What type of horse is a Stahlnish Shire Horse?

[Farseer415]

If draft horses where usesd as war horses, they would not be as they are today.  Current day draft have be breed to be really docile, willing to do what ever is asked.  Stallions are able to be worked next to mares in heat with no problem.  Drafts now adays don't have much in the way of agility when compared to light breed horses.  THey are kind of lumbering.

[Valamir]

Hey, given the links between Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, were Andalisians related to the modern day Lipizaners (or is the latter just a training definition)?

According to the Avalanche book, Lips are the last remaining example of the Andalusian and are close to the original bloodline.  

Same caveat as before applies.

[Crusader]

"I'd certainly believe it would be all but impossible to ride a Clydesdale with an American Saddle. But in an English saddle, and also in a knight's saddle, you ride in more of a seated position with the knees high. I suspect its quite possible with that sort of saddle."

I must correct you on your assertion that one rides with the knees "high" in a knightly saddle.  On the contrary, one rides with the knees straight.  The seat in American "Western" riding has more in common with knightly horsemanship than does modern "English" riding.

[Irmo]

If draft horses where usesd as war horses, they would not be as they are today.  Current day draft have be breed to be really docile, willing to do what ever is asked.  Stallions are able to be worked next to mares in heat with no problem.  Drafts now adays don't have much in the way of agility when compared to light breed horses.  THey are kind of lumbering.

Two comments:

a)It depends on the type of drafts. As already pointed out, Frisians are used both for draft and for dressage, the latter certainly implying agility.

b)Warhorses need to focus their aggression on specific goals. They have to have a certain docility towards each other at the same time. Horses are flight animals, and it is unnatural for them to stand closely packed together. To keep a formation such as a conrois together at attack speed, a high degree of obedience on the side of the horse is required. Unbridled energy is the doom of every formation.

[Farseer415]

a)It depends on the type of drafts. As already pointed out, Frisians are used both for draft and for dressage, the latter certainly implying agility.

Draft Horses: The word draft is an American term for the English word Draught, which relates to pulling power or traction power.  Any horse in harness is a draught or draft horse.
(Draft Horses, an Owner's Manual.  Beth  Valentine, DVM, Phd and Michael Wildenstien, CJF)

I agree with you there.  Any horse in a harness is considered a draft horse.  This includes ponies.  But most people when they hear draft horses automaticlly think of Budweiser and thier use of of Clydes.  Clydes, Shires, Percherons, Belgians and more are considered heavy horses.

I also agree that Friesian where definatly used as war horses

I apologies to everyone if I seem to go on and on with my comments on this.  As a new Horse owner (Belgian Draft) and a wife with horses (2 quarter horses) I have been trying to suck up all the information I can on horses.  So feel free to tell me to shut up:)

[Farseer415]

Here is a link to the Percheron Horse Association of America.  They breifly talk about the Percheron as a war horse and how it had change to pull wagons and carriages.[url]http://www.geocities.com/phaoa/


Farseer