 year old ISH gelding - 1/2 ID, 1/4 TB, 1/4 percheron. A lot of people felt he was to big and heavy to do well in dressage. I have always gotten great comments from the dressage judges about what a nice horse he is with great potential. If a horse has talent it shouldn't matter what breed, size or color they are.


http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2414549390086522175KcjIKn

[CentreEquestre]

Here are some pictures of my beasty. She's a Clyde cross ;) Technically I should post her pictures in the hunter/jumper forum but when she is broke to ride (she's only 1) I'll be doing flat work with her for that first year so...hmmm that qualifies??

Here she is, Calypso I have no idea how tall she is. People at the barn have been guessing her to be 15'2-15'3hh. I am waiting for my new measuring stick to come in so I can actually know for sure. Again she turned 1 at the beginning of May :lol:
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1105/4517477/19537431/328731496.jpg

[preferred]

Centre,

what a cute girl!

[goeslikestink]

here take a gander at this ash draft and wb in a competition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-k5-FlGCvE&feature=related

[Bravestrom]

Well - we placed at the dressage show at the cne - level 1 - 59% - for a 5th place - lots of great comments.

First test was a little sketchy and I made some rider errors but I was pretty happy with him.

On another note had my 1/2 swedish wb/clyde/hackney colt in the sport horse line show and he placed first - judge's comment was - he is very impressive.

[Ambrey]

Congrats, prodomus! Do you have a video or pics?

[Bravestrom]

Congrats, prodomus! Do you have a video or pics?

Here is a link to the picture gallery for my gelding.

http://www.silverreflection.ca/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=13377