Draft Horses are Intimidating.... [Archive]

Ajierene

Jul. 19, 2009, 09:33 PM

Alright, I have no idea who wrote up this blurb, but I was reading a description of a mounted patrol unit. They talk about the uses of the mounted patrol unit and get to the crowd control part.

"Studies have shown that one mounted officer provides the same ability as 10 ground officers in a crowd control situation. The XX Police has all draft and draft cross horses which maximizes the intimidation factor when addressing disorderly crowds."

Now, all I can think of are the draft and draft crosses that I have worked with...most of which were out of shape to boot....but still...they would get three strides of canter and be done. They look at you funny when you gave leg and stand there munching grass while all kinds of things were running around them. I see them as great for walking around in crowds, but intimidating?

For intimidation....give me a crazy Thoroughbred that rears up and strikes out! That either scare a trouble maker straight or disperse a crowd REAL quick!

twofatponies

Jul. 19, 2009, 09:49 PM

Yeah, but then the cops would have to deal with spooking and bolting. :D

More than anything the police need their horses to push and shove forward into crowds, and be really steady and unflustered when drunk people are hurling beer bottles, etc.

Linny

Jul. 19, 2009, 09:59 PM

The average crowd that a mounted officer deals with has no horse experience so the bigger the better. Non horse folks are inclined to think that the "big ones" are scarier than the small ones.

(Horse people know that a rank pony is far scarier than a well broke draft, but most of us are far too busy with our horses or all the stuff we do to maintain them to be part of rowdy crowds!)

Ajierene

Jul. 19, 2009, 10:06 PM

HA! great points twofatponies. I have never encountered a police horse I was nervous about, and they generally have a gaggle of kids around them oohing, aahing and taking pictures.

The best horse I ever rode was a pinto grade, police horse. That horse could go from zero to gallop in three seconds, back again, shifting gears, shifting directions - he was an awesome ride and about 16 HH, thoroughbred build. I could see him chasing down a criminal across central park....not so much the draft.

Then again, it probably depends on the major use of the police horse. City police horses probably spend a comparative longer amount of time chasing down people stealing old lady's purses than ones in small towns or rural county units.

Susan P

Jul. 19, 2009, 10:27 PM

Somewhere in PA is a Nokota police horse. His name used to be Skinner and I've lost track of his owner. I know the town starts with a B and I keep thinking Bensalem but I think that's NJ. He doesn't really do crowd control, he's more of a liason to the public and meets and greets very large crowds. The officer told me that the crowds might be as large as 2,000 people including kids so the horse had to be dead quiet. His trainer said he was a very quiet horse and before losing track of her the officer said he was working out very well. I think this is maybe near Quakertown, wish I could remember the name of the town. I'd love to know what they are doing now.

I know they need control of these horses in a crowd, it the horse hurts someone the police department will get sued for sure.

Laurierace

Jul. 19, 2009, 10:30 PM

Bensalem is north of Philly aka the home of Philadelphia slots (and horseracing)

Susan P

Jul. 19, 2009, 11:36 PM

This is interesting and I'm glad this thread got me thinking about this horse again because I started looking for him and found him for sale in Horsetopia where I first listed him and sold him. \
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad382266
He's just a little lighter color than when he was first sold. I wonder why they are selling him now.

I've emailed the owner or lister to inquire. I know who trained him and he told me he was a very good horse to work with.

Wayside

Jul. 20, 2009, 01:08 AM

Having seen some of the responses people have to my big draft gelding, Stan, I beleive it.

Stan is absolutely your stereotypical big marshmallow of a draft horse. We used to take him down the road for sunday drives, he got used as a demonstration horse in 4-H clinics, and even spent some time in a therapeutic program. He's easygoing, well-mannered, and just a real pleasure to be around.

