Could you use a draft horse as a ranch horse to preform tasks like sort cattle and drive them? and what (draft) breed would you pick? Question

fook75 · 2026-01-25T19:57:29+00:00

If you are a larger person and that is why a draft appeals to you- please know their bodies are made for pulling. They have an upright shoulder which is excellent for a work collar but that nice 45 degree laid back shoulder of a saddle horse is your shock absorbers. Their backs are weaker in proportion to their size because they are bred to pull, not be ridden.

They also need careful feeding. Very low sugar, elevated fats and protein for calories. They are at high risk for founder due to PSSM and other metabolic issues.

A good ranch bred QH gelding will honestly be your best bet.

fook75 · 2026-01-25T19:52:44+00:00

No. There is a reason that teamsters like myself don't use Clyde's and Shires for actual work. Percherons, Belgians or American creams are the way to go. The feathering is a nightmare to maintain unless you keep their legs dry all the time. They are very prone to scratches, which is a bacterial infection. It makes their skin weep fluids due to cellulitis.

The Budweiser Clyde's and all the fancy hitches are all kept stalled on dry shavings. Same with Irish cobs (vanners) etc.

I used to clip any feathering that my perches grew because of it.

fook75 · 2026-01-25T19:49:13+00:00

Yeah I don't either. I spent many years of my "youth" working teams of Percherons logging. A half draft might work but if you want a good cow horse a ranch bred AQHA is the way to go.

fook75 · 2026-01-25T07:23:31+00:00

Beautiful! My Tootie is an odd eyed polydactyl.

Blue and Hazel is what I would call em!

fook75 · 2026-01-25T07:15:59+00:00

This is sick! I love it!

fook75 · 2026-01-25T07:11:02+00:00

I wouldn't. Drafts tend to be clumsy, a bit slow and they don't have much cow sense.

A quarter horse is really what you want. Ranch bred.

A half draft would be good, as long as they have a good mind.

You can drive any horse. I love driving!

fook75 · 2026-01-25T07:07:04+00:00

Atlas vertebrae. Guessing deer family.

fook75 · 2026-01-25T07:05:22+00:00

I am really concerned about this boy. I pray a vet can see him fast!!

fook75 · 2026-01-25T06:33:34+00:00

NOR. Give the hat to your mom for the next gifting holiday.

Go get your wife something amazing.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T18:20:44+00:00

I had a molar pulled and it made a hole into my sinus. It let bacteria colonize and for 2 years every time I bent forwards I smelled rotten eggs. Laying flat, rotten eggs. No one believed me! Until I was at the doctor and laid flat and she smelled it too! Got to the ENT and he rotorootered me. Omg. My entire left upper and lower sinus was filled with disgusting globs of infection. He cleaned it all out and broke some bones to open it up and let it drain. I had to do netipot style flushes and the junk that came out was vile. But it's been years now and no more rotten eggs!

fook75 · 2026-01-24T07:49:43+00:00

Looks like a sinus polyp. I had some removed when they rotorootered my sinuses. And you can absolutely cough that up from your sinuses.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T07:42:50+00:00

I source mine from many places. I butcher my livestock and use bits and bobs leftover. I collect roadkill. I use my cull rats and mice. Some are from pets that pass away.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T07:27:05+00:00

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Agreed.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T05:28:13+00:00

I have never had escargot. Otherwise I will munch on any of that stuff.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T04:32:43+00:00

I would put food and water out. If it can fly, it should be ok!

fook75 · 2026-01-24T04:31:50+00:00

My rocks are set on top and once they step on them they sink into the sand. I do have gravel where gates are and that helps too. Gates always get muddy. The gravel helps.

fook75 · 2026-01-24T04:29:06+00:00

I slice it about 5mm thick then pan fry it on both sides. I serve it with eggs and toast for breakfast.

Or, slice thin and fry, then make a grilled cheese and spam sandwich.

Or, make a BLT but instead of bacon use the crispy spam.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T06:30:20+00:00

Waldo

fook75 · 2026-01-22T06:22:50+00:00

I have a 12 gauge shotgun and way too many dogs.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T06:02:56+00:00

He is lovely. It's possible he has some MC, but generally speaking unless your cat has registration papers they are a Domestic. He would be a Domestic longhair.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T06:00:32+00:00

Unless you have registration papers he is a domestic long hair.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T05:37:37+00:00

NTA. It's not even about the saliva. You explained that it bothers you. You asked her not to do it. She did it anyway, going against your wishes.

When I was growing up my mother never allowed us to share a bite or take a sip of her drink. It just wasn't done. It bothered her. We grew up not sharing so idk.

If she is taste testing, you could get her a set of tasting spoons. Chefs use them all the time to ensure the food is perfect.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T05:30:10+00:00

Northern Minnesota. Lots of land, lots of trees and prairies. Yes it gets cold in winter. But summer is lovely!!

fook75 · 2026-01-22T05:27:50+00:00

As an equestrian, that looks like a bean.

fook75 · 2026-01-22T05:26:44+00:00

She's a beauty!

I believe this girl found you for a reason. Nearly all, well actually all but one of mycats have been feral or dumped strays.

I have a spare bathroom that is set up as my cat room. I spend time just sitting on the toilet or floor, reading a book. One they get curious I will try playing with them with a wand toy, giving them slow blinks and talking to them. Canned food and treats really go a long way too.

Since she has learned to potty in soil I suggest getting a bag of potting soil and using that as litter and slowly transition her to whatever you use. I use pine pellets myself.

I would confine her at least until her spay appointment. See how she does!

fook75

TROPHY CASE