Can drafts be used?

[Outrider]

Question...Can an 18 hh, 1900 pound belgian be used for jumping or is he just too heavy? Thanks.

[elle]

I would say just try it.

My aunty to use to own a 18hh shire horse who jumped over 5 foot.

if he cant do it or finds it difficult then try and find somthing else to do.

[floppy]

has outrider got his eyes on a BIIIG horse???
I know a girl that competes in every show with a 17hh draft type horse (he is called irish stew :D) and he always does pretty well!

[Wally]

Eee, by heck, the ground'll shake when you're in the ring:D

Not sure how high he'll manage, but there's no reason why he couldn't do small jumps.

I would be worried in case he gave himself concussion injuries. After all's said and done bone is only as strong as...well....bone. Regardless of whether it is in a Shetland pony or a cart horse. The shock loading on his bones and joints, over jumps may cause him problems. They are designed for slow, deliberate work, not shock loadings. He might be a victim of his own size.

Having said this I know a chap who hunted a Clydesdale, went all day and what he didn't go through he jumped,;)

[Tammy]

I don't know any pure drafts used for jumping but a woman I know has a clydesdale/thoroughbred cross. He looks almost purebred clydesdale. She says he is a wonderful jumper;*the faster they go the more careful he is.

I agree with Wally, though, that is a lot of weight for the front legs to absorb....

[Outrider]

Thanks for the replying gang. I was wondering about that and I was thinking that that much weight coming down on the front legs might be too much for him. Yep, floppy, I've got my eye on another draft! I have a picture of this guy that I will try and put here. Thnaks again and happy trails!

[Outrider]

Thanks for the replying gang. I was wondering about that and I was thinking that that much weight coming down on the front legs might be too much for him. Yep, floppy, I've got my eye on another draft! Thanks again and Happy Trails!

[floppy]

aaaaah brillaint :)

i hop eyou got a good pair of boots for when one of those big horses stands accidently one your toes!!

[Outrider]

Boots? You can't go barefoot around these big guys? Shucks! I am looking at a 18 hh Belgian mare right now and will go and ride it in Illinois sometime in the next week or two. She is 12 and broke to ride, but that's about all. I was wondering if her weight would give her concussion injuries if I tried to jump her. Her owner says she is kind of lazy, so it may be a moot point! lol Happy Trails!

[floppy]

a lazy horse and 18hhs of it! that will be fun!:D

[Outrider]

You have an odd sense of fun, floppy! lol:)