But he is over 18 hands high, and I've found quite a few people, even horse people, are absolutely petrified of him because of his size. My mother's known him for years, he's the only horse I own safe enough for her, and she refuses to ride him because she's afraid of heights. Go figure.

classicsporthorses

Jul. 20, 2009, 08:28 AM

Well I will chime in not only b/c I have drafts and draft crosses BUT I also have two retired NYPD horses. One is an 18.3 hand Clydesdale, and the force still has at least one other 18h+ Clydesdale that large too, and the other is a 15.2 hand percheron cross-who is a force all unto his own. Black Jack was on the force for 9, yes 9 years. He will go through and do anything.

Doc, my Clydesdale is intimidating by his sheer size alone. Even at my smaller stature when I am on his back I look down at the top of trucks. I recall one of the officers staying to me that when the two Clydesdales were present you would be amazed just how compliant people were! Truly the 10 foot cop.

They are not lazy at all. In fact with Black Jack once on him you'd better be ready to roll. This is one hell of a horse. It takes a very special horse to be a police horse and it's not just about dealing with crowds or obnoxious people, it's also being good minded to deal with the throngs coming up to you and petting you, hanging on you and having idiot people push their baby's strollers nearly under you-yes this does happen. Your average horse's eyes would pop out of their heads at this.

These horses are on 8 hour shifts and while they are not cantering around the streets, they are walking and trotting and on duty for that entire time. They deal with traffic, drunks, crime, enormous crowds and more. While they may not be the best at leg yielding, I would not trade my boys for the world! I have even jumped my two boys. Yes, the Clydesdale does jump and even though now he is totally blind, I still ride him-and his personality has not changed at all.

In addition to me riding him, Black Jack is now teaching a young girl with Aspergers Syndrome to ride. He know he has a special child on his back and seeing him understand her while I work with her just give me such pride in this horse. I would not trade my Police horses or draft crosses for the world.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Jul. 20, 2009, 08:52 AM

I've found that, until they are taught, drafties have absolutely no innate understanding of personal space.:) Most of us here understand that they will not actually crush us in their apparent attempts to climb into our pockets. But I'll bet having that much horse all up in one's grill gets the attention of the average crowd-rowdy pretty quick.

spotmenow

Jul. 20, 2009, 09:01 AM

The 13 hand pony that we adopted earlier this year (she is 30 and has NO manners) is much more likely to run over the top of me than my home-grown, professionally-trained 17.1 hand draft cross. However, the average unsuspecting person who is not horse savvy would choose the pony - at first:winkgrin:

Cielo Azure

Jul. 20, 2009, 09:19 AM

Lazy????

You know, I had two of my horses out on the trail yesterday. I had probably 10 experienced horse people not even know what breed they are (as in , "are those Friesians?") Yeh, 18.1 hand friesians. Just because they are beautiful and athletic draft horses does not make them Friesians!

My horses are incredibly athletic and versatile. They are well bred and it is a shame that people don't realize just how talented drafts bred for carriage and versatility are...I get so tired of having to explain that there are many different types of drafts horses (not all are 16 hand plow horses or poorly bred PMU "rescues").

As to personal space, they are no more pushy than a light horse. It is just people who think they can get a draft and treat it like a pony. You can get away with letting a pony or 14.2 hand light horse walk all over you and not even notice it. You can't with a draft or they will step on you, just like a light horse will... It is called training. I actually find them incredibly sensitive to not stepping on me. I can't remember when one of my 12 drafts got in my personal space.

We have no issues with cantering B.T.W.

Here is Katie, ten months pregnant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqOEbp6CUMo
Yep. There she is TEN MONTHS PREGNANT...Cantering, sidepassing, and generally, not lazy. In order to canter a draft, you first have to get over your own fear and then treat it as just another gait. Something a lot of human trainers have issues with. If you never practice it or do it, they don't learn it.

Here is a video link of my drafts last weekend, they went full speed for about ten miles at this pace. They came back without hardly breaking a sweat. These were green, fairly unconditioned drafts. Yes, and at Blowing Rock, no one knew what breed of horses my Percherons were either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rw31PgxG6o

Are they intimidating! Yes. They are almost one ton animals. They are strong, they like to go, and they are not for everyone. But don't believe for one minute that purpose bred show or carriage Percherons (or Belgians or Clydes) are lazy.

