When looking for a low-level dressage horse...

[KnightShade]

Would love to hear comments from those with experience in the sport, and with selecting horses in general. I am an adult re-rider, have always ridden huntseat just due to what was around in the area, but have not ridden very consistently. Now I am starting dressage lessons with a highly recommended instructor that actually has a couple lesson horses, and will soon afterward be looking for a good horse to learn with. We have already made two big novice mistakes buying horses that were not suitable for us, and I do not wish to repeat that experience again! Of course, I will have a trainer come with to help once we start looking, but would love to hear your suggestions.

There are two constraints - one is that I do not have enough money for a double digit thousand dollar horse. Most likely, I would be looking in the $5-8k range. I see a lot of TBs in that price range, but am not sure a TB would be the right choice due to the other constraint - I am a somewhat tense rider right now after a lousy fall a couple years ago. I'm sure the lessons will help, but I do not need or want a horse that is untrained, jiggy, fast, or spooky. I don't care so much what breed it is, as long as it is decent in its conformation and has the right temperament.

So what sort of advice would you offer in regards to selecting a horse to do lower level dressage for a novice? Where would you look, what is very important about the horse, should it already have some dressage training, etc.? I do wish to compete, if only at the local level, and am very excited about finally pursuing the sport! There is only so much fulfillment you can get from reading dressage books and magazines... :)


Julie in VA

[Anselcat]

I suggest looking for temperament and movement over dressage training (obviously needs basic W/T/C), and for a horse who has done more than ride in an arena, whether it's trails or hunter shows or whatever -- just so they've already had some experience away from home.

And by movement I don't mean the extravagant gaits seen in high-dollar horses, but just rhythmic, relaxed and pure. That, plus a forgiving, happy temperament will get you far in lower levels. And you'll have fun as well!

Where to look? Everywhere! And make sure your trainer understands what you want. Don't let them talk you into a horse that you are not comfortable with!

I'm not a pro, but an adult re-rider who did just this a few years ago and I'm having a blast with my appendix QH.

[sm]

you basically are looking for a bomb proof horse, there are some TBs who fit the bill.

You describe yourself as "tense," but what are your hands doing: are you constantly tugging/yanking on the bit and without an independant seat? If this is the case a TB may not be the horse for you.

Try to get a lease situation before you buy: the horse must like endless flatwork, and horses have their people too. So you want a horse that likes his/her job and one that is able to bond with you well enough to pack you happily. A resentful horse, resentful for either reason, isn't going to work out.

Best of luck!

[bort84]

Well, I don't have tons of experience in dressage, but I've been in horses a pretty long time and have helped pick out quite a few for amateur riders.

I think one of the most important things across disciplines is to absolutely NOT overmount yourself during this learning period. Your trainer should be able to help you make sure you're getting something you can handle. At this point in your career, I would say an older horse would definitely be a good choice. If you can find an old campaigner, you'll have a much easier time teaching yourself rather than constantly having to have your trainer fix things you've taught him.

To find something less expensive, you usually have to go young and untrained or older and a little past his prime. As a "re-rider", I would say absolutely go with the latter choice. An older horse that maybe sometimes needs a few minutes to work out some stiffness will serve you much better than a young one that needs a few minutes to work out the bucks... Haha. You can get a younger prospect after you've had a few years in the ring.

You can really find some gems at smaller shows or even in advanced lesson programs. It sounds like you have enough money to get something in this price range. When buying an older horse, you obviously want to make sure he doesn't have any extreme lameness or any conformation faults that often create unsoundness in the later years. A thorough vet check is almost always worth the money.

You obviously will probably not make money on this type of horse, but you may not lose any money either. Horses that will carry somebody and willingly teach them the ropes are always in demand (I had a lot of these growing up, and we almost always got a little bit more than we paid for them when I moved up a level). I think learning the intricacies of dressage is made much easier if you have a horse that already knows a lot of the moves. I think even if you have a lot of riding experience in different disciplines, this is still an important point.

