I was searching around, just to see what’s out there (online), and found these guys-
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/DressageDetail.asp?HorseID=27105&UserID=11094
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/DressageDetail.asp?HorseID=27522&UserID=949
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/DressageDetail.asp?HorseID=20859&UserID=6490
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/DressageDetail.asp?HorseID=27400&UserID=11212
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/DressageDetail.asp?HorseID=25572&UserID=2389
What are your opinions on them?
I’m looking for a 2nd level+ gelding or mare who can be my teacher, as I started dressage four or five months ago, and need something I can learn on. No, I am not new to horses or riding (just dressage).
Yes, I do have a trainer who is helping us a ton, but I can’t talk to her 24/7, and it never hurts to get opinions from more than one equestrian.
I understand that some of the horses listed are quite pricey, but when you are looking for a good upper-level dressage horse, that almost becomes the norm. We have the money, so don’t rant about how much the horses cost.
*Important* – Please do not lecture me on how to buy a horse. I am aware of the process (test ride, trainer check, vet check, trial period, etc).
Thanks in advance.
All of them sound like they might work out for you. Still photos can be deceiving, so it would be nice to see some vidoes. But I notice you have a wide range of sizes in there. I never used to think it mattered much. I’ve owned a 17+ hand WB and now have a 15.2 hand gelding. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that you will have a MUCH easier time riding the upper levels when you have an appropriately sized horse for your body. For example, no matter how wonderful and well trained, I just can’t keep that 17 hand horse together. It’s too big of a horse for me. I can sit up there and ride around, but I’m not terribly effective. But if you are a tall long-legged rider, you may feel too big on the 15.2 hand horse.
Edit- oh I see the videos. I still like all of them OK. The 1st horse looks like the best "schoolmaster" prospect. Nicely trained and looks easy to ride. 2nd & 3rd don’t impress me too much, but the 2nd horse looks like a good boy even though he’s not a flashy mover and not quite "over his back." 4th horse is OK but I get the feeling he needs support from his rider, not as much a teacher as horse #1. 5th horse is lovely and a good show prospect, but all you really see is lower level work in the video. If he’s really trained to 3rd level they don’t do a great job proving it in the video.
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I was wondering what type of breed of horse is best for these things ? I do Dressage and I’ll start jumping soon after I purchase a horse but I really would like a Friesian but I don’t know if those are best for jumping. And I’ll probably be doing that more than Dressage after I start it.
Friesians are beautiful dressage horses, but they aren’t really known as great jumping horses. The top jumpers are warmbloods: oldenburgs, hanovarians, etc. Thoroughbreds also make a great jumping horse. But overall, it comes down to the ability of each horse. Some warmbloods are duds as jumpers, and some ponies, such as Teddy O’Connor, excell at it.
I have a suspicion that one of my dressage horses may have navicular. He has been off work for months after investigation. We though we had it solved but has now come back into work very very lame. I have a vet coming out next week, but just wanted to know if anyone has any experience of navicular? He is supposed to me my up and coming grand prix horse so i wondered if they can still have a heavy work load with the disease if kept under control? I know there is no complete cure. thanks
ok mulewrangler but this horse is my life and career. I would never EVER do anything to harm or put my horses in ANY kind of pain. However my horse is extremely talented. If my vet ever advised me to retire the horse i wouldn’t think twice about it. But we have had him under the top vets in the country who have still not come up with a solution for us. I was simply looking into it- he hasnt even been diagnosed so smart arse comments like yours is not needed and. Out of interest- he is worth £30k so i think we have a right to be disappointed if he cannot do the job we brought him for. My aim is to ride in the olympics- weather it be this horse or another i am 100% caring towards my horses. good night 
thanks cassie. Thats what i thought.
Hi. I am in agreement with Cassie here. If a horse even has slight discomfort in that area, it will find dressage too hard and painful. Obviously this depends on the severity of the pain, but generally speaking, when you look to getting to Grand Prix level, even perfectly sound horses are shod in a way that helps suppport the heel even more with shoes that are a little wider and longer to give extra support. In a horse that already has issues, it’s just too much to ask them for any degree of collection or extension where the hind has to be so active and take so much weight.
