Question 1

What breed of horse is best for a heavy rider?

Accepted Answer

Many heavier riders worry that they might not find a horse able to carry their weight. However, most horse breeds are deceptively strong, and can carry heavier riders with ease!
The strongest types of horses tend to be cold-blooded breeds such as draft horses - Clydesdales, Shires, and Belgian Draft horses. For heavier children, native pony breeds such as Dales ponies and Haflingers are a good choice.
When it comes to carrying a heavier rider, there are certain things the rider can do to keep the horse as comfortable as possible. Maintaining a good level of balance will help to reduce pressure on the horse's back. A lightweight yet unbalanced rider can be harder for a horse to carry than an experienced heavier rider with good balance.

Question 2

How big can Shire horses get?

Accepted Answer

A Shire breed of horse can grow to be an average of 20 hands in size - which is an average of about 5 ½ feet tall. This breed can weigh up to 2,000 pounds when fully grown. Shires are called the "gentle giants" of the horse breed family because they are so large, yet gentle-natured. They usually have one foal each year, sometimes two.
Even though Shires can get very large, once they are fully mature (about 4 years old), they don't grow much taller. This breed of horse is most commonly used for pulling and farm work, but they are not particularly fast or agile. Shire horses have a short, steady stride when walking or trotting, so it's best to stay off of this breed if you want something fast. However, they are very placid and good-natured, and they are rarely known to misbehave or buck their rider off.

Question 3

Are Percherons good riding horses?

Accepted Answer

Percherons are best suited for average to heavier riders. This is because this breed of horse has a higher head set - which means that your hands will be lower when you ride on one. If your hands and body don't line up properly with the placement of your mount's shoulders and withers, it can be uncomfortable and difficult to stay balanced in your seat. This breed of horse has a bigger body than other horses, so it's best suited to larger individuals who need more physical mass in order to keep their balance on the back of the animal.
Percheron horses are best known for pulling carriages or farm equipment - not for racing or show jumping - and they can be bested in races by some other breeds. They are more quick-witted than many other draft breeds and quick to learn, making them a fun riding horse for a larger rider.

Question 4

How strong is a Belgian Draft Horse?

Accepted Answer

Belgian draft horses come in different heights and weights. They usually weigh about 1,600 pounds when fully grown and stand at a minimum of sixteen hands tall - which is 5 ½ feet tall.
The Belgian draft horse is notoriously strong, and these horses can be stronger than Clydesdales even though they are smaller in height.  Belgians will normally beat Clydesdales in pulling and carrying capacity, but not top speed or grace.
Also, the Belgian draft horse has high levels of endurance, and will not tire as quickly as most other draft horse breeds.  This is because they put their strength into moving forward, with their impressive muscular bodies powering them forward whilst pulling heavy loads behind them.

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