So basically, try to find something that looks relatively steady and forgiving. Older is probably better, and look to quieter attitudes. Sometimes smaller or less flashy horses will save you some $$, and at this point, who cares? A sweet disposition is a lot more appealing than nasty 18 hander, haha.

Again, I'd say smaller shows are a good place to keep an eye out. And also ask your trainer to ask around. A good advanced (you don't usually want a lower level lesson horse, they can get a good bit of wear and tear and jerking around) lesson horse can be an absolute gem.

I speak from experience, as growing up, we had very little money. My grandma was a horse trainer though, so we took the less flashy horses and made them winners. You really don't need to spend a lot of money, just a willingness to spend a lot of hours in the saddle. My current prospect is literally a backyard wonder. I got him for under $1K, no papers, he's an appy, and he can MOVE! He's little and and a bit green, but he's just been great.

Good luck! Maybe some people in your area can be more specific on where to look = )

[bort84]

And I second the leasing option. That's always a great way to make sure you aren't making a big mistake, haha.

Also, I definitely agree to look for a horse with comfy gaits. It will make your learning process much easier.

As far as breeds go, I really think you can find the right fit with many breeds. Individuals vary so much. I've met crazy quarterhorses and absolutely dead bombproof saddlbreds and arabians. So it really just depends.

As far as level of training, he obviously doesn't need to know how to piaffe and half pass all day. But finding one that is flexible and happy to be constantly working on perfecting the details, is a big plus. Also, if he already knows how to leg yield, shoulder in, bend on a nice circle, transition correctly, then you don't have to teach him, and he can teach you.

Sorry for the double post. I get a little too chatty!

[EqTrainer]

I think it would be foolish to not look at TB's. I have had lots of them who were forgiving and as bombproof as a horse could be. Athletic and balanced, too. Breed really doesn't mean that much - my QH is hot and reactive, although not spooky per say. He's also a big, elastic mover in all three gaits and forward.

When I look for an ammy horse I really look for the ones who are naturally balanced and like to be that way. I like them to not be hard to get on the aids. That way the ammy works on better connection, more impulsion, etc. etc. rather than indefinately blundering their way thru even establishing those basic things. No dangerous stunts - although I do refuse to look for "a horse who won't spook" for an adult ammy. All horses can/will/do spook. It's what they do with it, and afterwards, that counts.

[Minuet]

I concur with the older horse option. And yes, leasing is a great way to go. I was very much in the same position as you, and I decided to lease my trainer's horse (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1764337&l=cf820&id=677094082). She's older, but full of energy. You'd never guess her age! She's evented through training level, and dressage through third level. I'm eventing maiden and hopefully moving up to training this year. It is absolutely the best arrangement; she knows more than I do, she's steady, and she still enjoys the work, although to her it's not really work, it's fun. You should see her when we move to the jump field. Ears up, she gets a little more perky... I just love her. I did my first horse trial (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/3003321753_1801c99a35_m.jpg)last year on her, and we both had a blast!
I have confidence issues and I can't begin to tell you how much fun it is to ride a horse you don't have to worry about as much. NO horse is bombproof, but some are just more... chill. And I need that, to concentrate on what I need to learn.
You would be hard pressed to find a horse like that to buy, so if you get a chance to lease, take it. You may find yourself with access to a fabulous mount. But I know a lease horse is hard to find, so definitely look for an older horse to buy. So many people would love for their horses to have a great home, and be appreciated.

[magickmeadow]

I agree with the leasing and I do think thoroughbreds deserve consideration. I got my Big Horse initially through a lease then purchased him. And yes, he is an OTTB. He is older and well trained. Just quirky enough to continue to be a challenge but delightful in his personality and desire to please. I had a pretty bad accident several years ago and wanted a more steady Eddie type of horse. Big Horse fits the bill.