Many horse with even severe Navicular can go on to good riding careers, but dressage would IMO probably be too much for the horse to cope with.
That said, my mare was suspected of having Navicular and after a year of different vets, numerous x rays and ultrasounds…we found out it was in fact, avulsion of the capsule joint and she was operated on and successfully went on to be ridden again and yes…in dressage but only to Advanced Medium after that.
Keep working with the vets until they advise otherwise and take their lead on what you cn and can’t do with the horse.
what are some famous horses
Racehorses:
Secretariat
Zenyetta
Mine that Bird
Red Rum (steeplechase)
Man’o'War
Eight Belles
Phar Lap
Ruthless
Jumpers:
Hickstead
Ninja la Silla
Lupicor H
Voltaire
Gem Twist
Jus de Pomme
Snowbound
Snowman
Touch of Class
Big Ben
Authentic
Nautical
Jaguar Mail
Milton
Dressage:
Totilas
Mistral Horis
Parzival
Blue Hors Martine
Satchmo
Salinero
Eventing:
Sam FBW
Carousel Quest
Headley Britannia
Call again Cavalier
Flint Curtis
The Frog
Miner’s Frolic
Seacookie
Ringwood Cockatoo
Winsome Adante
Lenamore
Supreme Rock
Charisma
Toytown
ESB Irish Jester
My family and I are currently looking around for a dressage horse (for me).
I was looking around on the internet, and stumbled across these guys:
http://www.cb-sporthorses.com/odyssey.htm
http://www.cb-sporthorses.com/windsor.htm
What are your opinions?
Yes, I have a trainer, and she is helping us out, but I can’t talk to her 24/7. It never hurts to get some insight from more than one equestrian.
Information on me:
- I have been riding for two and a half years
- I just began dressage
- I need a dressage horse who can teach ME
- I am tall for my age, and growing, so I need a horse 16hh +
- I need a second level schoolmaster or higher
I understand that the horses listed are expensive, but when you have criteria like mine, that is simply the norm. Fortunately, my parents understand and are willing to shell out that much.
Oh, and please do not lecture me on how horses cost much more than just their initial purchase price. Yeah, I know. We have it calculated.
And finally, I don’t need anyone to tell me how to buy a horse. I know about trial rides, vetting, bringing my trainer to examine them, and etc. No need to explain
I like the second horse better. Though he is not as well trained as the first one, I think you would end up with soundness problems with the first one. Even taking into account that the first one has a long back, he just does not seem to move as freely with his hind end when he is doing a regular trot. This horse would be the one I’d love to take lessons on, but not the one I’d choose to buy. I think the 2nd one is trained well enough to teach you a lot, and I think you could "refine" him even more, learning more in the process.
My family, trainer, and I are looking around for a horse for me.
I found these guy’s advertisements, and decided to get some opinions from other equestrians (never hurts)-
http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1641365&share_this=Y
http://www.equine.com/horses-for-sale/horse-ad-1022447.html
Information on what I need:
• Dependable, well trained
• Second level schoolmaster or higher
• All of the horses listed are in our price range, so don’t make snide comments about it
• I’m tall, expected to be around 5′9", so I need a horse that I won’t look awkward on (16hh up)
• I don’t care about breed or colour
• I need a horse that can teach me*
Information on my riding experience:
• I have been riding for about two and a half years
First Year- Barrel racing and pole bending
Second Year- Hunter
Half Year- Dressage
• I will be boarding at a barn full of knowledgable, experienced riders who can help me if I need it
Note- I’m asking this question to gain insight on the do’s and don’ts of dressage horses. Yes, I have a trainer to help me, but I’m not talking to her every minute of every day. Don’t bash me.
Serious answers only, please. No, "I like the second one becuz hes pretti!"
Thank you in advance.
