What is the best breed of heavy horse from pleasure riding?
Ride Like The Wind asked:
Or a durable light horse?
Or a durable light horse?
I’m moving to Maine in the future, and the winters are awfully cold. I understand that a draft horse is not a ballerina when it comes to riding, but I’m a devoted horse girl and I want to have 2 or 3 horses that are tolerant of Maine winters.
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8 Responses to “What is the best breed of heavy horse from pleasure riding?”
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Well any horse is goign to need some nice thick rugs to get them comfortable through a Maine winter. A heavy horse is gonna have a big more substance to them for the winter, but they feel the cold the same as a light breed if they aren’t fat.
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i would say welsh ponies because in their history they were really adapted to do that except it wasn’t in maine or quarter horses//appendix qh.
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draft horses are very nice to ride.as for breeds i would suggest finding either a Shire or Clydesdale,both can use a larger saddle without getting a draft saddle and because of the conformation you wont feel like you are riding a barrel,they both hold up to cold winters well due to their course coats but the feathers may need to be trimmed to keep snowballs away(don’t worry they grow back).they both will require larger halters, bridles and bits and larger girths/cinches.they have nice movement but the shires are more sure footed when it comes to tight trails and of course you will have to have a tall mounting block.almost all smaller horse breeds do well in winter if their coat is allowed to grow for winter.
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QH grown nice thick coats in the winter, but will def need blankets still. they are also nice and sturdy when it comes to harsh weather like that.
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Unlike Humans, the fatter the horse doesn’t make any difference. They do feel cold fairly bad so all horses will need a rug but i ride a Highland and he is brilliant and they don’t tend to plod. Well i hope i helped out take care with your new horse! and Maine is a beautiful place :3 x
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Here are a few ideas with a little about them. Hope this helps!
Percheron-The Percheron has good temperament & to be a easy keeper. The breed is known to be proud, hardy & very intelligent. They do well in colder climates.
Haflinger- Haflinger horses are relatively smaller horse. They have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth. The breed is well-muscled, but with an elegant appearance. Haflingers have many uses, including light draft & harness work as well as various under-saddle disciplines such as endurance riding, dressage, equestrian vaulting and therapeutic riding programs. They are used extensively as dressage horses for children. They are also sturdy enough to be great riding horses for adults.
Dales Pony- Stands about 14hh. The Dales is a very hardy breed, an easy keeper & possesses great stamina & soundness. They usually have sturdy legs with dense bone. They are even-tempered & sensible ponies, suitable for both adults & children. These ponies are known for good, sound feet & solid, flat bone with great limbs.
Fjord- It is one of the world’s oldest breeds. The Fjord horse has its own unique conformation, which is a blend of draft horse muscling & bone, with smaller size & greater agility. They are light & fast enough to be a good riding & driving horse. They are generally mild temperament & smart.
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Well Clydie crosses are great
most can jump some higher than the other
i would suggets getting rugs for them,.
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I have a Belgian/TB cross and she has been fantastic. She loves to jump, trail ride, and she can stay outside for most of the year ( I live in Ontario, so that’s saying something!) I would suggest getting a cross, just because it can be very difficult to find a saddle that would fit.