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Sandikay2005
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Posts: 6
(6/26/05 1:56 am)
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Spotte drafts and misc
Hi Ann,

Just wanted to tell I have been riding a 4 yr old spotted draft mare in my theraputic riding sessions the past 3 weeks.
What a difference from the 16yr old percheron.
Now I am in love with 2 horses !!! LOL
You are right, they are great horses. And I can definetely see why an older horse would fit my needs better. With the 16 yr old we just clomped along and it was hard to keep her going. With the 4 yr old I have to be led and she keeps going. Now and then she gets a bit antsy. The first week I rode her I felt like a jockey being led to the starting gates when we started out !!! LOL I was a bit nervous to say the least, but the last two weeks I buttered her up with carrots and got to know her a bit better. So far so good. I just love the size of the drafts. I hear of many breeds reaching into there late twenties plus but how about the spotted drafts, percherons and other draft types. I would hate to get an 18yr old draft only to get attached and lose it a year or two later or be unable to ride it due to it's age.
Have you had any luck finding your VERY well trained horse yet?
Have you looked into the gaited horses? I heard they would be good for us baby boomers that are learning to ride and even more beneficial to us amputees.

Sandi
AKA since 1971
new to riding since Dec 04

SpottedDrafts
ezOP
Posts: 87
(6/27/05 8:58 am)
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Re: Spotte drafts and misc
Sandi,

So great to hear from you!! You are in Wisconsin right? (Trying to remember without going back through all the posts right now!!) I'm curious about the spotted draft you are riding. Always like to keep up on "spot gossip". I am the editor for the spotted draft association's newsletter, and would love to have a story about the horse (and you!).

A 4 yr old is bound to be antsy, just from being young. But she must be very quiet for them to use her in their program. The drafts do have a tendency to be very quiet and forgiving, even when young. Drafts can live into their 20s and be quite healthy. Just like any horse, it all depends on how they have been cared for throughout their life.

I believe a draft or even a draft cross would be a great match for you (of course, I have a little bias;) . As far as a "spotted draft", you can buy a registered spotted draft that is 1/2 draft up to full draft breeding. The registry still registers 1/2 drafts like a percheron/paint cross etc. The crosses tend to have the draft temperament, are shorter but still stocky, easier to find tack for, etc. But it all depends on your preference.

And, yes, I have finally found and got my new horse home! And roder yesterday for the first time!! She is a spotted draft - by a spotted draft stallion that I used to own and out of a tennessee walking mare. Sounds odd, but she is absolutely beautiful!! Black/white, 15.2 hands with good substance. Trained to drive single and double, has just had 60 days with a certified John Lyons trainer. She is VERY well-trained. The trainer worked with me for about 2 hours yesterday. It was amazing!!

Also, he spoke to me about another certified John Lyons trainer that is an amputee!! I may get to meet him this weekend, at a clinic. I have a million questions for him and maybe I can get him to join us here. He would be a great asset!!

I have to get a new saddle now. I rode in a western saddle yesterday, and it wasn't too bad. A little uncomfy where the ear of the socket was between the seat and my leg. What are you using Sandi? I am thinking a synthetic, so it's lighter for me to lift, and I'll look into some padded riding shorts and/or a gel seat pad. That may help where the ear sits. I am (supposed) to get a new socket today and it should be better.

Anyway, I'm so excited I barely know where to start!! FINALLY stuff is beginning to happen!! YAY!!

Ann
RAK amputee, Michigan
Western/Trail riding
Spotted Draft Horses
Sandikay2005
Registered Member
Posts: 8
(6/28/05 12:09 am)
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spotted draft and misc
Hi Ann,

Well first off let me tell you that I am so jealous!!! LOL
My mouth droppedd when I was reading your reply stating that you have a draft/tenn walker cross !!
I was always telling everone I wanted to get a percheron/walker cross. I want the size and tempermant of the draft and the glide with the ride of the walker.
In other words a big rocking horse! LOL
Silly question here but is he/she gaited? How old? Name?

I ride on Monday nights and tonight I had my first almost fall. All was going well, I was gabbering with Frank my horse walker when all of a sudden Abby spooked at ??? She bolted to the right, Frank stopped her imediately but I slid way over to my left (real side). Thank god for the reins. I hung on tight. I think my pros leg helped me stay put. Had it not have been in the stirrup who knows. It all happened so fast that I really don't remember if Frank pushed me back up into the saddle or if I did it myself. He said he just grabbed my arm but that may have been just what kept me from plopping right off. You know gravity starts taking place, I thought I was going down. LOL
Last week we got to close to a pole and my pros foot hit the pole and the whole pole fell over right into Abbys shoulder.All slow motion.She didn't flinch a bit but I let out a shreak, thinking it might spook her. I know that can make matters worse. I need to work on that. lol
Anway I am using an english saddle. I tried the western but I didn't like the way the feet/leg didn't align with the stirup well. I have nerve damage to my real foot from previous chemo so I need my real foot to stay put in the stirup.
I used my new socket on my temp leg today and for the first time I felt both butt bones hit the saddle.
I go Tues to get a different temp socket to try,then I will decide which one to go with. One that doesn't fit quite as close to the groin and front so I'll see how that goes. I've never had the silicone socket sleeve that locks in before this one and so far I like it. You don't loose the suction or the leg for that matter with all of the bouncing. This temp socket is hard plastic and cut very high. Very uncomfortable but it was great in the saddle tonight. Go figure, can't walk with it but I can ride !!! lol
So where are you in Michigan? Yes I am in Wisconsin. I am about 30 south of Milwaukee.
I'll try to get some more info on Abby. She has only been at the barn for a few months. Her half sister was there to but was a bit to fiesty for the program.
I'm glad you had such a positive experience on your new horse. How long have you had her? We need a picture now!
Talk to you soon, and I'm still jealous !! LOL

Sandi in Wisconsin
RAKA since 1971
new to riding Dec 04

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