[horsetales]

As others have stated, temperment is what you need to look at. I can so relate to your position having been an adult re-rider. I started with an OTTB who was perfect and we had alot of fun learning dressage and showing. After his injury I moved to a WB (SF) and lost all confidence as he liked to toss me to the ground as often as possible. That is when I found the Irish sport horse. They tend to be very athletic with wonderful minds. Good luck in your search

[Oakstable]

I think ammy friendly horses are worth some $$.

Low budget horses are less for a reason.

[poltroon]

Your price range is fine. Where you should sacrifice is in talent - that is, be happy with a horse that is able to do First Level, and probably won't win in fancy company. That's OK. You can set your goals at getting scores above a certain percent, and at your own progress.

TBs can be fine - don't count them out. Also, don't worry about height. Horses in the 15 h range or even a bit smaller may be more affordable.

A horse that already has dressage training is preferable, just because that kind of horse will give you better teaching. It's not required, though, for what you need.

Look for a horse that has an amateur or junior rider now, rather than one coming from a pro. Those horses are generally more forgiving.

Older is fine too. Just do a vet check and know what kind of maintenance the horse needs, and be sure to budget for it. Those horses are often gems, and IME often end up staying sounder than the young horses after all the worries.

For someone like you, I would not buy a horse less than 10 years old. Sometimes people have young horses that are quiet, and they get sold to people in your circumstance, but the younger horses don't generally have the confidence and background to deal with a lot of rider mistakes or anxiety well.

[FatDinah]

As a fellow nervous older Nelly, I'll second everybody saying temperament is No. 1. After that, balanced moderate gaits will help you learn: a horse that has some self carriage but won't post you out of the saddle.

Then, if I had to choose size, I'd look for a smaller horse - meaning both height and scale. A shorter, more compact horse is likely going to be easier for you than a tall, lanky one.

But, No. 1 is a kind forgiving nature! So if you find that in a 17hh TB, go for it.

[S&SFarm]

I would highly recommend an older horse. My husband became interested in riding at the ripe old age of 58. I put him in lessons with a competent instructor with good lesson horses for beginners. He actually did this for several years before he started making noises about his own horse.

We acquired a 21yo schoolmaster for him over a year ago. The horse was free. Now, I didn't go into this with my eyes closed. I had known and ridden the horse off and on for a year. I knew he had a little arthritis but he was basically very sound for his age with good gaits, appropriate size for my husband, and a very forgiving, steady temperament. He had a four beat canter and a hollow back but would stay in whatever gait he was asked for and go around like a trooper. I felt I could correct those things and was actually able to do so in short order. It was the best thing we ever did. My husband is having a blast, can go on trail rides, safely ride by himself or in a lesson and the horse will be retired to our place when he finally gets too old, which I think might be a while.

Because I knew the horse we did not even vet him. I knew he would have old age related problems and figured if we got a good year out of him it would be worth any vet bills. However, a year later he is going strong with no soundness related vet bills. I keep him tuned up for my husband and have actually continued his training. His flying changes can be a little sticky one direction because of some arthritis but what the heck, they are great going the other way and my husband will be able to learn how to do them when he is ready. I am schooling the horse in canter half pass, a little piaffe, and am taking lessons from my FEI trainer on him myself. He could be shown a respectable third level at AA. You couldn't ask for more.

So look around and don't write off the older horse. If it is the right horse they can be worth their weight in gold even if you only get a few years out of them. They will teach you a lot and let you have a feeling of security as you learn.

Speaking from experience it is a very, very rare case where a green rider should ever buy a green horse. You will be very sorry in the long run and it will hold your riding and learning back. It is almost impossible for a green rider to learn what straightness in the horse and themselves is, how to use their seat instead of their hands, and the feel of riding back to front on a green horse. The green horse doesn't know any of these things so how can you teach them if you don't know when they are correct yourself. Let the schoolmaster teach you and then your next horse can be younger if you want. Good luck with your search.

[merrygoround]

Look at the horse, not the breed.
There are some great TB's out there, with great movement and great temperament. However if you are just starting this game I would look for a horse with a little education. Of course you will pay a little more for a horse that is confirmed 2nd level, but what a time saver to ride a horse that when ridden correctly will give you correct answers.

