What should I look for in a Dressage horse when purchasing?
December 26, 2008 by English
Filed under Horse Buying
Emily J asked:
Hey, so I am goingto start Dressage, I do not plan on buying a horse right away, but in a few years I am. Once I do get more experince. What things should I look for in them?
Ari on Tue, 23rd Dec 2008 5:59 pm
When you really get into Dressage, you’ll know what attributes you look for.
You want a horse with a nice amount of suspension. If you’re looking for a horse who’s already trained, then look at the flexsion in his neck and how he uses his back legs. Does he move properly and comfortably, making it look effortless? How experienced of a Dressage horse is he, does he know piaffe and tempes? Is he in a focused enough state of mind, that he can keep his focus on performing every detail while theres a wild crowd outside of the ring?
Those are all some questions you should ask yourself. Now, I’m not much for a Dressage rider but we have a Dressage trainer at the barn. Maybe other Dressage riders would be able to give you a better gist.
But, once you get into the swing of it, you’ll know what you’re looking for.
Alexa M on Wed, 24th Dec 2008 4:25 pm
If you get to test him out and ride him, focus on how his gaits feel and how he responds to your signals. When mounting, does he sidestep or fidget? Does he halt easily? Do you have to fight him for control over this head? Does he seem to follow your commands easily? Did you have to use your crop at all? If so, how often?
When observing someone else riding him, ask yourself the same questions, along with: Is he a fluid, graceful mover? Do the operations appear to come naturally to him? Is he stiff at all? Where can he improve?
When tacking him up: Did he accept the tack easily? Did he have a bad reaction to any of the tack? Did he take the bit without a problem, or did you have to press his jaw? Does he wear any extra tack? If so, for what reason?
When grooming him: Did he have a negative response to any part of the grooming? Did he lift his feet easily when you were picking them out? Are there any spots where he didn’t like you to touch?
In general: Did he ever try to nip you? Does he appear healthy? What is your over-all feeling about him? How stubborn, on a scale from 1-10? How willing, on a scale from 1-10? Is he a pleasure to work with, or were you disappointed in some aspects of his behavior? How does he act around other people and horses? What problems were there?
Good luck!!!
crazyXawesome on Fri, 26th Dec 2008 10:28 am
hi!
well here are the important things you should look out for-
an already experience trained, obediant horse. since you are just beginning (trust me) it is NOT fun having to go through all that work yourself to get him to a level that you need while not knowing anything
look for good conformation because this will make is so that he is less likley to go lame or have other problems. also, it is so that in the future, the movements you ask of him will come much easier and he can use his back and legs better.
obediance is the key. get a horse that is willing to work and listen. nothing is more frusterating than a horse who doesnt like to work. this also plays in with how his manners are.
make sure at the same time that you get a horse that is good for your level. you dont need any olympic level horses, but at least, (if you want to get good) get a training level so that you can move up in the future.
getting a horse that knows what its doing is the best thing. this makes it easier for you to lean (especially with out making bad un-breakable habits) and to grow as a rider.
hope that helped, and good luck!