What qualtites make a good dressage horse?
hi, i have only ever ridden hunter jumper and western pleasure. I would like to ride english with my 3 year old, but because of her epiphysitis, it is likely that she will never be able to be a jumper. she is a quarter horse, almost 16 hands. but what other qualities should i be looking for to decide if she could do dressage?
she also has a nice sloping shoulder, long legs, and powerful hindquarters
You want a horse that is FORWARD. Dressage is being able to direct the horses natural energy and help him become a better, balanced athlete. Dressage is very frustrating or almost impossible if the horse is not in front of your leg. You need to be able to send them forward easily, not have to nag them with squeezes, kicks, use of whip, etc. As far as horse conformation, an uphill build is best. A horse that is naturally on the forehand is doing to have a much harder time with collection.
tbh ANY horse can be a dressage horse. i mean dressage is all about Precision and timing. as long as your horse is responsive and listens you you well i don’t see why not.
she should be fine for basic low level dressage, for higher level she’d have to be a quick learner and shes obvs got to enjoy it 
it helps 
i think shell be just fine. just go for it! you dont know until you try
x
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personaly
A large, well developed front end (shoulders and neck), and long legs with a long, elegant stride.
Its good to see someone interested in doing Dressage on a Quarter! You dont see that very often!
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http://mustangs4us.com/choosin.....the%20Job)
She should carry herself well and be a great listener. Judges can tell right away when horses aren’t listening to the rider. You also have to be patient because dressage takes a lot a lot a lot of work.
Good luck! Dressage is a lot of fun – almost everyone I know (including myself) has a blast.
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You want a horse that is FORWARD. Dressage is being able to direct the horses natural energy and help him become a better, balanced athlete. Dressage is very frustrating or almost impossible if the horse is not in front of your leg. You need to be able to send them forward easily, not have to nag them with squeezes, kicks, use of whip, etc. As far as horse conformation, an uphill build is best. A horse that is naturally on the forehand is doing to have a much harder time with collection.
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Rider, competitor, owner, trainer, instructor 20 years
A horse that will excel in dressage is typically one with a more uphill build, higher set neck and sloping shoulder, and a hind end that naturally steps up and reaches under rather than the hocks flailing out behind them. Their movement should be long springy steps. They need to have a good amount of energy that you can channel into their movement.
But, any horse, regardless of conformation and movement, can do at least basic level dressage. I am not familiar with epyphysitis, all I know is that it has something to do with the way the leg develops, so I have no idea how it would impact dressage work.
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There are many qualities that are looked for in a dressage horse. Up-hill, sloping shoulder, well set on neck, short back, powerful hind end, some natural collection and suspension, and flowing, expressive gaits are just some of the things that are desired. Many top-level dressage riders also want their horses to be a little base narrow. While they are prone to brushing behind, being base narrow helps them really get good impusion and use themselves. That type of collection is only needed at the top levels though.
Almost any horse can do low level dressage, but the difference of whether they do well or not is based on there collection, gaits, and obedience. While being on-the-bit isn’t required at the lower levels, if your horse is on the bit at least a bit, you will get much better scores giving that your horse is otherwise calm, relaxed, and obedient. Do you have any pictures or videos of your mare? This will give us a better idea of whether she will be a prospect. Good luck!!
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