Am I defensive? Yes. I am so tired of people first asking me what breed of horse I am riding. They don't even know what a well bred Percheron looks like. Then in the next breath, they are trying to get me to take their friend's PMU percheron (sometimes Perch X) that they are giving away (of course, is hasn't been trained, and has no conformation what so ever). Seriously, I have it happen to me at least twice a month.

Most police depts go out of their way to get drafts and they want them to have good (carriage type or show) bloodlines. They are willing to pay for quality because they understand the value of quality animals. They are not looking for plow horses. I have been contacted by various police depts a number of times but I usually only have mares, which generally they don 't want.

So, this is my vent for the day...off to go finish cleaning stalls.

Trakehner

Jul. 20, 2009, 09:27 AM

I had a Shire mare, 18.2 who I fox hunted when it was cold enough. She loved to go and went wherever I pointed her. She'd walk up to a guy using a chainsaw to see what he was doing. No fear and lots of heart. She was also in good shape.

A friend has a big Percheron mare, loves to go and will trot a long way. She's got another Perchie, more like an arab, he loves to go and will do a draft Piaff as his normal way of going, no plug there either.

There are draft blobs who are out-of-shape plugs, but even if they are, their size is intimidating to people who don't know about horses (and some that do).

"As to personal space, they are no more pushy than a light horse."...gotta' admit, I'd argue with this one, I've met more Percherons who are horrid about pushing their way through things and who don't respect people's spaces...and they're well bred. Once a draft learns it can push (fences/gaits/people) and they want to go, they go.

Lori B

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:04 AM

Love the video. Gorgeous horse.

The best trot I've ever ridden was a TB/Belgian cross mare. So balanced, so rhythmic. Loved her! I watched that same mare being ridden by a small girl in a pole bending contest at a barn games day. The mare decided (on her own) that the obvious way to do this game was to do a flying change at each pole. Smart, athletic mare, that one.

Many breeds / types of horses are stereotyped thoughtlessly. People are lazy, and labeling is less work than thinking and observing the actual horse in front of you.

twofatponies

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:29 AM

vacation1

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:45 AM

For intimidation....give me a crazy Thoroughbred that rears up and strikes out!

For some reason (possibly because the Western has been dead for 20 years?:lol:) I don't think the average non-horsey person really thinks of horses as being prone to rearing and striking out with their front legs. Being squashed probably seems much more of a likely threat.

As someone who usually rides a 15h horse but typically finds her tall self pointed to the draft/cross on trail rides, I have to say I also find drafts intimidating. It's just like with big dogs; sure, big may = mellow 90% of the time, but it's that other 10% you worry about when you're dealing with an unfamiliar animal.

JSwan

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:58 AM

Now, all I can think of are the draft and draft crosses that I have worked with...most of which were out of shape to boot....but still...they would get three strides of canter and be done. They look at you funny when you gave leg and stand there munching grass while all kinds of things were running around them. I see them as great for walking around in crowds, but intimidating?

For intimidation....give me a crazy Thoroughbred that rears up and strikes out! That either scare a trouble maker straight or disperse a crowd REAL quick!

Crazy TB that rears and strikes out? Lazy drafts and crosses? Uh - stereotype much?

The TB's I know have perfect manners. Some of them are timber horses/chasers and I see them out hunting - on the buckle.

Draft crosses keep up with 'em just fine over the span of an average hunting day - up to 4 hours at the height of the season.

Can these guys be intimidating? Sure. They're big. Guess any horse can intimidate a nonhorse person but the big guys have got big hooves, big head, big teeth, and they're just big.

But not necessarily slow or stupid, just like a TB is not "crazy". Those are just stereotypes that do the breeds a disservice.

