Horse searches for a rider

The recently created American Drum Horse breed was inspired by some very famous British working horses. They are the mighty horses that carry the kettledrummer, along with two massive kettledrums, for the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry. They are beautifully marked horses of draught horse type, usually Clydesdales or Shires. The Drum Horse breed was developed in America so that non-royals could appreciate the quality and majesty of these animals too. The work they do also demands an outstanding temperament, and it is this that attracts many people to buy a Drum Horse. Today, two breed organisations exist to support registered breeders who wish to sell a Drum Horse. They are the International Drum Horse Association and the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association.

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Use and characteristics of the Drum Horse

The original drum horses of the Household Cavalry must be a minimum of 17 hands (68 inches/173 cm) high and strong enough to carry a rider and two kettledrums - a load of 247 lb (112 kilograms). Members of the Drum Horse breed are usually smaller and lighter than this. Breeders who sell a Drum Horse maintain they are athletic and can participate in a range of ridden activities. A calm temperament is essential, and this quality should be evident whenever equestrians buy a Drum Horse. The breed was created mainly by selective breeding of Shires, Clydesdales and Gypsy Cobs (a recognised American breed) to produce lighter animals with plenty of feather and full manes and tails. American Drum Horses can be any colour, though pinto is most popular.