I say 2nd because most people don't aspire to more than that for the first year or two, they are too busy beating their bodies into submission when coping with lateral work. :)
Be patient, it is more and more a buyers market. ;)

[FriesianX]

I'd agree with most of what has already been said - don't look for a certain BREED, look for a horse with a quiet and forgiving personality. Some Thoroughbreds are easy, quiet, gentle horses. Look for a horse that has lots of "miles" on them - has been there, done that. Look for a horse with three decent gaits - walk, trot, canter. If possible, try the horse in more than one situation - ask to take a ride at a strange facility (or as many suggested, ask about a 30 or 60 day lease to make sure you and horse are suited for each other).

There are many nice breeds that can do dressage - Tbreds, Morgans, Paints, WB crosses, etc, and in this market, $8k will buy you quite a bit of decent horse!

[slc2]

It's very politically correct these days (especially here) to say that Thoroughbreds are NOT nervous and that they are NOT difficult for beginners or tense riders and that there is a big variety in temperaments in them and blah blah blah. Too bad the good old days when you could be honest seem to have vanished.

Thoroughbreds were developed to be race horses. They have chiefly been used for fox hunting in fast country, racing and similar speed events. To have a lot of energy, to respond very quickly to their rider, and to want to run. Some of them are more lethargic, but by and large, yes, they are more active and quicker, and back in the day, one did not make blanket statements to beginners encouraging them to get a Thoroughbred. In fact, back in the day, we were told NOT to buy thoroughbreds for beginner or shy riders.

We had a barn full of warmbloods and one thoroughbred. He used to run around the pasture, and all the warmbloods would stand there and stare at him and then stare at each other, as if to say, 'What is WRONG with that boy?' Though nowadays, warmbloods of the 'modern' type also tend to be quite active and sensitive.

These days, quite a few Quarter Horse lines also contain a lot of Thoroughbred blood and quite a few of them ARE 'hot and temperamental'.

I don't really feel that draft-thoroughbred crosses or warmbloods always make the best beginner or 'confidence builder' horses either. The animals chosen for sire and dam of draft-thb crosses often are lacking in quality, and warmbloods can be very active and very strong in the bridle.

Heavier, drafty horses aren't always that 'quiet'. Some of them can be awful strong, even bullies. I've seen less strong, courageous riders have awful problems trying to break and train or bring along their own draft cross; I think many people bought them thinking they would be easier.

I don't think there's any breed that reliably, can be guaranteed to have the traits you want. There are some possibilities - quarter horse crosses, part draft horses (1/4 draft crosses are often nice).

You have 5-8000 dollars? First of all, if you feel shy or timid, there are VERY VERY FEW horses of ANY breed that will give you good results if you try to buy them young and train them yourself. The fundamental problem is the tension is a big problem when working with youngsters, and that means nearly any horse is going to sense that and be naughty sometimes.

DON'T get a green horse. NO MATTER WHAT. The horse that has 'been there, done that' is often the best choice. The one that's been ridden down the trail, down the side of the road, and at the local bustling riding club shows might be a lot calmer and more reliable.

http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1267394&share_this=Y

This is not a recommendation for the above horse, I've never seen this horse except in the ad. But by keying your criteria in (age 8 minimum price 8000 max, gelding, no size requirement, no location requirement) i got 63 horses, and of these, there were a couple shown under saddle and doing some sort of dressage.

Not that I'm suggesting that web sites are a good way to buy horses. The BEST horse is one you see frequently behaving quietly in many different situations. That you know is sound because you see him coming out of the barn to be ridden day after day, that your instructor knows and recommends.

I think if you just get out there and look around you'll find a good match.

Really consider the older horse with a long history of being shown at local shows like the ones you like to show in.

[anchorsaway]

Don't automatically write off TB's!
Almost every one of my trainer's school horses are TB's and they are the quietest, most sensible, and kindest horses I have ever come across.