A deer is big and I know he/she can hurt me but if I saw an elk walking towards me it would have my complete attention. :lol:

Paint - you're right about the personal space. One of my guys is a gentleman - but when the other one was young, and still to some extent now - he's a bit of a "close talker".

RedTahoe

Jul. 20, 2009, 11:00 AM

I know of two MPDs that use drafts and draft crosses, but they're not for intimidation. They are used as "crowd-movers" because of their size.

MintHillFarm

Jul. 20, 2009, 11:04 AM

However, to crowd control a bunch of idiots, those large horses with big feet may just be that.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Jul. 20, 2009, 11:27 AM

As to personal space, they are no more pushy than a light horse. It is just people who think they can get a draft and treat it like a pony. You can get away with letting a pony or 14.2 hand light horse walk all over you and not even notice it. You can't with a draft or they will step on you, just like a light horse will... It is called training.

Geez - didn't mean to touch a nerve.:) But I do find draft horses more willing than other breeds to get right up close and personal. So I can see why they're good at crowd control - better than a horse with an inborn reservation about approaching people closely would be.

Anyway, my pet peeve is people who think ponies can be allowed to walk over people cause people won't even notice. That's partly why ponies have the reputation they have. Well, that and the fact that they are actually the spawn of the evil one.:winkgrin:

analise

Jul. 20, 2009, 12:02 PM

I volunteer at a draft horse rescue. A while back we got in this nice Percheron mare (with wacky confo, her shoulder was HUGE but her hind end was better suited for a smaller horse. If you cut her in half, you'd likely think she was two different horses), nearly 18hh. She had been "rescued" by some woman who had then tried to donate her to a therapeutic riding facility. They said they couldn't handle her, that she wasn't quiet enough, and was very pushy. So they brought her to us.

When they get there, they're scared to get her off the trailer, so the rescue owner does it. They keep warning us about how pushy she is. She's maybe a little pushy but nothing that can't be dealt with. The rescue owner takes her in the ring and hops on her bareback. The people who brought her to us are Shocked and also convinced at any moment the horse is going to dive for the ring gate and try to get out (as that's what she did to them). When that doesn't happen, they surmise that she just hasn't "figured out" where the gate is yet.

Those people were terrified of her. But obviously, they had experience with horses, just not drafts. And this horse was so freaking steady, we put a 10 year old on her and let them walk around. She did trails, went in deep water, and ended up getting adopted out to a guy who met her and really liked her but also isn't the sort to let himself be pushed around.

So are drafts intimidating? Sure, they can be, even to people experienced with horses. But I've felt much more comfortable on the back of a 19hh Percheron cross than I've felt on 16hh TB school horse.

stryder

Jul. 20, 2009, 12:16 PM

A friend and I recently visited another friend who manages the horse operation for a well-known lodge. She has 10 draft horses in addition to 50 or so riding horses. The drafties had "escaped" their paddock and after a short search, were found grazing on the shady side of a mountain.

To walk among them was magical. 5 pairs - a small herd of huge horses. All well-trained to respect personal space, stand when approached, and not "dick around" as my friend says. So gently, and yet intimidating by their sheer size. We didn't want to leave.

But the next morning, they'd returned home to water, none the worse for wear after their little adventure.

LisaB

Jul. 20, 2009, 12:26 PM

Yeah, Louie's evil
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2975230360102880166FFDziC
I never thought of it before because every 10-12 year old girl within a mile radius comes up and pets him when he's on patrol
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2100032560102880166bqyxtJ

But then a couple people have come by to try him out and were completely scared of his size. They said too much horse. What???? Take your foot off the gas pedal and he stops.
And I guess he can be intimidating. He busted a drunk peeing in the woods at the Montpelier races. Scared the crap out of the guy!

