Draft Experience

I was discussing breeding options for my mares with my good friend D.

I started to muse about what breed I would pair Rosie with.  Rosie is not a purebred, her dam was a Percheron, and her sire was a Belgian.  She is every bit "heavy draft".  My first thought is Gypsy Cob.  My reasoning is to breed down in size but still keep the "draft" that I have fallen in love with.

When mentioning this to D; he said "But size is what makes a draft a draft".

What?!?  I know LOTS of small draft horses... Halflingers, Fjords,  Gypsy Cob to name a few.  So I started to list the other qualities that draft horses have that just make them such great companions.

•  Not everyone rides a 17 HH 2000 LB horse with dinner plate size hoofs!
•  Smooth as a Cadillac ride!!
•  Nothing phases them at all.  
•  Sweet Gentle personalities
•  Escape artists with innocent faces

My list could go on...  but it still doesn't adequately describe what I feel that makes a draft different.

So what makes these big (even the light drafts have this big presence) guys so special?

There is SOMETHING about them just makes me swoon!

I know others who have had the Draft Experience can attest to what I'm saying.

Looking to buy...

I've been surfing the net looking for inexpensive items for the girls.  Namely I need a waterproof light to medium weight turn out blanket for Rosie.   I know she's a draft.. and will get lots and lots of hair  but... 

Our winters here in southern Ohio are ice storm after ice storm after ice storm followed by 50 degree days for a month, then down to below zero for over a week, then rain.. etc.  And actually we don't get "winter" til about January, by then horse has already gotten as much coat as they are going to get.  Not much when it's 60's until Christmas.  

So size 80 - to 84 waterproof light to medium weight turn out blanket is top on my list.

Nice halters - middle of the road type quality.  Currently have one nylon break away for each girl.  I like to have at least one spare.  I can always throw my leather, western show halter on Bonnie.  I used it on my Arabian when I was a kid and competed in 4-H with her so it fits Bonnie perfectly.  Just not a halter I'd tie her in for a bath if yanno what I mean.

A western bridle that will fit Rosie.  Her other mommie sent her to my house with a draft size western bridle but it's too big!!   Not just a little too big.. way too big.

Pretty much anywhere that carries good quality draft size tack and blankets but is not over the top priced I'm open to.   I like gently used stuff too!