Can a Thorough bred horse do draft horse work?

[Jenwisp]

I'm far from an expert on horses, but I would think of it more in terms like this- a runner is not built the same as a weight-lifter for humans, so I imagine for horses it is the same. The muscles aren't in the right places or sizes for the work needed done. Depends though probably what you need pulled. You might injure a thoroughbred. I would google

 

[RainbowHen]

Is the average thorough bred horse strong enough to be used the same way a draft horse is ment to be used? Pulling carts, plowing fields? That kinda stuff.

In short. No. A thoroughbred cannot accomplish the same things that a draft horse could. Similar things, but not the same. Can it pull a cart? Yes, a lighter one. Could it plow a field? Yes, with smaller, lighter equipment. 2 of my horses are trained to drive (well, 3 year old is in training) and I would never expect them to do draft horse work. That doesn't mean that with a proper collar they can't drag the arena or pasture though, as I often have them do.

 

[azure_]

You would be doing a gross disservice to the horse. If you want a horse to do heavy work get one that is built for it. A thoroughbred is not. It can pull a light buggy but that is about it. There are heavy saddle horses that are dual purpose and can do light farm work. A Friesian is one that comes to mind.

Yeah I wouldn't want to hurt a horse, I was just wondering.

 

[littledog]

Makes me grit my teeth when he gets going about "pressure and release," though, 'cause he somehow associates it with leverage bits, and that's not what it means at all!

I think he just says that to try to appeal to an American audience.