I have a TB and he is super quiet, willing, sweet, and happy. I've had quite a few people comment that they would have never guessed that he was indeed a thoroughbred based on temperament let alone movement and build. They tend to be catagorized as flighty, nutty horses- many are not this way at all.

Keep all your options open :)

[bort84]

Haha, funny about the being PC about TBs on this board. To be fair, I can kind of understand how TB people feel coming from a saddlebred background. I find myself constantly telling people they're not ALL hot and crazy. I actually find them to be one of the most trainable breeds. But I can't say I'd generally recommend them to a novice that does not have the horse in training. They're often just a smidge too sensitive for a newer rider.

I feel like it's the same with TBs. I've known many individuals that are even like "pack" horses. We had a big sweet guy that used to carry anyone over pretty much any course in perfect hunter style, but I really can't say he's a typical thoroughbred.

I mean, breeds do tend to get a stereotype for a reason. That being said, breed certainly should not be your number one criterion. If you have a breed you've worked well with in the past, then it's a good starting point for sure. But again, the individuals of each breed often vary, so don't write ANY breed off or think any breed will be the key to your perfect horse. (But maybe be just a little wary of the hotter breeds, haha. It's just sensible.)

[Gayla]

I have to put my 2cents in for an older horse. I an now the proud owner of a middle aged mare and I spook more than she does! I love her temperament and will never go back to having a young horse again. I just don't have the temperament for it myself. My mare is a QH and I think many many many of them are right in your town for sale everywhere. They will be suitable for any level you will get to any time soon for a song right now. Just take your trainer and be honest about what you really need. Steady and fun not fabulous and flashy! Don't over look cheaper horses that may be a back yard trail mount in their current home, there is not necessarily something wrong with them b/c they are less expensive. Many people think 1K is a lot for a horse...these people can be your friend...:cool:
PS I have to agree with everyone about the breed...don't even pay attention to that...there is a sweety in every breed...but I have noticed a preponderance of QH sweeties...:D

[rugbygirl]

Don't even look at breed. Go to some shows (about the level you aspire to right now) and you can probably locate about 10 horses to go have a look at. Agree, focus on ones currently ridden by Adult Amateurs or Juniors. There are always horses for sale on the show circuits.

Hop on and ride them when you go look at them. If they don't w/t/c for you (without making you nervous) keep looking. They are out there! I just found the perfect horse for me in a Thoroughbred for half what I was willing to pay. It took about 8 failed test rides before I found him though :)

The right horse is out there! In most areas, your price range should get you a very suitable horse.

[J-Lu]

People have given you alot of good advice but I'll add my two cents on top of what others have said:

Don't count out TBs. Some are calm and wonderful. But not all, so be picky about who you look at.

Don't count out ex-broodmares. There are some very talented 7-13 year old registered warmblood broodmares that are wonderful and pleasant amateur riding horses that can be purchased for $5-10K. They can be cheap because they don't have a solid show record or much training. But sometimes the breeder is scaling down and it is cheaper to "firesale" than keep the horse at the barn if they're not going to be bred.

Don't count out Arabians, morgans, appendix QHs, paints, draft-crosses, etc. Some are very very nice and very talented for lower level...sometimes even upper level...dressage. you can sometimes find a western pleasure or trail horse *drop out* who is a drop out because he has really nice expressive gaits. You can sometimes get good deals on these horses.

Don't count out any horse that needs a good home. Network! Sometimes very talented, very pleasant horses have owners who fall on hard times or develop health problems and they'd rather their horse go to a good home for cheap than a bad home for a good price. I know many MANY people who got nice horses this way.

Good luck!

J.

