Comments on: Extension of my question earlier – can quarter horses do dressage?

By: zakiit

zakiit — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:39:59 +0000

I think if you can do the basics, walk, trot and canter and work really hard to follow your trainer’s instructions and recommendations you should have no problems. He could still learn it. He will not make a grandprix horse doing lots of things like passage and piaff, but he could do the basics.
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Riding instructor

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:56:59 +0000

it would take more work than if you got a hanoverian (but don't, since you are just learning dressage), but quarter horses can be really good at dressage once they learn to put their weight 'uphill', and raise their back.
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By: Ketra!

Ketra! — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:38:59 +0000

It depends on the build of the horse and what level you plan on going for. If you want to try for 3rd it may not be your best choice as quarter horses are typically down hill with a low head set and flat movement, not for dressage. Especially if he has no experience yet.

A QH built more like this http://www.gotpetsonline.com/p.....e-0263.jpg would be able to do better than one built like this http://www.sus-qh.dk/billeder/.....%20new.jpg
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By: PiggyDog

PiggyDog — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:22:59 +0000

Yes, like the poster above said, its possible with the proper trainer…

But… you have to ask the owner first… They may not want their horse dressage trained…
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By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:32:59 +0000

At your level, a quarter horse will be fine. They are usually built very "downhill", so the horse will need to learn to sit back and lift his front end. It will be tough, but it's definitely possible. Quarter horses can easily show to first level, and some can go higher. They're fine to learn on. The best idea would be to bring your trainer out and try the horse to see if it's a good fit for you. At this point in your riding career, the most important thing is that you have a good, solid, trustworthy horse to learn on. And yes- you can both learn dressage at the same time! Just make sure you have a great trainer.
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By: mle

mle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:19:59 +0000

It is possible, but it will be a lot more work. A horse that does not know how to perform in the dressage ring will not know how to properly carry himself. Quarter horses can do dressage if they have the right build for it (not like the stalky traditional western AQH) it is possible. However, he will need to learn all of the skills and develop the muscles he will need. I would suggest looking into trainers in the area first, and find out who can help you start a dressage horse from the beggining. Then i would ask the trainer to come and take a look at this horse before you commit, and find out if they think he has the potential they need. Really do your research with trainers!
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