Drafty question

[sunlightslady]

Isnt draft crosses supposed to be pretty quite and calm? LeStat got a bug up his butt and decided that dancing around and taking off with me was better than going back in to his paddock. After about 20 feet I decided that it was in my best interest to let go of him. One broken halter later and all the other horses excited he was finally caught by the farrier. There is no way I could have stopped him he is almost 17 hands and is about 1400 + lbs. I have a chain that I used to use on him when he was younger. but have not needed to use since. I know I am going to use it again until he learns manners again. Is this normal spring fever or do I have a fluke for a drafty??? There are very few people at the farm that will even deal with him because he is so big and obnoxious with them. I generally dont have a problem at all. So if there is any advice please let me know. Sometimes I wonder if I should have stuck to Arabians ;D

[quatzie]

Make sure he's got lots of T/O time, before you start working with him .. colts that big need to work it off before you start your training or in-hand training. There was a good article in Horse and Rider last month or so a...go.. good read .. is he a "colt" or gelding
Also re-check his feed... to the level of work he's doing...
.. just a few things to think about ... Wish you well and your Draft guy... Maybe someone on the board with more experience with drafts can help you more..

[Admin]

Back to level one and he needs to gain a litle more respect ;D He's testing you that's all. Not a draft thing, just a horse thing.
Lots of groundwork!!!!!

[beckybee]

I think there was something in the air this weekend! My two little boys (Manny & Web) were either the most perfect little angels or wild ponies from one hour two the next. They were both full of energy so did great with positive outlets.

For me, the best part of the groundwork is building my confidence and also getting a handful of "tricks" to use when they start acting up. Some things work on one, some on the other, so knowing what they each respond to when we are calm, and practicing those, comes in handy when we are having issues.

Little Manny is probably 950 lbs - I don't know what I would do with a playfull 1400 lb boy!

[watermarkfarm]

I have a Percheron X and he has really been a handful. He has TONS of energy and is way too smart for his own good. I always thought that drafts were so mellow and easy!

You have to really set some good boundaries on the ground. Lots of groundwork and work teaching them to respect your space. And use that stud chain. I let some things go with mine when he was 2, and it has really haunted me. I've had a pretty serious issue with bolting while being led. Have had to work on that for over a year to get it under control.

John Lyons' "Leading and Loading" video is indispensible!!! Highly recommend getting it and doing the training with your guy.

[penny/pals]

When I got my Perch mare she was 2 years old and had few ground manners. She would run when trying to lead. I worked with her with a chain on the halter to begin with now I use a rope halter and confront any bad behaviors as soon as she exhibits them so that she has very strong boundaries. I definitely do not want to be drug around the pasture by a girl her size. This helps with all other areas standing for farrier and such. Good luck just keep him in line.

[sunlightslady]

If it was not for the fact I thought he might have gotten hurt it was pretty funny and embarrassing... Thanks for the info...We will start back at gound zero this weekend. He is really normally pretty docile. Big ol slug I can usually get him to trot on the lead. I more or less have to drag him. I am not sure if I will have him trained enough to go on the camp out this summer. We seem to be going back to the starting point over and over again. He does do well with voice command free lounge, backing farrier, and water. I will check into the video....Wish me luck