IMPORTANT: I understand the horse-buying process. There is no need to explain that to me. I know that I need to go look at them, ride them, have them vet checked, etc.
You also should know that I am not incredibly serious or set on buying those two horses. This question is just to help me gain more knowledge.
It took me over a year to find the right match; for what you want, if price were no object, you will be better looking in the 35-40K if you want to be competitive in the showring.
The first horse would be perfect if he weren’t so lame. If you want a schoolmaster to teach you and don’t plan to show, he is perfect, and priced right by the way even lame. He has right hind leg issues; dressage horses (all horses really) will have right hind issues at some point in their lives. This is a horse that is going to need hock injections and adequan injections monthly to keep him going. (this is not unusual, so don’t let it put you off.) If you want to show however, this guy really isn’t going to be the one.
The pinto looks flashy, and the thing you need to know about flashy in the dressage ring is that it makes you very memorable, which can be good or bad. If you are perfect, yay. If you make any mistakes, they will haunt you throughout the show or season. This horse has been ridden in draw reins or way too deep and low. He curls his nose too deep into his chest. This is harder to fix than any other habit. when he gets tense, he will assume this position, and it is very hard to ride out of. More than any thing else, this will get you killed in the ring. he is also priced about right.
Keep looking. The right horse is out there. In my search, I flew myself and my trainer to 6 states, called all the instructors I had ever cliniced with, called dressage judges and technical delegates that we have worked with over the years for our shows. I finally found my guy through a dressage judge who knew somebody who knew of this horse. He was never advertised; the best ones aren’t; they go word of mouth.
I wanted to know if theres any rules about dressage horses, like height requirements, color, breed? Anything of that sort.
Yes there ARE rules for what you can and can’t ride in FEI Dressage.
There was a minimum height requirement (14.2h I believe) last time I looked, unless this has changed in the last couple of years.
There are exceptions to this.
If you are competing in non FEI, pony club dressage, or junior classes.
But obviously to compete in the last two I mentioned, you would need to be young enough.
But even in some local unofficial or official days at lower levels there are still minimum height requirements.
Pony dressage is now also increasing in popularity with adults or children that do not wish to ride larger horses.
But again there are height requirements for your horse to compete in those classes (under 14.2h or 149cm I think?).
Any breed or colour is acceptable.
However, certain breeds are definitely more suitable, capable and preferred then others (such as warmbloods).
But so long as your horse is uphill and has good regular paces and meets the height requirement for adult or open dressage, or pony dressage then you can compete.
There are ALSO minimum age requirements for horses in all dressage competitions.
International Rule Book:
http://www.horsesport.org/sites/default/files/file/DISCIPLINES/DRESSAGE/Rules/RULES_DRESSAGE_2011_RED-VERSION_web.pdf
EDIT:
I am surprised that no one seems aware of how many different restrictions there are in international rules.
Local state rules can vary slightly – But even then, there are always minimum age requirements for the horse, and height requirements such as no ‘horses’ in pony dressage.
Have a good read of the link I provided.
all the restictions are listed there.
Including the many other rules and regulations on equipment etc.
Hello.
I started dressage a month ago, and am in the market for a horse. My trainer and I have decided that a schoolmaster who can teach me* would be best.
While I am relatively new to dressage, I am not new to horses. That being, I do know what to look for in hunters and some other disciplines, but not dressage. And that is precisely why I am asking this question. I would like some information on what is considered a pro and what is considered a con with dressage horses.
Yes, my trainer is helping my family and me, and she is providing wonderful guidance through this, but I thought that it wouldn’t hurt to ask a few other equestrians.
I found this advertisement, and would like you to pick at it.
Is her conformation good?
How is her movement?
Is she listed at a reasonable price?
http://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-346237
Thanks in advance.
P.S.- Informative and kind answers will be considered for BA. You won’t get anywhere if you simply bash. There is always a nice way to put things.
BTW, I understand how the buying process works. Thanks, though.
On the one hand, she does have the potential for that really nice trot the last two didn’t have.
