First, you DO NOT want a draft horse. They make poor trail horses. You want a Canadian Sport Horse. They are a mix, usually Quarter Horse/Draft (50/50). They are big, gentle horses. They saddle well (much better than a pure draft animal).
I spent a week this summer on a Canadian Sport horse in Colorado. Magnificent animal. Huge, stable and calm even though he was just a two year old.
As for saddles, buy a used saddle. They won't be as stiff. They are more comfortable. Don't buy a saddle until you've sat in it for a while.
Canadian Sport Horse.
