Questions about draft horses?

Question

I'm going to buy a horse and becuase of my size, I know I'll probably need a larger horse (not a pony).
I could just go with a regular riding horse but I'm a beginner rider when it comes to english riding (I've had lessons in western).
I'm interested in getting this horse ( http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad181505 ) to help me get started and more familiar with the english riding style.

I would like to compete in lower level dressage and jumping in the future.

Would this horse be OK? If not, could you give me a suggestion (I live in colorado)?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

There is an old saying, if you hate someone buy them a horse! If you can continue to take lessons until you find exactly what you want to do, and the horse you want, you'll save so much money in the end!!

While he is a gorgeous gelding, until you know for sure what you want to do I would refrain from purchasing a horse. Or at least find a reputable trainer who is willing to help you either way (english or western) achieve what you want to do should english not work out. He probably wouldn't be good for jumping but lower level dressage wouldn't be hard to achieve. The best part about finding a horse to own is the shopping. Check out a million and one horses, and don't forget the thorough vet check before purchasing!!

Answer 2

I do not think this horse is a show type horse... he looks and sounds like he would be more of a pleasure riding trail horse! I reccomend you get a regular sized horse, they can carry a lot of weight and i am sure you aren't too big for them unless you are 300 pounds! From my knowledge i know that clydsdales arent exactly the best choice for dressage, they are big a bulky, and may have trouble doing some of the require manouvers. It says he is about 12 years old, and 4500$ for a horse that has been trained as a trailriding horse only is rather expensive... you could probably get a 4500 horse that has already been trained for jumping and started on dressage! I'd keep looking around and try and get a horse that isn't a big draft if you'd like to do dressage and jumping.

Answer 3

He's gorgeous, but are you sure you want to spend $4500 on your first horse? That may or may not be an issue, I don't know. You need to know him before you buy him, and ride him AT LEAST once or twice. You need to have a connection with the horse you choose, and you won't know this until you meet them and ride. This is how I found my horses. I didn't always find what I wanted, but I wanted what I found if you know what I mean. If you want to jump and compete in dressage, I would recommend a light horse breed. My AQHA mare is an excellent dressage horse, and we are starting jumping this year. They are not limited to western, and are the most versatile horses out there. Her forte is contesting, but we love the english, as well as reining. I also have an appendix QH ( thoroughbred/QH), who I am beginning to train as a jumping prospect. They are a great combination of two exceptional breeds for your riding style, and are larger than regular QH's. My QH mare is about 15.1 hands, and my appendix will probably be around 16. think about how big that is (small racehorse) compared to this 17.3 hh clydesdale! thats one huge step into the stirrups! good luck, and feel free to email if you have ANY questions!

Answer 4

Hey the horse looks lovely, not the best confirmation, his shoulders are slightly narrow and his back end for his breed could do with being more ´rounded´ but Im really just being picky, but it is worth pointing out to help you.

There is 2 things I would worry about in this ad..
1) She has rated him as a 2, alough I oviously cant tell for sure in this ad, but the number and the ad does make out hes a bit bone idle, and the last thing you want is a horse your gunna have to boot around all day.. thats no fun! Just work!!
2) This paragraph contredicts itself..
´´The only reason he is for sale is because the kids are growing up and are losing interested and there is only 1 of me and 4 horses to ride. I may consider a trade for a horse that is bombproof and good for building confidence just like him but smaller.´´
*Says shes selling because she will have to many to ride but then says she would consider a swap for a smaller bombproof horse. Something doesnt ad up there!!

Have alook around for shires, shire x´s and gypsy vanna horses, (o and maybe paints). There inteligent heavy horses and very willing to work (genarally) Clyedsdales are lovely horses and can be very nice but genarally not as bright as other heavys (or in english horses terms.. ´´not a good brain´´)

Iv had alook on the same site for you here is some possible possibilities..
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad167428
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad35229
This one I think is maybe a good bet..
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad185803 (but maybe a little 2 small????)

Best of luck finding a horse, do ask who ever is teaching you to check the horse out with you before you buy it, its always your safest bet!!

Happy Hunting!!

Answer 5

He looks great but remember its not the breed or look but the personality that matters. Try organising to go visit him and ride him. See if you get on well with him and then ask the people if you can have a 2 week trial period to try him out before you buy him

Answer 6

I use to show jumping in the day & what I rode were thorbreds there great jumpers but can be quite hot on the trail.

Answer 7

I recommend a Gypsy Vanner... Very sweet, and athletic, too. Lots of people are surprised by that. Very mild mannered. I love them!

(Still, you might want to stick to trials, I don't think that drafts are the best for jumping...Dressage is fine, though.)