[slc2]

Actually, I think there is one specific breed you should consider as a breed, that's a Norwegian Fjord.:)

[Melissa.Hare.Jones]

Most of my students are adults, many with limited time, limited fitness and limited courage. They own a variety of breeds, ages, sizes and types, but the riders who make the most progress have horses with these things in common:

- Willing temperment... the horse is friendly, calm in all but the most stressful situations, looks forward to work, tries hard every time out, and doesn't get rattled by rider mistakes

- Good basic gaits... naturally forward walk, reliably dead-steady trot and canter tempo

- Conformation that lends itself easily to the discipline

- If any, very minor soundness issues

Finally... don't underestimate the "feel" you get when you sit on a horse. You should want to ride your horse every single day (even if that's impossible... in fact, especially if that's impossible)... that level of "I LOVE my horse" is what gets you through the difficult periods of training, gets you out to the barn to practice as often as you can, and gives you the pride and ambition to want to continually work to improve your partnership.
:yes:

[Jealoushe]

Obviously, temperment and training are the most important. I will tell you though, that an Appaloosa will be there for you through the nerves, the worries, and try their heart out until they can not try anymore. They can be very successful dressage horses. Obviously I grew up with an Appy pony, and have owned many after and am biased, but they are genuinely good horses for nervous riders. They are also striking and versatile. I'm not saying they are ALL like that, but most are.

[Arizona DQ]

Julie in VA,

I was in the same boat as you.:D If you only want to stay at lower level dressage locally, it should be pretty easy for you to find something reasonable! I had/have no aspirations to go to the higher levels. As an older re-rider and a timid rider, i wanted a bomb proof horse. My idea was to find a decent older (teen years) Quarter horse type gelding. I found a 12 year old Arab x AS mare. She is bomb proof ! No dressage training but lots of trail miles. We are getting ready for Training level and I am thrilled with her. (Trainer says she can go at least through second level - but can I ??? :eek: ) I paid $3,200 and did not even give the seller a count offer (I hate to barter). I brought my trainer with me and essentially trainer said that she could tell we had a bond and unless the mare had only 3 legs there was no way she would have nixed the deal....(Trainer also knows I am a timid rider :winkgrin: )

Here we are at a local schooling show!

http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg341/teckelhof/?albumview=slideshow

As everyone else said, temperament was the most important thing for me! Good luck!;)

[bort84]

Haha, just wanted to second the "don't count out an Appy." My boy has been a dream come true, and I got him for $700 bucks out of a pretty unfortunate situtation. He was at a saddleseat barn, and nobody liked him because he was an appy. They had him so irritated that he was dumping every rider in the barn! (that's what happens when you don't turn him out and only ride him once a week without a lunge first...) I've yet to come off of him, and he was like a completely different horse the first day he was with me.

Now, obviously this is not the type of reputation you want to look for, but it's a good story about picking up a quality horse for basically no money. And, as far as breed goes, I did discover there are a lot of dressage type appies out there. I'd always had saddlebreds, and here I am with my fabulous little rugged appy who moves like a fancy WB and will jump anything. He does have a little more giddy up than you might like, but there are really a lot out there that are very dressage friendly.

Anyway, I've never spent more than $4K on a horse (usually less), and I've found some real gems. You just might have to put in a little extra leg work to find them.

I've also had some broodmares that we've brought back for showing, and many of them are wonderful. That's where your trainer can really come in and help you decide if they have enough background training and are also sound (both are sometimes an issue with broodmares.)

[KnightShade]

Thanks for the great responses so far! Sorry for sparking a TB debate, too. :sadsmile: Guess that was on my mind because we just "re-homed" (gave away) a TB mare we had bought for my teenager, after the situation quickly deteriorated once she wasn't in a full-time training situation, and we realized she was too much for either of us to handle. To complement this last novice error, I also have a 2005 Arab gelding we bought as a foal, who I now decided to sell, realizing my limitations in dealing with a horse just starting out under saddle. He has fabulous temperament, but needs to be about 5 years older for me to feel comfortable. When searching, in regards to breed, I want to be open minded to a realistic extent, and will evaluate each horse as an individual.

