Breed selection help

[darkside521]

Ok so I am new to this forum so please excuse me if this post is in the wrong section.

My family had many horses when I was growing up, but due to unforseen circumstances had to give them up. I have since grown up and have been in the military for a while and I am getting ready to finally come back home (Kansas). I have a ranch waiting for me when I return and I want a horse again. I am not pretending to be extremely knowledgeable about equine training and care, although I do know some basics still. I fully plan on seeking out the help I need to learn, train, care for, and bond with my soon to be companion. In other words, I’m not afraid to get help, and will most certainly seek it. My question is which breeds or crosses should I be looking at? I have several hundred acres to ride on and take annual elk hunting trips to colorado and wyoming. I do not plan on participating in equine sports. This horse will be my buddy to work on the ranch and take out into the wilderness hunting. I am 6’3" 220lbs. Am I wrong to think that a Friesian or Friesian cross would be an appropriate choice? A percheron cross? I certainly want something that will be patient for me while I learn, companion oriented, and larger since I am large and may move with heavy hunting loads. Thank you for taking the time to read all of this and reply!

[clanter]

the buddy on the ranch has ![](e thinking more of a short horse as ranch work is a lot dismounting/remounting … Morgan or old line King Ranch Quarter Horse is what I would look at

As for the larger breeds, my daughter worked with Clydesdales … this youngster is 18.2h… she is 6’0"
[IMG]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/clanter/photo6.jpg)

but since you are in the great American desert my son rode camels… he is 6’2"
[IMG]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/clanter/Lukeatwork.jpg)

[wildlifer]

I always tell first time shoppers (a) take someone with you who is VERY experienced and knowledgeable and (b) shop the horse, not the breed. Meaning, you want first and foremost a great brain in a balanced body which is built to last and carry weight (this doesn’t always mean huge).

There are some breed generalities, which of course all come with a grain of salt. I would NOT recommend a Friesian, for example, as many, including crosses tend towards the spookier type. A nice, solid foundation QH, on the other hand (not so tall, so you don’t have to find a ladder to get on), with a short back, good bone, good feet, or an old-school Morgan (NOT the park type) or old line TWH are all sturdy critters who are generally easy keepers, don’t break all the time, and have wonderful, versatile, sensible brains.

Some of the draft crosses are good horses, some turn into giant stubborn boulders when scared or grumpy…but that takes me right back around to looking at the individual first over the breed alone.

[wrkngschnzr]

[QUOTE=darkside521;7749500]
This horse will be my buddy to work on the ranch and take out into the wilderness hunting. I am 6’3" 220lbs. Am I wrong to think that a Friesian or Friesian cross would be an appropriate choice? [/QUOTE]

You need to think more about a “type” of horse rather than a breed. I’m not a horse expert but just bought my first horse and have been involved with dogs a long time where similar types of questions abound.

You have been out of horses a long time. You want to hunt, pack in/pack out and shoot in wilderness territory. So the traits you are looking for are easy going, sure footed, able to tolerate hobbles, hi ties, no extreme sensitivity to bugs, can handle gunfire, etc. You do not need height, lots of shiny black hair and high action…

If you have the funds for it, go on some guided elk hunts that use horses to pack in and out. Find out which types of horses appeal to you. I guarantee that after 7 days out, the sure footed one with an ugly head and no chrome will look fine to you.

You will most likely be looking at a mature crossbred gelding or a mule.

[ehwaz]

I agree with looking for a type, rather than a specific breed. I would look for a horse with decent conformation( maybe not pretty, but no structural issues), good brain(and some decent training), sure footed and sturdy. I would actually look for shorter horses, over a larger draft cross/friesians etc. Short horses (if built solid) can carry plenty of weight and you won’t hit your head on as many overhanging branches. You are mostly likely to find this type of horse on a working ranch- probably has some QH blood. You might also want to consider a riding horse and a pack animal(horse, mule,etc) for the work you are thinking about.

[arlosmine]

A few thoughts:

If you are going to ride with others, and those others are not mounted on gaited horses, DO NOT get a gaited horse. The gaits are a different speed than non-gaited horses, and it can be very frustrating for all concerned.

Forget about breed. Go for type/training/temperament (and of course soundness).

Friesians and draft crosses are not typically seen on ranches for a reason. Though generalizations: They don’t do well in heat. If the hooves are really big, be prepared for really big shoeing bills. They are often not really “riding horses”, and finding tack that fits them can be an issue. A cross could work, it depends on the individual’s traits.

Quarter horses are not renowned for staying sound for a loooong time (flame suit on). Find one with big feet and bone…from working lines.

Grade ranch horses are the best, IMO. They are tough, grew up on the terrain, and the ranch families have bred them for longevity, ease of gaits, soundness, great brains and frugalness. They may not be cheap, but if you can find one that is big enough to carry you comfortably and isn’t used too hard, I think it would make the most sense.