Im interested in getting a draft dreed. Im looking at a percheron right now. But I was just wondering what anyone would say about their draft horse(s). How is your riding experiance? Are they harder to ride then any other breed? Any info in general would be grate!
Thanks

I have a Percheron. I don't think they are harder to ride than a light horse, I think in a lot of cases (as I've found) they are a lot more willing. It can be hard to find the tack to fit, depending on what size of draft you have.

With them it's all about respect and trust. They are NOT gentle giants. Ground work is essential in establishing a good solid foundation with them. I did two years of ground work while I was waiting for my boy to be ready to ride. When he was 4 I couldn't find a halter or saddle to fit him so I broke him riding bareback and in his halter.

Each draft breed has their own characteristics. I think the Percherons can be a bit saucier than some of the others!

Farriers are one of the most difficult aspects of owning a draft. Many will not work on them. When you do find one, treat them like a God.

A great book about draft horse ownership and care is "Draft Horses, an Owner's Manual", by Dr. Beth Valentine. It is THE best book out there on drafts. Everything you could want to know and more. You can get it on Amazon.com

Whatever you do, get a vet check prior to purchase. Good luck on your search!

I've had about 8 Belgians in the past, SEVERAL Belgian crosses, and a few Percherons (Perchons- the older name) and have never had major attitude problems from any. They were all mild tempered and fairly "big happy giants" lol even wild youngins that were barely halterbroken weren't hard to get to trust me after some patience and good groundwork.
I've found that they're pretty curious also which is a plus. I've worked around a big Belgian farm in PA and even the unbroken horses all had a curious nature and seemed to be willing to try and figure out what you wanted of them. I like both draft breeds, Belgians can be a bit heavier nowdays... but I LOVEEEEEE riding draft horses! For the most part, I've found them to be big, comfortable couches and are fun to ride bareback also

I have never owned one but have ridden a few draft crosses and LOVED them, especially TB/Draft crosses. The draft is nice to calm down the crazy TB side! lol