JSwan

Jul. 20, 2009, 12:38 PM

Lisa B -

CUTE HORSE!!!!! :D

LisaB

Jul. 20, 2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks!
And I think police people like the drafties because they are pushy. They will push through things. Like when the hubby went to a bomb proofing clinic at Frying Pan, he was a star, especially at rolling a huge ball around.
I think the 2 sets of people that came to try him were pulling my leg. One set came in FLIP FLOPS! Yummy, draftie treats! The other only rides western and didn't come with their saddle.
But both sets just gave him this stare when I pulled him out. Sigh ... never thought that someone would be scared of him. So, he's going out to the fox hunt trail rides and hopefully find a new home there.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Jul. 20, 2009, 01:15 PM

Louie is a cutie.:) I gather you're selling him? Oh, if only I could have another right now, I'd come try him in a minute.:) What a kind intelligent eye he has.

LisaB

Jul. 20, 2009, 02:17 PM

Yeah, it's kinda sad BUT the hubby rides sporadically so Mr. Louie doesn't get the lovin' he deserves. I've never seen a horse eat up the hoards of people around him wanting to touch/pet him.
So, seriously, the hubby can ride my 3 yo standie. Believe it or not, that little sucker is NICE.
If you're looking for the same sweetness that a draftie has, look at a standie. He's awesome. A bit of a wuss but super nice.
Anyway, back on topic. A lot of people are so intimidated my just sheer size. Like big dogs. A guy wouldn't come out of the truck to deliver a w/d because we have a GSD PUPPY. Meanwhile, if I had a JRT, he would probably be terrorizing the guy's pant legs and the guy wouldn't be scared at all.

RedTahoe

Jul. 20, 2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks!
And I think police people like the drafties because they are pushy. They will push through things.

I went trail riding on a friend's Belgian, and she was on a lighter draft-cross and another on a QH. Their horses daintily leapt over small brush, etc. on the trail. "Tiny" (the Belgian...friends have a sense of humor) just plowed right through them. I think 90% of my ride was spent with me laughing my rear end off at his "technique." :lol: He was under the, "why work to get over it when I can go through it?"

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Jul. 20, 2009, 02:36 PM

If you're looking for the same sweetness that a draftie has, look at a standie.

I agree.:) My old fellow (retired) is a standardbred/clyde cross. As sweet-natured a horse as you'll ever find. Also just the teensiest bit pushy - but he claims it's because compared to him I'm only a slip of a girl and don't need that much room.:lol:

How big is Louie?

LisaB

Jul. 20, 2009, 02:55 PM

I really need to stick him. He's got to be at least 17.2. And meanwhile the hubby rides him and then my 15h little Butters!
Yup, Louie decided to take it upon himself to start his very own de-forestation project yesterday while we were galavanting in the woods. Either eat it or plow through it. He's smart enough to know though to not plow through everything. Thank GOD because we have nice new wood fencing. Thank you!
Keeping this on the cop thread. I think also the cop uniform is intimidating. I mean I love taking the hubby to lunch and seeing everyone give the deer in headlights look. They ALL look guilty of something! It's funny. They also have to put on the meanness act so that doesn't help with the approachability. Hubby looks like a total a-hole!

wookiee

Jul. 20, 2009, 03:27 PM

Well I own the Percheron in my blog (in sig) and although I love him very much, he IS intimidating. I've been around horses my whole life, had two perchie mares in addition to him, and there's just something about his presence that makes me grant him my full attention.

On the ground, my TB mare can snort and spin and act like the sky is falling, but I never worry about her killing me or striking me or running me over. When my Perchie gets to the snort and spin, I buckle on my helmet, grab my gloves, and pick up a crop. Full alert. It doesn't help that he came from owners who were petrified of him and just fed him treats as they ran away. And he has kicked me in the gut. Once. When he was 3.

