Drum horses were originally used by the Queen of England for
her ceremonial band. They had to be large and sturdy enough to carry large
kettle drums during any type of pageantry. This meant that they were required
to carry a great deal of weight through crowds of people. The mounted drummers
needed their hands free to play, so they controlled their animals via reins
attached to their stirrups.
They are an elegant heavy horse that utilizes the finest
examples of the shire, Clydesdale, and gypsy cob breeds. On average they are 16
hands tall.
In the US drum horses are favored more as riding and
competition horses, both mounted and driving. They make sturdy, athletic mounts
with a level head.
Head attractive and well-proportioned Eyes expressive and
kind Both convex and concave profiles acceptable Neck is long and well muscled
Mane is abundant Chest is deep and broad Barrel is well-rounded with long
well-set ribs Legs straight and clean Hooves are large with open heels
Feathering is required of the breed and should begin above the fetlock joint
and cover the hoof.
About Drum Horses
