No one would ask, “Can an elephant tip toe?” yet many times I have had the question asked, “Can my horse do reining?” My answer is usually that any horse can do reining, but not all horses can do it well. However, when an owner of a 17hh Shire draft asked me the question I had to hold back a smile. You have to ask yourself why.
A draft horse is built to pull heavy loads not move quick
When you purchase a horse you need to have a goal in mind, something you have planned for you and your horse. Trail rides, driving, jumping, cutting, pleasure are just a few of the options available to you. Your horse however, is limited by his mind, body, and spirit. Yes, a Draft can do the maneuvers of the reining pattern, but there are not too many people who would be happy with 8 inch wide and 18 inch deep furrows plowed into their arena thanks to a Draft horse’s attempt at a slide stop.
Take time to consider what it is you are going to ask of your horse or where you want to go. Then shop for a horse that has been bred for the task. Not only will this save you time and frustration when working with your horse, it will save your horse from injury and resentment in doing your bidding.
Saddlebreds are built for style and elegance not fast turn arounds
There are many breeds out there that can do many tasks well and are considered all-around prospects, such as the American Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse, even the Arabian and Morgan are multi-talented. For those that want to specialize in a discipline, it is best to educate yourself on what breeds excel in that chosen arena. Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds excel in dressage and jumping, Shires or Clydesdales for heavy driving, Quarter Horses for cattle work, and Arabians or Saddlebreds for English saddle seat to name a few breeds and their fortes.
If you have love of a certain breed, that is fine, just be aware of what your chosen bred is designed for and is capable of. If you want to show off your beloved breeds’ talent, that is great. Just know your horses limits and don’t force maneuvers on your horse that may be too difficult or dangerous to his health and mind.
Choice a breed and sport that match to avoid frustration and injury
The point I am making is that you would not spend the time and effort on teaching an elephant to be light on his feet as it is completely against his structure and design. In the same respect, consider the design of your present or future horse when choosing a discipline for the two of you. Set your partner up for success not failure and you will have a winning team in whatever you do.