On the other hand… her training is suspect. That "half pass" looked more like a simple leg yield. When half passing, the legs are supposed to cross, front and back; hers didn’t come close. It was quite, quite collected – almost a passage – but it wasn’t a half pass. Here’s what a half pass should look like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y2nLAcNUHw
When I finally tracked down the canter half pass video (which wasn’t the one the link went to; that was a chestnut hunter with socks on the wrong feet), I saw a horse that is not a school master. Her transitions were not good; the rider seemed to be having to constantly stop and correct; I felt the horse was really hyper. The canter was very constrained and choppy, with lots of tail wringing and evasions. The one flying change shown wasn’t correct – changed in front a stride before she changed in back. I suspect this may a difficult horse to ride well; not one that’s going to be real forgiving.
In summary… this horse has a better trot than the other two you looked at, but her canter isn’t good and she’s not a schoolmaster.
Hola. I am currently in the market for a dressage horse, and decided to look around online.
Here are a couple I found:
Horse 1) http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1611155&share_this=Y
horse 2) http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1508384&share_this=Y
Any opinions?
I am a beginner at dressage, and would like a horse that can teach me*.
Here is a video of my riding (to give you and idea of the level I am at)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V94wtQ1OYOc
Note- Please do not explain to me how horse buying works. I understand the process, and also know how much a horse costs annually.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I am working mainly on trot in dressage. My trainer wants me to perfect trot work before moving on to anything else.
No, I’m not new to horses. I rode western, then h/j, and now I am beginning dressage. While my riding isn’t perfect, I know a great deal, and am not a little girl begging for a pony.
I have discussed ALL of this with my parents, and we are going through this as a team. They understand how much it costs, and we are working out a plan.
Yeah, Nobu is a great 4th level schoolmaster. I would love to buy him. BUT, by the time I get to fourth level (if I do), his joints won’t be up to par. Furthermore, he had colic surgery a year or so ago. It simply wouldn’t be smart to buy him.
Thank you for being soooo (tone dripping sarcasm) nice.
The ‘Buying a dressage horse’ video? That? That was simply a video made out of pure boredom. Please, don’t over analyze.
Get the Arab/WB. The Arab looks better than the Fresian, despite the price differences. The ads sell the horses, and the way the Fresian one looks, he’s not worth $24,000 (heck, they don’t even show any pics of him being ridden).
Is your trainer helping you in the search for a horse? He/She might have some connections for finding the right horse for you that they may have seen ridden in shows, etc.
Did you used to ride Hunters?
1) Do dressage horses naturally pick up their legs sooo high, or were they trained to pick them up that high?
2) What to look for in a dressage horse… How can I tell if a horse has good dressage potential…
Thank you SO much for help <3
thank you very much for the help. however, i already do have a dutch warmblood. I am just asking if somewhere down the road I could get her trained to pick her legs up highger a little bit… and what to look for to see if she is a going to be a great dressage horse. she does everything on that list perfectly. thanks so much for the help
1) Sometimes a horse can naturally pick their feet up that high but its definitely unlikely. For the rest of the population, the horses are trained to pick their feet up in this way, it can take years to develop. Perhaps you are talking about a specific dressage movement called the passage.
2) A horse with natural grace and good movement. Does the horse stumble a lot? Does he have an ewe neck? Hoof issues? There are so many things to avoid when looking for a dressage prospect. A big trait to look for is obedience and suppleness. You also don’t want a horse whose conformation forces him to hold weight on his forelegs. Look for a medium to long back, this will help with collection.
EDIT: ANY horse can be great with the right training. You could own Moorlands Totilas but without the right training he could have even been a dressage flop. If there is the right training, and right conformation involved I don’t see why your horse couldn’t excel. I’ve seen different methods being used to teach horses to pick up their feet. One method is to TAP (JUST tap) each of the horse’s legs (most commonly just the hind legs) with a whip. It should cause the horse to react with picking his legs up nearly up to his chest. Like i said, It should only be a tap. not inhumane. Unfortunately I can’t give much further detail than that.