Draft Horses

In the not-so-distant past, draft horses were an essential part of life for farmers. They did most of the work tractors do now. The popularity of the tractor after World War I in the United States put many draft horses out of work. There are some farmers, such as the Amish, who still make use of draft horses, though.

Draft horses are cold-blooded, which in horses means they have a quiet and calm temperament. Horse clinician Clinton Anderson has said, "When was the last time you saw a spooky, reactive Belgian draft horse?" That's not to say they never spook. They are still horses and horses spook. It just takes more to rattle a draft horse than other types of horses.

I admit that when I think of draft horses, the first ones that come to mind are the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. When I was in Fort Worth in April 2012, I had the chance to get up close and personal with one member of the team.

There are people who ride draft horses, although I'm not one of them. Being vertically challenged, I need a mounting block to get on any size horse. I have a bumper sticker that reads: "Ride a draft... It'll make your butt look smaller!" and a t-shirt that reads: "Make your butt look smaller - ride a draft!" I love having the bumper sticker and the t-shirt, even if I don't ride a draft myself.

There is a horse rescue dedicated to saving drafts and draft crosses from slaughter, abuse and neglect. http://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com/

Draft horses may not have the popularity they once had, but they're noble horses and deserve to be honored and used even in the 21st century.