I will try to get out the word when I have some cash in hand to people we know and network - it would be fantastic to get to know a horse for a little while instead of just making appointments from online ads with strangers. The lease option is one I will definitely consider, too - I just need more time in the saddle to get my confidence back up. I hope to be posting later this year and next about our progress!


Keep the replies coming... :D

[piaffequeen]

Temperment is the most important quality I look for in a horse. Like you-I have been bucked off-run away with too many times to count. There are good and bad examples of every breed. I have a 25 year old TB named Sam whom I would not trade the world for. I got him for free and what sold me on him was a few things. (1) My trainer actually knew the horse very well and actually Sam's owner was a working student for her. He babysat his former owner up through Prelim. (2) When I went to go see him, his owner put him through his paces and during the canter a flock of birds flew right in front of him and he never looked up or changed pace-he rode right through them. I have had for a little over a year and I love him to death! We have done 1 schooling show and he was such a trooper!

[IronwoodFarm]

I agree with SLC2, look at a Norwegian Fjord. They are definitely sturdy enough to carry an adult and their barrel really takes up leg. Our stallion has done well in open competition at Training and First Level. He won or came in reserve in a couple of show series and he was overall 3rd for CDCTA's year end dressage award at training. He was the only Fjord competing against warmbloods, TBs and various crosses. Best of all, he's just plain fun to ride. He's so quiet that nobody believes he is a breeding stallion until they look.

[slc2]

Wonderful animals, beautiful too!

[indyblue]

Are they expensive in America ? What about availibility? We dont have many in NZ but the ones I have seen are so sweet.

[terasa]

I'll second or third or tenth the advice to look for temperment before breed.
I'm in exactly the same position as you, I have a 5 year old who I took in as a foal. Quite frankly, he's a little much for me at the moment- I havent really ridden since I got him 5 years ago.
The best thing I did was go look at my 3/4 TB 1/4 percheron girl. She's not what I was looking for really, (I'm short and was leaning towards something even pony sized, perhaps an older schoolmaster type) but I heard from several people about what a nice, even tempered horse she was. She looks exactly like a big TB mare. She was only just started W/T/C when I went to see her, but she had nice, rhythmical movement. Nothing super fancy, but certainly nothing to laugh at either. Responsive, but super safe and honest. I trail rode her for the summer and got back into the swing of things, then sent her for professional training for 3 months. She hasnt ever intentionally put a foot wrong and whenever a situation arises where I'm stressing looking for the worst to happen she just stays quiet and takes care of me. The funniest part? She's only 4! Take your time and look around. The perfect horse for you might not be at all what you had in mind originally :)

[Trevelyan96]

KS... don't rule out those TB's, they're great, even the OTTB's. I'm a very timid rider and I have 2 of them!

My best advice is to look for a horse that has some show mileage, maybe in the local hunters, who may not be able to do the 3' divisions, but they're calm, sensible, and usually have pretty decent movement. You want something that's willing and forgiving, won't give you more than you can handle, but is also capable of more as you move up. If you want to make the hour trek up to southern MD, I'll be happy to let you hop on Trav, he might give you a 'starting point' for what you're looking for. PM me if you want to take a ride. He's not for sale or lease, but I think he'd give you a good idea of what a well trained hunter has to offer for the beginning dressage and adult re-rider. He was a green champion in 2004.

You can see our very first dressage test in the thread "First Show, Not Ready". I was a total wreck, but we got a 61. Judge said he needed more energy, but the truth was he simply didn't give me more than I asked for because he knows I'm not ready for it.

Good luck and happy hunting. But take the advice of all posters who advised that at this point you want to look for temperament over talent. Calm, willing, and able to do 1st to 2nd level is your best bet for now. Its about the same as looking for a 'packer' in the hunters.

[DressageK]

You obviously will probably not make money on this type of horse, but you may not lose any money either.

What kind of horse makes money...? Horses eat money.

