Smaller draft horses

[Ullena]

Has anyone on here experience of Jutland horses or similar small draft types? Are they generally as calm and kind as they are made out to be?

We had a half Irish draft , he was the nicest horse to look after and was mainly really lovely with other horses . Prior to us having him he'd been hunted mainly and he never ever refused a jump , unfortunately that meant he crashed through a few as he'd rather fall over than stop .

I loved the Comtois on Martin Clunes the other day. Id love a heavy horse. I used to work with Suffolks back in the day, amazing animals.

I think Percherons would be my heavy of choice nowadays.

How about a highland? I know 2. Both brick shit houses and both have gorgeous temperaments.

Another vote for ID, not that I have ever owned one, as they are not really my thing, but I know quite a few people who own Indigo IDs (google them, they have a stud in Shropshire) and they are very well bred for temprament

DH's Belgian Draft is tiny for her breed at 16.2. She weighs 700 kg though. She is lovely but you have to be firm with her as she knows how strong she is

I like Highlands . But I am planning on using a western saddle for long hacks, so there will be a lot of weight involved! Around 16st total, rider and tack/other equipment. I am trying to find a breed that this would be 15% of own bodyweight for, iyswim...

So basically short coupled, wide loins, plenty of bone around the cannons. And not too far above 16hh, if possible. Preferably closer to 15hh.

Ours was 15.1 and would definitely have carried 16 stone .

My biggest Highland friend could carry that with ease, and some. I'm nearly 15 at my heaviest and he had no problem! He'a a proper tank! Rather than a heavy western saddle, why don't you try a treeless? I have a Cheyenne, it's brilliant. Comfy, roomy and light. And it fits anything! Or, for real luxury, a Cashel foam saddle. Big, soft and gorgeous. Made of neoprene and foam so it's fits anything and you dont get chafed. it's the nicest for long hacks. And the neoprene is really warm. They weigh nothing. Ill see if I can find you some links.

cheyenne
Cashel

Just a thought, if you're going close coupled, a western saddle might be too long.

Was thinking close coupled for the weight. I just have a long standing love of western saddles . My old english style saddle was a 17" KR dressage, so I will probably end up going for a horse capable of this sort of length anyway, iyswim. I actually still have my old western saddle, obviously I will replace it with one that fits my eventual new horse! Just having trouble selling it; niche market around here.

I enjoy the security of the western; my last horse was capable of the delightful 0-60mph at sight of dodgy leaf, combined with the sideways levitation due to unexpected glimpse of other horse, and not forgetting the mini rear and spin at dodgy looking pedestrians who were not there a moment ago ! The dressage saddle was not enough; needed the western and a seatbelt to stay on her. However, a lighter saddle would be far simpler, I totally agree. I have never owned a treeless, the link looks to be interesting, thank you.

At the moment, I am working on improving my seat anyway. I would say I am halfway to where I want to be; fairly independent seat and good hands. My lower leg is my weak spot: it creeps forward, which causes me to tilt. Especially my left leg; weak knee. But it is far better than it was. Not ready to try cantering again yet, as I really want to crack this issue in trot first. Basically I went right back to basics last December with an incredible instructor, relearning everything from the ground up.

Without the western saddle, I am currently 12st, and dieting, btw. Highlands are adorable!

This is a subject close to my heart as I just adore heavy horses - the way they look, the hairyness and the temperament (generally, I accept they are not all calm and docile)

I adore Comptois after seeing the Carry on Comptois team in action at a heavy horse event last year.
I have always adored Shires.
I love the look of the Jutland.

I would love love love to own a Highland but at 6ft 1 I fear I am waaay too tall. (and currently weight just over 17 stone but that is reducing gradually)

12 stone! Our 13hh new forest would carry that without blinking! My standard Shetland would carry 12 stone and a saddle! cheyennes are a lot like western. High pommel and cantled, and you get a great seat because they are quite dressage, which would solve your lower leg problems. Mine did wonders for my seat! It'd be well worth trying to get a go on one.

I will definitely look into the cheyenne then!

Can new forests and standard shetlands really carry that amount without risk to their well being? I thought I was well above their limits - I am 5'4", with shortish legs, but broad across the back, with the extra weight on my belly and thighs. Although these are toning up nicely with riding.

It is good to realise that I have plenty of options. I do like the look of the Jutland, 15hh is about the maximum I can manage to hop onto without pain, and all that feather! But I suspect it could be tricky to source one.

Native pony, sturdy cob, or small draft, hmmm...decisions!

Perhaps you should consider a Dales. That would be more the size and definitely capable of carrying that weight .

Adding Dales to the list! It's going to be lots of fun researching this.

At only 5'4 and 12 stone IMO you could well be overhorsed on a heavy! They take up a lot of leg! British natives should easily carry 12 stone. The champion Shetland breeding stallion of all time could pull half a tonne iirc, and the criteria for a good Shetland was to carry a man and his wife to work! Any of the larger classes of native would do you proud. Connie, Fell, Dales, highland, the bigger Newfies. All bred for farm or heavy work, think of the pictures of highland ponies with full sized red deer stags thrown over their saddles! Africk who is about 14hh carries my 14.5stones and a saddle like i wasnt there! The smaller natives would do the job but realistically probably not for long rides. In terms of weight you are nowhere near heavy enough to need a draught horse.

What about 17st (hopefully will get down to 16) and 6ft1 tall. Shire horse?

Saggy, I love Africk, what is he??

Africk is a highland.
Behind I'd probably go for a smaller heavy type or a heavyweight cob. Shire horses are quite long backed. I'd say shorter and stockier would be better.

Saggy, I just adore Africk :-)

I do agree and think a Shire is just too big (although I do love them very much) but so often I get told that with my size that is all I can ride
Dd would like a Comptois and I think buying something we could share would be very sensible :-)
Mind you, am sure she would love a Highland too!!

Aw, Africk is lovely! Very striking colour. I think I will take your advice and go for a larger native. If I end up renting my own field, I may get a shetland or two as companions. Horse mad niece would be delighted about that!