Horse Crazy? My new horse...

This is my beautiful, pure blood Lusitano horse, Sheldon. He's a big boy, 17hh. He is learning dressage, and doing well at half pass, passage, piaffe, and the march aka Spanish walk. I am so proud of him and we are both looking forward to cooler weather! Any other equestrians? Let's be friends!



https://youtube.com/shorts/UPmloH3mk...2AZ43j8BH2G_f4

Nice horse

Arabian show horses
Cattle Cutting horses
Belgian Draft horses.
Different mind sets required to handle the three types.

Arabian show horses
Cattle Cutting horses
Belgian Draft horses.
Different mind sets required to handle the three types. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Not really different mind sets. You need to always be prepared and think like a horse at all times because no horse is bomb proof. What you do have there is arabians which are considered hot blooded, cutting horses (AQHA) warm blooded, and belgian draft a cold blood breed. Three totally different horses and totally different training methods. You must be a super talented horseman! I have been riding since the age of 3 when I was given my first pony, and horses have been my life's passion and enthusiasm ever since. My family raised Arabs and I grew up showing them. I used to own a Muscat son I showed Western pleasure. To me there is no better time spent than those times I spend with horses. Would rather be in a barn than anywhere. I've worked at some of the top stables in the country and just recently came back from working on the east coast.

Grew up with Drafts.
Climbed on a cutting horse late 90s and still ride and push cattle. Last year actually placed in a Colorado rodeo without falling off. I had ECG's cheer squad there.
For the Arabs, I baby sit younger generation human cousins including handling, training, shows, etc. at the nationals.
There's a thread in the Austin forums that mention some of this.

Grew up with Drafts.
Climbed on a cutting horse late 90s and still ride and push cattle. Last year actually placed in a Colorado rodeo without falling off. I had ECG's cheer squad there.
For the Arabs, I baby sit younger generation human cousins including handling, training, shows, etc. at the nationals.
There's a thread in the Austin forums that mention some of this. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

My grandpa was a rodeo guy back in the 40's and early 50's. Placed in a few minor rodeos-- mostly bare and saddle bronc.


I couldn't even begin to tell you the differences between all the different types, etc. All I know is all the time I've spent in my life in a saddle... and that if you fuck with my sweet Palomino I'll have to kick you in the face. There are pictures of me sitting in a saddle with my grandfather before I could fully walk. I've always been raised that horses are a working animal, otherwise, they aren't worth the expensive upkeep.

If that was how people thought of keeping horses nobody would have horses anymore. The horse has been replaced by automobiles for travel, tractors in agriculture, tanks in war, and ATVs for herding and separating livestock. Thank God nobody has your attitude about horses Grace or so many people would never get to experience the wonderful experience of horsemanship.

I have two horses. Both of them working. If you don't understand the need for a horse on a working homestead then... well... I can't really say anything bad, because I don't see the point of dressage. My sweet Palomino (I believe he's a Tennessee Walking Horse based on size and temperament.. but not 100% sure... I do know that Palomino is technically just a color variant) is invaluable when it comes to getting things done around the property AND in teaching the kids about how to ride and care for a horse.


Horses still have a working purpose. Heck, my hometown is full of prison units and there are still armed guards on horseback while inmates do outside work.


I see dressage and jumping events in the same way I see dog shows. I'm sure some people enjoy them-- but its a lot of money without a lot of purpose. If it brings you joy, great. But if I'm going to throw money into something-- its going to be the land that I ride the horse on.

Personally, my favorite horse, of course, was the famous Mr. Ed.

Now Thalia, the dressage and equestrian events allow the breeding of these critters to pay for themselves, and the barns and staff. So just another variation of working.
But I get your point, I learned what a draft horse can do when I was quite young. And yes there's a difference between cute/pretty and farm work.
Our cutting horses still drive what remains of our cattle.
One of my clients also uses horses for cattle. But, a 2nd has gone to 4 wheelers.

Now Thalia, the dressage and equestrian events allow the breeding of these critters to pay for themselves, and the barns and staff. So just another variation of working.
But I get your point, I learned what a draft horse can do when I was quite young. And yes there's a difference between cute/pretty and farm work.
Our cutting horses still drive what remains of our cattle.
One of my clients also uses horses for cattle. But, a 2nd has gone to 4 wheelers. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Been around cattle all my life. I personally think going to the 4 wheelers is borderline cruel. The cattle seem so much more anxious and stressed when they're being worked with them as opposed to horseback. I get that you don't have to feed a 4 wheeler... but I just can't help but feel that something important is lost when you stray away from animals and go to the machines.


Like I said-- I know the dressage is for some. Heck, my daughter grooms champion level dogs for a living. I guess I've just never been one who is a fan of opulence strictly for the sake of opulence.

Exactly,
I have yet to see a 4 wheeler be as quick as a cutting horse when cattle try to escape.

Exactly,
I have yet to see a 4 wheeler be as quick as a cutting horse when cattle try to escape. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

A 4 wheeler can never be as quick. That horse has instinct and will frequently respond even more quickly than the rider will. The 4 wheeler is wholly reliant on the rider.


One of many reasons why I love my working horses. Give me a good horse and a good herding dog any day.