A small quarter horse or a gentle pony is what most people think of when they think of a family horse. But at C&K Stables, we’ve been helping families find their dream horses for more than 13 years, and time and time again, draft horses and draft crossbreds come out on top. Here are some reasons why these big, friendly dogs can be a good fit for your family.

The Gentle Giant Name Is Well Deserved

People bred draft horses, such Belgians, Percherons, Clydesdales, and Haflingers, for hundreds of years to work closely with them. That long history of working together made horses that were unusually calm and friendly with people. Some hotter breeds can be reactive or flighty, but well-trained draft horses are usually calm, tolerant, and forgiving. These are very important traits when kids or inexperienced riders are around.

Steady and Predictable When Riding

Safety is one of the most important things for families that want to get a horse. People know that draft breeds and draft crossbreds are quite predictable. They don’t get scared as readily as lighter breeds, they move at a speed that’s easier to handle, and they respond well to calm, steady handling. Parents who are putting their child on a horse for the first time would rather have a calm horse than one with a spectacular lineage.

Before we sell a horse at C&K Stables, it goes through a long training and evaluation procedure. We check each horse’s temperament, how they react to noise and traffic, how they behave on the ground, and how they react to new riders. We do this because we only sell horses that are safe.
Good for Everyone in the Family

Draft horses are good for more than just plowing fields (though they are good at that too). People like draft and crossbred horses nowadays because:

• Riding on trails: Their smooth gaits and calm demeanor make them great for the ride.
• Pleasure riding: easy to ride for long periods of time and pleasant
• Farm work: activities, such as dragging logs, using tools, or doing light farming activities
• Riding with kids: Their size can also be an advantage; many drafts have big, flat backs that are easy and comfortable to sit on.
• Therapy programs: They are popular for equine-assisted therapy since they are gentle.

They form strong bonds with the people they live with.

Draft breeds are noted for getting along well with their owners and caretakers. Many people who own draft horses say that their horses are “dog-like” in how much they love and care about them. These horses will come to the fence to meet you, follow you around the pasture, and lean into a good scratch. That kind of closeness is priceless for families, especially youngsters.

How to Choose the Right Draft Horse for Your Family

We pick out each horse we sell by hand at C&K Stables in Somerset, PA. We learn about our buyers, including their level of experience, their ambitions, and what they want in a partner. Then we make honest, careful connections. We offer a 10-day money-back guarantee on every horse we sell because we want you to be sure of your purchase.

If you’ve ever thought about getting a draft horse for your family, call us at (240) 675-1837 or look at our current horses. The perfect horse is out there for you.