Ever see a percheron levitate?
Flying Horse (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SYX8kl_Gm6I/AAAAAAAAA8A/TfgTM2igVeU/BregoPlay-7.jpg)
He likes to tear it up:
Chasing my TB (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SVBSKS4wiHI/AAAAAAAAAzA/FRzfJxUbLsY/s800/Chase.jpg)
A common sight when he's not worked enough:
Bronc Auditions (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SYX8l7xappI/AAAAAAAAA8I/ys1zGGVkdUI/BregoPlay-9.jpg)

I spend a lot of time working with him from the ground in addition to our under-saddle training. No silly games, but in hand work to move his body, shoulder in, turn on the haunches, etc. He is a very dominant horse and can be very pushy. Not malicious, never hurtful, but still. He is intimidating. And at just under 17 hands, he's not that big, it's his presence and intelligence. Like all the Big Energy of a stallion, without all the studdy behavior.

Every year gets better and better. He channels that Big Energy into our sports where he is richly rewarded. He's eight and I always say he is going to make a great 12 year old! :lol:

Cielo Azure

Jul. 20, 2009, 04:39 PM

But that is kind of my point...Behind every very pushy draft seems to be a pushover owner at some critical point in their growing up. There is no question they are big, and weigh around 500 pounds more than most horses and they do figure that out, if they have owners that allow them to be boss (just like all horses only bigger).

As far as fences, gates...Drafts can be awful (electric is your friend). But if we built all of our fences and gates 1/3 shorter and less stout for our light horses, don't you think we would have problems with them too? It is a matter of proportion, not temperament (in my opinion).

I do have one comment on heat and summer. If you like to work your draft in summer, body clip his or her summer coat (unless they are absolutely thin coated and slick). Many drafts have a quarter inch summer coat that locks in heat. When you get rid of that, the amount of work you can go with them goes way up in the summer time! The sweating will go down enormously!

cloudyandcallie

Jul. 20, 2009, 04:45 PM

I was just talking to an NYPD mountie the other day about size. He said they like horses about 17 hands so that the heads of the horses are above the crowds. Most mounted people are dealing with non-horse owners, when's the last time us horse owners rioted? (We'd just carry apples as I did for the atlanta mounties' horses.) So they want tall horses, imposing horses, and not shetland ponies. And they want horses that can shove a crowd back. Can you imagine being stepped on by one of those hooves as big as a plate?

I could just see a mounted police force with horses like my old ottb mare Calie! She didn't spook or bolt, but she was not calm.

Cielo Azure

Jul. 20, 2009, 04:56 PM

Ever see a percheron levitate?
Flying Horse (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SYX8kl_Gm6I/AAAAAAAAA8A/TfgTM2igVeU/BregoPlay-7.jpg)
He likes to tear it up:
Chasing my TB (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SVBSKS4wiHI/AAAAAAAAAzA/FRzfJxUbLsY/s800/Chase.jpg)
A common sight when he's not worked enough:
Bronc Auditions (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_D1r0QIWvk9c/SYX8l7xappI/AAAAAAAAA8I/ys1zGGVkdUI/BregoPlay-9.jpg)

I spend a lot of time working with him from the ground in addition to our under-saddle training. No silly games, but in hand work to move his body, shoulder in, turn on the haunches, etc. He is a very dominant horse and can be very pushy. Not malicious, never hurtful, but still. He is intimidating. And at just under 17 hands, he's not that big, it's his presence and intelligence. Like all the Big Energy of a stallion, without all the studdy behavior.

Every year gets better and better. He channels that Big Energy into our sports where he is richly rewarded. He's eight and I always say he is going to make a great 12 year old! :lol:

mmm... I couldn't get your photos to open, so I went to your blog -which I haven't read in a long time. Great job! It is a pleasure to peruse!

analise

Jul. 20, 2009, 05:06 PM

armandh

Jul. 20, 2009, 05:08 PM

big fast and tireless
photo in my profile

kept up and occasional field master
outrider at one XC

His Greyness

Jul. 20, 2009, 09:54 PM

My video of Baby Belgian is still up on Google Video. (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8357218235348614925&ei=2xxlSsCaNYnzlQeLsfRw&q=baby+belgian&hl=en)

Just as with any other breed you have to evaluate the horse in front of you and not rely on stereotypes.

