Our Beginning

CornerStone Drums was inspired by conversations between owner Allison Thomas (that's me) and friend Andrea Brigola of Stonehenge Farms. We had both long appreciated the Gypsy Horse, as well as larger draft horses. However, we both desired a more athletic and versatile horse than was commonly available in many of the draft breeds. Andrea was breeding Arabian sport horses, and I was breeding Friesians (See my Friesian program at Mythic Friesians). We were both looking for a large sized breed that had the ability to perform at high levels of competition.

While I had already found what I was looking for in the Friesian breed, Gypsy Vanners had long held a certain fascination for me that I couldn't seem to shake. However, their short stature prevented me from purchasing one, as I am a relatively tall woman. Then, one day, we came across a picture of what looked like a large sized Gypsy Vanner - here.

Not only was this horse larger than a Vanner, but he also had the proportions required for a higher level performance horse. And so it was that the mighty Galway Warrior drew yet another person to the Drum Horse breed!

Our Breeding Philosophy

The Drum Horse breed has only recently started establishing a foothold in North America, even though it has existed in Britain for many years. Right now is the most crucial time for the development of the breed here. The standards and the expectations of the world will be set NOW, and what we as breeders show them will be what is remembered about Drum Horses in the years to come.

What does this mean to me?

I see Drum Horses as a logical step in the evolution of draft breeds today. Due to the increasing size of the general human population, there is demand for larger, stockier horses. However, the average draft horse has little place in the current world of equestrain sports. They are too heavy, too plodding, and they have too little drive. Larger riders that want a talented sport horse are left looking for a good draft cross - a very rare find - or the stockier warmbloods - the good ones of these are often prohibitively expensive.

Drum Horses can fill this void, but only if bred carefully!

The biggest danger I see in breeding Drum Horses is the prevalence of short, stocky, downhill builds among foundation Gypsy Vanners. The other problem is the use of poor quality Clydesdale and Shire mares. Combining these two will only result in a big, clunky Drum Horse with sub-par conformation. For the breed to succeed, this type of pairing needs to be avoided. However, it is very tempting for people to breed cheap draft mares to a Gypsy Vanner stallion, thus producing a much more expensive and in demand Drum Horse foal.

A true Drum Horse should combine all of the good qualities of the foundation breeds. The Gypsy Vanner reduces the height of the big drafts, making a more managably sized 16-17 hand horse without losing the bulk of the drafts. Gypsies bring a sweet and tractable temperment, and keep the hair and flashy color that help make the breed popular and eye catching. But for the end result to have good, usable conformation, both the Gypsy and the draft used must have good conformation - uphill build, short back, appropriate neck length, good legs and good feet.

The other key to producing great Drum Horses will become important as the first generations of Drums in North America mature. To begin to create a breed that is true to type, second and third generation Drum Horses must be produced from breeding quality Drum Horse to quality Drum Horse - not continuing to cross in other breeds. This is not to say a closed studbook is the answer, only that to breed consistency requires breeding like to like, instead of continually introducing outside blood.

Once we see multiple generations of Drums bred to Drums, we will show what the breed can truly be.

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