[bort84]

Haha, well, it is possible to make money on a horse (including training time and eating); I've done it. But what I meant there was, sometimes you can resell for more than what you paid for him or get the same price. Just meaning that you could buy another horse in the same price range if you decided to move up a bit. That's all I meant = ) But I do agree that most just eat up your money in the meantime, haha.

[atr]

Buy the brain.

I'll chime in also for appaloosas. Bred for brains. You can't dominate them, but if you sort out how to work with them while listening to their side of the story too, they'll give you their heart and soul. I've had horses of many breeds over many years for many different purposes, but I've found my appies to be the best fit for me, personally. Your mileage may vary, of course. Honestly, most full TBs are a bit quick for me, but I've had a wonderful appendix QH, and a really very nice TB/Appy.

My boy isn't going to the Olympics, but he looks after his mum, and we do pretty well if I'm correct. I reckon he'll see me through my bronze medal with luck and a following wind...

And he's just so pleasant and easy-going. And so easy to go places with and to show--my biggest problem is prying the big spotted ham away from his fan club.

[Jealoushe]

I just wanted to share a photo of one of our Appies, who is now on loan to a theraputic riding center.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=35958620&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=33018542087&aid=-1&oid=33018542087&id=121509012

That is not me riding but a friend of mine. We also own his full sister who showed succesfully to 2nd Level and was Eastern Canadian Pony Club Dressage Champion at the Basic 2 and 3 level (back when they were called that).

[oldenmare]

Julie:

Hi there - sent you a PM b/c I know of a really awesome, talented mare for sale that is in your price range and only 1/2 hour from you. Gave you some details and owner's number.

You can also contact me with any questions - I rode the mare over the summer (the owner & I cooped at same barn for awhile, then she moved her mare to trainer's barn). I can't say enough good things about this mare. She's a Holsteiner/TB cross - good temperment and very nice gaits.

Also - as an update - Raven is settling in well - pulled her shoes (to let her feet recover!) and working some on longe (as weather permits). She is still prone to nipping and girthiness - sloooooowly working through this but I have hope....

Beth

[narcisco]

So what sort of advice would you offer in regards to selecting a horse to do lower level dressage for a novice? Where would you look, what is very important about the horse, should it already have some dressage training, etc.?

Here is my advice. Buy the horse you like, who likes you, who makes you feel safe. Buy the horse you can walk, trot and canter on comfortably without stirrups. If you're not at the no stirrups stage, but the horse you can walk, trot and canter on safely. If you're not at the canter stage, don't buy a horse.

Buy a horse you're happy to see every morning. He doesn't have to be beautiful or papered or fancy, but he has to make you happy.

Many, many riders in your position find beautiful show horses coming from the western divisions. These horses have no "dressage" training, but they are well trained, soft, and safe. Be aware of forced training and gadgets and be sure the horse still has three good gaits (it will trot, not jog in 4 beats, and it will canter in 3 beats, not 4 beat lope). They tend to be very submissive and safe.

Dressage is a series of horses. You are right to look horses who will only need to do lower level dressage. Buying "potential" is the biggest waste of money you can make. As much as I love TBs, of the 10 or 15 I looked at for sale this year, I can't think of one I would buy for my tense adult riders. They are hotbloods. Finding the exception could be dangerous, so always let your trainer ride the horse first.

The level of training doesn't matter, and you might find an older upper level schoolmaster who fits the bill. Price wise, it's always a tradeoff between training and soundness.

Keep looking until you find the horse that "clicks" with you when you ride him. You will know.

Happy and safe horse shopping!

[kayandallie]

Can we address age (of horse and rider). If one is getting on in years, she really needs an older horse for the calm factor; however, then the horse gets old and the older rider is old and then again needs an older horse. This can get expensive. The younger ones can buy an older horse, learn on it and then buy a young horse to train.
So, should the older rider really try to find a very quiet younger horse to go gently into the night together or should she throw yet more money into an older horse who then requires her to keep him while she gets yet another older horse down the road?
You youngsters; try to put yourself in this predicament; seriously, you will get here some day no matter how you try to avoid it.