Susan P

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:38 PM

Thank you for sharing this story, very good.

I volunteer at a draft horse rescue. A while back we got in this nice Percheron mare (with wacky confo, her shoulder was HUGE but her hind end was better suited for a smaller horse. If you cut her in half, you'd likely think she was two different horses), nearly 18hh. She had been "rescued" by some woman who had then tried to donate her to a therapeutic riding facility. They said they couldn't handle her, that she wasn't quiet enough, and was very pushy. So they brought her to us.

When they get there, they're scared to get her off the trailer, so the rescue owner does it. They keep warning us about how pushy she is. She's maybe a little pushy but nothing that can't be dealt with. The rescue owner takes her in the ring and hops on her bareback. The people who brought her to us are Shocked and also convinced at any moment the horse is going to dive for the ring gate and try to get out (as that's what she did to them). When that doesn't happen, they surmise that she just hasn't "figured out" where the gate is yet.

Those people were terrified of her. But obviously, they had experience with horses, just not drafts. And this horse was so freaking steady, we put a 10 year old on her and let them walk around. She did trails, went in deep water, and ended up getting adopted out to a guy who met her and really liked her but also isn't the sort to let himself be pushed around.

So are drafts intimidating? Sure, they can be, even to people experienced with horses. But I've felt much more comfortable on the back of a 19hh Percheron cross than I've felt on 16hh TB school horse.

chai

Jul. 20, 2009, 10:51 PM

Lisa B, your draftie is beautiful!
I agree with all who have posted about the physical aspect of the drafts. There is no getting around the fact that they are physically impressive up close. People are just amazed at the size and power of my Shire. Little do they know that he is a complete chicken liver and Mama's boy. He is also surprisingly light on his feet and when he does his favorite, 'Oooh, what was that? Must run for my life!" move in the pasture, he is incredibly fast. There is something about a draft running toward you at full speed that gets your attention.

I have to laugh when I hear the adjective 'intimidating' though. How intimidating is a big goofball who loves Lemon Slushies? I do love this horse.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/eastmeadowfarm/ecf5facf.jpg

LisaB

Jul. 21, 2009, 07:16 AM

analise, you have to heal that leg first!
He'll hopefully be at the Orange County Fair this weekend at Montpelier. They've moved it to across the street and it's smaller so we have to check it out and see if there's enough room and it's not a chaotic mess. But it's interesting that most children have no fear of him. It's the adults that are tentative.
And yes, a lot of people who have drafties are pushovers and the drafts will take full advantage (well, really what horse wouldn't?) That was one thing I looked for in the hubby horse. A draftie has to be really willing to please and doesn't like it when you're mad at them. If they give you the proverbial finger, then you need to look elsewhere. They know their size and can use it!
I love your draftie chai! Ours is into beer and peppermints.

analise

Jul. 21, 2009, 09:59 AM

Hah, when Gentle Giants took a couple to an event last month, it was the kids we had to keep shooing away from their legs, "No, let them see you, come over here. Don't get accidentally stomped, plzkthx".

equineartworks

Aug. 11, 2009, 06:48 PM

I love being sick sometimes, it gives you the chance to sit around and actually read past the first couple of pages that you miss! lol!

I love drafts, and I have seen evil ones and awesome ones. I know I can vouch for classicsporthorses and her drafts! Doc is amazing and Black Jack...well...that's my DD with Asperger's who is riding him :D He takes SUCH good care of her! And she has had some not so great experiences with riding so I was wondering if it would be a good match but wow! They are perfect together!

And yes, I have pics!

sublimequine

Aug. 11, 2009, 06:53 PM

Heck, if they want intimidating, they should get a troop of nasty little ponies! Those buggers are meannnn. :lol:

"GET BACK! I HAVE A SHETLAND, AND I KNOW HOW TO USE IT! :mad::mad::mad:"

:lol:

Posse977

Aug. 11, 2009, 07:40 PM

I am a cop- and I work mounted some of the time. I am currently using a 17hh Clyde/ASB cross who goes about 1500#. He's a pocket pony- always wants into pockets, purses, strollers, looking for treats!

