riding a clydesdale

Clydesdale riding
Things you should know
By sara shalda

Clydesdales may look similar to other draft horses

in size and shape

but mentally and emotionally they are very different

They have more energy than other drafts.

Their energy last longer than other drafts, which is good for riding

Their mind wanders more than other drafts

They come up with their own ideas much more than other drafts

They see things in other dimensions that other drafts do not

they are definately more creative and playful

they are more easily unsettled than other drafts

They are more sensitive than other drafts

They think faster than other drafts, good and bad

They worry about things more than other drafts

They take things much more personally

They need reassurance more than other drafts

They show stress and handle stress worse than other drafts

The do however ride better

They definitely lope better

they Have a better ability to retain what you have taught them

they Take much more pride in their performances

Take more time to bathe.... More time to clip

they Remember the mistakes you make way too long

but their hearts are as large and spirits patient

and they will always forgive

if you truly love them

they are the world’s most huggable horse

Their ability to communicate with their spirit is

immense and powerful

they can heal any wound or ailment you may have

they are a glimpse of what awaits us in heaven

those of you who own a Clydesdale are smiling

right now

because you know how true this is

until you spend time with

the animal called Clydesdale

you will never know such a love

i , sara shalda have devoted my life to

serving and worshiping the great spirits of the horse world.

it was a Clydesdalele who led me thru the door to

the horse spirit world.

for that i owe him my everything eternally.

he has tought me more than any human ever did in my life.

his name is Clyde.

he currently lives in my barn.

he will forever live in my heart.

1. Solitude. When you begin your bridless adventure, it is important to find a nice quiet place to work with your horse. No people, horses, noise, or distractions. You will not be able to handle that for a while.

2. Consistency. Every time you ride, you must take off the bridle. I usually ride for 15 minutes then slip off the bridle while sitting on the horses back. This must be done every time you ride. It must be done in the same place at the same time. In the beginning the more consistent and ritualistic you make the process, the easier.

3. Details. You just work on the little thinks first like side passing backing and moving one hoof at a time in any direction, you desire. Your training is made up of building blocks and each one is very tiny. Like the smallest leggo piece, you have ever seen.

4. Encouragement. Confidence is a biggie for sure. You just be extremely generous with encouragement and affection. You horse just enjoy this training and have a high desire to please you because you have nothing to force the issue.

5. Personal and intimate level both mentally and spiritually. If you do not believe you horse has a spirit to communicate with you will not be able to do this bridless thing. You must have flawless communication with your horse.

6. Love. If you do not completely give your total heart mind and soul to your horse during this process, you will fail and both you and your horse will be scarred and resentful. The only reason you horse will obey you is because he loves you please you. Please think seriously, what you can to to please your horse and do it...alot.

7. Equipment. Yes, you do need the proper equipment. You just have to make sure you start out with a normal bridle, then transition to a halter, then transition to a lighter halter, then to only a string. One your horse cannot even feel.

10. Distractions. When you get really good, it is important to invite distractions into you area like people and other horses in preparation for shows.

clydesdale draft horse draft

NO. I am sure even the most novices of us can easily climb aboard, steer left, right, go, and stop on a draft horse that is used to being ridden.
O. I am sure even the most novices of us can easily climb aboard, steer left, right, go, and stop on a draft horse that is used to being ridden.

The average full-blooded draft horse that is used to being ridden would probably behave just fine and give the rider a very nice ride.

They are generally slow moving and slow thinking in my experience. They do not usually volunteer even to canter unless strongly persuaded.

Now if you are talking about highly demanding, high performance training such as the things I do:

 DRESSAGE
 HUNT SEAT PLEASURE / EQUITATION
 SADDLE SEAT PLEASURE / EQUITATION
 WESTERN PLEASURE / HORSEMANSHIP
 BAREBACK PLEASURE / HORSEMANSHIP
 PATTERN WESTERN RIDING
 JUMPING
 TRAIL

Then I suppose I will have to change my mind and say yes. To get a draft horse to do more demanding disciplines such as the ones mentioned above, in my opinion, is tough. Even if you have a lot of experience in these areas like I did prior to getting involved with draft horses.

I definitely struggled in the beginning. The first draft horse I ever worked with at this high level was a young Clydesdale.

I immediately likened it to a cross-between a thoroughbred and a dragon.

No warm blood I ever rode in grand prix dressage or jumping could even come close to the power, suspension, and impulsion that this horse had!

Wow I thought. I just discovered completely new universe.

Now how am I going to harness the immense power and energy of this skyscraper?

I only rode this two year old for 30 days and put back out to pasture like I always do.

The next horse I climbed on was an older Belgian. I did not even know it was the same species! This horse was a dead brick on the sides and in the mouth. I could not even easily make trot. Wow.

I had a lot to learn about draft horses. One thing I knew for sure…y life would never ever be the same.

questions ? sarashalda@aol.com

ride-a-draft/bridless_horse_riding.jpg

email us anytime ....with any kind remarks or questions...we love loving people and horses

sara shalda
SARA SHALDA PERFORMANCE HORSES
www.sarashaldaperformancehorses.com
2332 SCHOOL LAKE ROAD
MAPLE CITY MICHIGAN 49664
231 334 3991
SARASHALDA@AOL.COM

2007 WORLD CHAMPION CLYDESDALE

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