Bitless Bridle for Draft Horses. Does anyone use this and has it worked? It seems good, but I’ve never used.
I am looking to purchase a few draft horses. I want to know if anyone has used bitless bridles with draft horses for riding. Do you like it? I want to use it because it is supposed to be easier on the horse and not give so many problems for them. Also if anyone has any tips or information for me as far as caring for a draft horse. And if any are for sale or any rescues that have some for adoption. I am in South Jersey and there are not many draft horses around here. Thanks!
I actually have a large clydesdale named Houdini that we use in a bit less bridal for vaulting at my ranch. It all depends on the horse whether or not you are able to use certain tack or equipment. Some horses don’t take well if they were trained differently and some take to it just fine.
A great place for you to start your search for finding yourself a perfect draft is equine rescues. Many people make the mistake thinking they can care for such a large equine that they end up making the purchase before researching how much extra care a draft takes. Drafts are a larger build and require much more maintenance and feed and hay. That price adds up not to mention the farrier bill. Most farriers charge quite a bit more when a draft horse gets shod. Then you have to add on all the extra tack you’ll have to purchase. Most quality bridals are pretty pricey for a draft. I would also make sure you have a lose slant trailer where you can remove a swinging door to make a bigger space in your trailer for a draft.
My advice is do a lot of research before you make a purchase. Find a sound healthy draft if you are going to buy one this way it will cut the costs in the veterinarian area. Take some lessons in your area. Most barns have a draft of some sort. My ranch has friesians, clydesdales, welch, and Belgians. Most are used for free style vaulting, dressage, and some even go to rodeos and equine events with the cowgirl chicks. Take lessons to prepare yourself for such a gentle giant.
History And Overview Of The Breed
Despite the fact that the Dalmatian breed was originally referenced in the mid-18th century, the breed was well documented throughout the world prior to this. Earlier writings, engravings, models, and paintings have all displayed white dogs having black spots, and evidence of them was found in Africa and Asia as well as Europe. Their popularity coupled with how vastly they were spread globally was probably due to traveling with bands of gypsies.
The Adriatic Region of Western Yugoslavia known as Dalmatia is the area in which the dogs are believed to have originated from, hence the name Dalmatian. The breed itself only achieved its notoriety once the elite British class adopted the animal and brought them home, so to speak, despite the fact that they had been considered and kept as pets since ancient times. The Dalmatian’s striking appearance made them extremely popular with the masses but they held a particular allure for the aristocracy of the day.
It was not uncommon for them to accompany their owners on horse and buggy rides so as to be shown off in the process. Typically, the dog would trot in cadence with the buggy located either below the rear axle of the coach, or below the crossbar that separated the two horses. Additionally, they would be spotted being in the lead trotting ahead of the horse at the horse’s pace. As a result, their popularity grew even more.
Another reason for their popularity is their use with fire departments, however, they were initially introduced to England in the 18th century as “ratters.” At the time, they established their proficiency because of their remarkable ability of locating and killing rats which had infested the firehouses and stables throughout the country. Dalmatians loved both the fire engines and the horses that pulled them and it was common to see them racing either ahead or alongside the fire engines as they responded to an alarm, hence their storied association with fire departments that is still the case today.
By performing their duties with the fire departments, they captured the hearts of an admiring public in the process, especially during times of war. They also became the preferred dog for sentinel duty when wars were going on and were also used as draft dogs and sheepherding dogs. Today, they are still viewed as a fireman’s mascot being found in firehouses throughout Great Britain, the United States and many other nations as well.
Feeding Tips
These tips and guidelines for a proper Dalmatian’s diet have resulted from numerous studies over many years so we can safely recommend these tips with confidence.
First and foremost, avoid feeding adult Dalmatians any organ meat, including:
• Brains
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Sweetbreads
These organ meets should not be fed to the dog in any form “cooked or raw” and should never be given as food or even a snack. Additionally, you should never feed them elk, venison, or any other game meat.
About the Author
Written by Jeff Nenadic from My-DogShop.com – your source for luxury dog carriers online
Sage’s Evaluation – Lunging – Mustang/Draft Rescue Horse for Adoption