That said, the horse will push through about anything. If you don't know him, you would think he's going to run over you. I worked an event the other week with another mounted officer on a spotted draft that's around 16h. My horse hadn't heard fireworks for a while and he got a touch "up" when they started. Completely on the muscle, he was snorting down the street. I would have gotten out of his way! He settled down after about 5 minutes.

A while later, the foot officers inside the event brought out 2 troublemakers. there were 4 foot officers and the "gentlemen" were mouthing off the entire time. I stepped behind the worse of the 2, and placed Sherm's nose right behind his neck. Never touched him, but herded him where we wished him to go. He didn't have another word to say. My partner got behind the other, who still had one or two things to say. As soon as Magic gave him a little shove, he quieted down as well.

Cleveland Mounted has used TWHs for the last billion years, but recently got a couple of draftXs. DraftXs tend to predominate at the competitions I go to- especially for the city departments. The rural/Sheriff Departments still use a lot of quarter horses.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff12/hoovz/uniformclassmedal.jpg

Sue from Auckland

Aug. 12, 2009, 02:43 AM

"GET BACK! I HAVE A SHETLAND, AND I KNOW HOW TO USE IT! :mad::mad::mad:" :lol: Crack-up, must remember that one. LisaB I'm on my way over to your place - a draftie and a roan - step aside folks, coming through, make way, he's mine :)

LisaB

Aug. 12, 2009, 01:15 PM

That's GREAT posse!
I would have killed to have a pic of the drunk Louie walked up on and scared as he was pissing in the woods at the races. I mean really, a 17.1 hand draft 'sneaking' up on you. I think you're a tad wasted.

charismaryllis

Aug. 12, 2009, 05:43 PM

7 billion degrees in DC yesterday; went past the ellipse, where the 3d horse from the left was hanging out with his face in one of the fountains.

it's nice having the mounted units down here. :)

http://www.nps.gov/uspp/images/HmpC28x.jpg

my county uses draft crosses. great pic of roman having an issue with the cavaletti at the police horse competition a couple years ago:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/092607/damanew211600_32364.shtml

beautiful animal. :)

DraftHorsePower

Aug. 12, 2009, 09:23 PM

My mother is TERRIFIED of my horses. It's hilarious. When she comes to visit she stands at least 10' away from them just all sorts of freaked out. She'll let my little half sisters pet them, I think they were 4 and 6 the first time they saw them, and they of course just bound up to them with cookies in hand, but mom, no way. I don't get it. I grew up with my dad though, thankfully, or it is quite possible I would have never been allowed to touch a horse. lol. She seems to be OK with the normal sized quarter horse types and such. But my big guys? No way. LOL. So I do understand the handbook.

TwoDreamRides

Aug. 13, 2009, 01:16 PM

For intimidation....give me a crazy Thoroughbred that rears up and strikes out! That either scare a trouble maker straight or disperse a crowd REAL quick!

There's a difference between intimidating and dangerous..

ChocoMare

Aug. 13, 2009, 02:02 PM

I am a cop- and I work mounted some of the time. I am currently using a 17hh Clyde/ASB cross who goes about 1500#. He's a pocket pony- always wants into pockets, purses, strollers, looking for treats!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff12/hoovz/uniformclassmedal.jpg

HUBBA HUBBA :eek: :D :)

I can see the intimidation factor coming in just because of their size. Size does matter! :winkgrin:

My full Percheron doesn't know she's that big tho. To her, she's just another horse. Consequently I needed to inform her that, No-you can't fit in that space like the others, No-you cannot push into/lean on me--especially when I'm trimming those big feets!

She learned very quickly (love that draftie mind) and hasn't been a problem since. Kids do love her, though, and she loves in return. She takes great delight in putting her big ol' head down to their level and shnuffling in ears as they giggle with joy. :)