Finding a suitable dressage horse is a difficult task that requires planning and a thorough understanding of your horse needs. Before you start, you need to compile a list of what you want in your dressage horse along with a list of the characteristics that are not acceptable. In this article we'll cover how to build those lists, narrow your dressage horse selections, good dressage horse breeds and how to find the right horse for you.
The first step is determining your price and budget. This is going to be your guiding factor; from there you can work on eliminating horses with unacceptable characteristics. Here's a list of undesirable traits in a prospective dressage horse:
1. Poor movement.
Avoid a horse that isn't straight in its movement, both in front and behind.
2. Faulty conformation.
Any horse with a faulty conformation should also be avoided. Watch out for a horse that stands higher at his croup, has a low-set neck, or a poorly set-on head. Poor head conformation means the horse will have trouble opening up his neck and jaw, a detriment in dressage.
3. Wide frame.
Any horse that is too wide through the chest, shoulders and rib-cage will prevent you from riding with a good depth of seat and length of leg - both critical in dressage.
4. Narrow frame.
If the frame is too narrow, the horse's action may be too "close" in front or behind. Also, a weak horse won't perform as well.
5. Difficult temperament.
Ideally, you want a horse with a pliable temperament and a willingness to learn and work with you, rather than against you.
Now that we've covered some of the unwanted characteristics in a dressage horse, what are the more desirable traits?
1. Good conformation.
Look at the horse's conformation when it's standing naturally, and when he's moving. As you watch the horse, imagine the frame and appearance of a Grand Prix champion dressage horse, with the lowered coup and the horse rising up through the back and withers. You should see that potential in your prospective, young horse.
2. A horse to match your lifestyle.
Do you need a horse that thrives on work and daily activity, or one who can be content staying sedentary for a day or two? Does the height and size match your proportions?
3. Temperament.
A calm and consistent temperament that is compatible with your own will make training and competition much easier and all the more rewarding. Look for a horse that is full of character, but still manageable and trainable.
4. Good pace and movement.
The walk is so important, even on a loose rein. The horse's steps should be long and even in length. There should be no indication of tension, nor any inclination to hurry out of its steady, pacing rhythm.
What are some good dressage horse breeds?
Swedish Warmblood horses make popular dressage horses because they are compact, yet very strong. Even larger horses like the Irish draught do well due to their strong conformation and typical middle weight status. Finally, the Irish Trill is another popular dressage horse because it is strong enough to easily bear the rider's weight, but not heavy in stature or in the way it caries itself.
That said, the ideal dressage horse has a strong frame without any serious weakness, a generous temperament, and the will to work and train as a partner. The shape and size of a dressage horse is surprisingly varied, and therefore so are your breed options.
Dressage Horse For Sale
"Dressage" is actually derived from the French word for "training". So basically, any training you do with your horse is a form of dressage. From teaching your horse basic aids and transitions to more advanced moves, proper training is the key to dressage.
Any horse can learn dressage. At the lower levels even the most homely pleasure horse can compete successfully. This is because the basics of dressage have nothing to do with how fancy a horse is or how well it moves, but instead are based on good transitions, correct carriage and quality riding. Whether you are looking to compete, or just want better enjoyment from your horse, basic dressage will give you a leg-up in your riding.
At the lowest levels the movements in dressage are very simple. There are even classes set up for horses and riders who are not yet ready to move up from doing walk-trot. Basic tests focus on the walk, trot and canter, simple forms such as 20 meter circles and riding across the diagonal and simple transitions. The tests are judged on how willing the horse is, whether the movements are performed correctly, if the rider is effective in his or her aids and the smoothness of the ride overall.
As you gain experience and show in higher levels things become more difficult. The horse is expected to carry itself in a correct frame, working on the bit and moving forward from its hindquarters. While the basic three gaits are still important, the tests begin to add things like lengthening and shortening stride which gradually progresses to true collection and extension. As the horse progresses, it will be expected to learn lateral movements such as leg yields, half passes, shoulder in and many others. Further training moves into high-collection movements such as piaffe, pirouettes and multiple lead changes.
In the higher levels a horse is expected to be of a higher quality. While in lower levels any horse should be able to perform adequately, the higher levels look for an animal who is a class above the rest. Riders look for horses with superb movement, often with lots of action in the front end. They need to be able to track up from behind so that they can carry themselves in such a way as to free up the front end for higher level movements. Ideally riders seek a horse who naturally is built uphill and who can carry itself in a good frame without being restricted by conformational problems. Most riders prefer a bigger horse of a warmblood-type build, neither overly light, nor heavy.
A good dressage test is a true joy to watch. Horse and rider work together in quiet unity seemingly dancing through the test as though in a private ballet. Indeed, a well ridden Grand Prix test is truly awe inspiring.
Both C Swarens & Phil Wiskell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
C Swarens has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pet Veterinary, Health and Pet Snakes. CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at. C Swarens's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Phil Wiskell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Horse Racing and Pets. Philippe Wiskell is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of ,. Phil Wiskell's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
