What is a good begining breed?

[cayuga26]

Well I haven’t posted much on this site, nor am I really in the position to actually start working with horses in the next year or so but I figure hey its never to early to start asking questions. I really enjoy the information available on this site and the more I read the more I think this is something I would like to pursue.

I did post some questions about Donkeys but I’m beginning to think they may not work for my application, and Mules are hard to come buy in this area so I think the Horse would work best.

Basically I’m looking for a horse that is on the smaller size, and economical to feed and possible to use for more than just logging. I currently own a 25 acre woodlot and would like to selectively log just for personal use (firewood). The property has several ridges and is relatively steep in some locations so a surefooted animal would likely be best.

I have done some research and have narrowed it down to a few possible breeds (I like the larger draft horses but don’t think I could handle them in my situation): The Canadian, Fjord, Haflinger, Morgan, and Newfoundland pony.

I’m located in Ontario Canada so for now it would likely have to be a breed I could find here.

Thanks

Chris

[Robert MoonShadow]

Chris ~ have you checked out the Mammoth Jackstock type of donkey? They’re the ones used for breeding the draft mules & are, according to ADMS standards, at least 52″ for jennys & 54″ for geldings/jacks. {They, as w/ all donkeys in the US, are classified by size, not breeds, as such} They’re pretty stout, and I know that there are some breeders scattered throughout Canada. They’re pricier than the standards, of course, but from what I’ve seen, geldings run about $800 – $1500 (american) and up, depending on training, of course. If interested at all, I can probably dig up some contacts for you.
In fact, I just thought of this: If you’re on a tight budget, many Mammoth breeders have ones that never quite ‘measure up’ (literally) to the height standards, and are gelded & sold at a discount, same as the over-sized minis. :rolleyes:
Just a thought.

[Plowboy]

As far as smaller horses go the Fjord is a mellow creature. They are a little expensive to buy but I have never seen one that didn’t work well or was nervous. I’m sure that there are exceptions as always but I would say they are the best of the choices that you listed. Many times Haflingers are a nervous lot and many older fellows around here have gotten banged up when they decided to get a smaller team. There are many good Haflingers but alot of bad one’s too. Morgans may be a little fast on their feet for a beginner but the old type are nice horses. I have no experience with Canadians or Newfoundlands.

[Michael Colby]

Don’t get hung up on the breed. Instead, focus on the temperament, training and experience with the jobs you need performed. And if a seller tells you it can do something, ask to see it done. There are many, many good horses of all breeds and mixes out there. But there are also many, many horse sellers who can spin some magnificent yarns about breeds, lineage and the like. Phooey. Figure out what you want a horse/mule/donkey to do, find someone who knows what they’re doing to help you look, and then start looking — without your breed-blinders on.

[cayuga26]

Thanks for all the info, it definatly gives me something to think about. The Mamoth Jack Stock always did appeal to me just I have not been able to find anyone outside of BC who breeds them in Canada let alone works with them. I would be interested in looking into that alitle more.

As for a horse in particular im basicaly only picking thouse breeds based on what little I have herd about there thriftyness and hardyness in terms of care and feeding. I know in my area it would be much much easier for me to find a large draft horse team as there are many in Eastern Ontario who still use them, but on my little acerage and for the amount of work I would be doing with them since im only realy interested in very small scale skidding and a horse that could possibly be trained on other things. Im also interested in trying to help out a breed that is in need of it (ie dissapearing fast), ive been trying to do it with my other livestock endevours but it is hard to find a breed of any animal idealy suited to a situation. but thats a whole different discussion.

I definatly agree though that it would be realy beneficial to find a horse or team that is already trained to do the task im looking for.

anyways thanks!

Chris

[Gulo]

I always thought the best advice was to first figure out which breed (of smaller work horse in your case) appeals to you most aesthetically, then most importantly, find the best individual horse within that breed that you can. I think when it comes to temperament, there is more variation within a lot of the breeds than between them.

Another very nice pony aesthetically to my mind that apparently works very well at draft is the Dales – I think there may be some in Ontario.

[Rod]

Have you considered a single, one harness, one animal to feed and clean up after and care for. One may be enough for the work you have.

[cayuga26]

I have considered just one animal but im not sure how well that would work out since I dont have any other larger animals for company when im not working with it. I supose people have done it in the past though

[Howie]

A lot of the Amish who do not have a large farm, have a good combination horse. They use it in the buggy and draft both.

[Robert MoonShadow]

I’m not sure about horses (someone here, I’m sure, will know), but if you’re concerned about a single being too lonely; a donkey (and many mules) will bond with whatever animals you DO have around — even chickens! It’s why they make such good guardian animals.
{um, so if the donkey or mule gets ‘herdbound’ to some chickens, is that ‘flockbound’?!?} :confused:

[Rod]

My Donkeys and horses do not get along very well. The horses chase them around.

[OldKat]

@Michael Colby 4798 wrote:

Don’t get hung up on the breed. Instead, focus on the temperament, training and experience with the jobs you need performed. And if a seller tells you it can do something, ask to see it done. There are many, many good horses of all breeds and mixes out there. But there are also many, many horse sellers who can spin some magnificent yarns about breeds, lineage and the like. Phooey. Figure out what you want a horse/mule/donkey to do, find someone who knows what they’re doing to help you look, and then start looking — without your breed-blinders on.

AMEN! Very well said Michael.

[Author]

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