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Best Breed for Amateurs in Dressage?

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  • #61
    I think rider personality dictates horse personality, no matter the status.

    I have seen individuals within the same breed (out of the same mother no less) with vastly different personalities, that made one the perfect ammie horse the other was nuts, and a few inbetween.

    So Breed alone isn't it.

    If I went by what my Sister had in her barn, I would have to say go RPS(I) for Ammie, Han. for pro, but that would not be accurate, based on 2 horses...

    I like a responsive sane horse...I could not care less about the stamp on the hip.

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    • #62
      I agree with the above poster. And the only Andalusian that I know of is an absolute nut! I think it's horse to horse. A single breed can have horses with vastly different personalities.

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      • #63
        I'm going to be trying out an Andy as an AA dressage student. They are a little rare in parts but if you check Dreamhorse and such they do pop up, even reasonably priced, because of the economy they are definitely down in price although you can still pay a lot if you want to . Will let you all know how it goes. So far most of my experience has been on my arab mare who is a doll. I will be curious to see what the differences are.

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        • #64
          Of course Irish Draughts!

          Most breeders in the US Canada and Great Britain ARE Adult Amateurs and do dressage. We breed for horses to suit ourselves. My personal goal is to breed for accomplished amateurs. If you have the confidence and experience to ride out and try different horse sports and manage your horses on the ground then the Irish Draught is a great candidate. They are not selected by committee and governments to be Olympic level sport horses. They are not for people looking for big air. They don't tend to have huge lofty gaits. That doesn't mean they can't move but it means their gaits are functional, purposeful, ground covering, soft, and easy. Dressage judges find them a very acceptable competitors up through the levels and frequently ask the riders what they are riding. Forward horses, no more carrying your horse at the canter...they carry themselves. The prices for Irish Draughts have come down by half as the supply has increased and due to the economy. Where others just stop breeding we tend to keep on as our primary function is breed preservation. This is a rare breed and most of us are dedicated to keeping the breed going and accepting the market fall. While we do have tall individuals this is not a breed of massive horses. It is not hard at all to find Irish Draughts and Sport Horses from 15.2 to 16.1 with a good saddle position for a comfortable ride.

          I've three started Irish Draughts...one is described as a sofa and can comfortably be ridden bare back...you thought your bare back days were behind you? One is much more forward and quick but still there is no spook to worry about, just a nice forward horse to enjoy. Another is totally green his interest in his new world is avid but it doesn't include spooking.

          All that said there are many individuals in all breeds and grade horses who could suit an adult amateur. I have found it is the amount of suspension in the trot that makes some big movers too much for my stiffer 50+ back to follow in the sitting trot. I am not saying with more riding I couldn't adjust but if you ride 5 or less times a week and are not riding multiple horses your going to want a softer gait to encourage you to relax your shoulder back and hips. When you find horses that have lots of experience and miles those are the one to enjoy riding out and travelling to shows with. Then to find a horse who takes care of themselves and are not accidents going someplace to happen. Life is so much easier with these kinds of horses. PatO.

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          • #65
            I'm with those who think there is a difference in riding WB vs off breeds. The elasticity of gaits in a WB is a lot harder just to post and takes much more effort despite the size. So even before one sits, there's a difference.

            I adore Andalusians but they aren't for everyone. They are more sensitive to the rider's balance than some heavier breeds, for the most part, so a green rider will need a well trained one. They also have a lot of personality. There is always someone home who is trying to break into the tack box, feed bin, whatever.

            I have a 3/4 andi who's part arab, part QH. Wish I could clone him as he has lots of bone/body but is only 15.1H so can take a lot of different sized riders. He's also strong enough to balance himself and can collect and extend as his back is a bit longer than the average Andi.

            Have a friend who professionally starts dressage horses and has worked with several Friesian farms starting their young ones. She HATES Friesians. They can tend to be lazy and slow moving. In general, conditioning them is hard - and some just can't build up any stamina and you can't tell from the outside which ones it will be. If you get a good one, a sports model with good personality, they can be great ammatuer horses but these ones are harder to find.

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            • Original Poster

              #66
              Irish Draughts? Interesting. I have never seen one up close and personal! I will look into breeders in the area.

              There are quite a few Andalusian Breeders around here, although they are just starting out, so the horses for the most part aren't of riding age. I have a 4 year old Spanish Norman coming towards the end of the month, so interested to see what the Andy/Perch cross looks like and trains like.

              I suppose the genetics in my area would play a big difference too though.
              Freeing worms from cans everywhere!

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              • #67
                The Canadian Irish Draught Society

                http://www.idhs.ca/home.cfm
                then Missoula Montana http://www.dandelionfarm.com/transatlantic.html

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                • #68
                  I'm your stereotypical old lady AA, in my fifties, started riding late in life, and am very pleased with my TBs. They are relatively straightforward temperament-wise (what you see is what you get), smart, very trainable and very willing. My old mare, who has below average gaits, is a huge tryer. My young boy has somewhat above average gaits which will only improve with training (he had some polo training so we are now dealing with eradicating his "polo canter"). He is very willing and learns quickly. And he has an incredible brain--he is one of the bravest and most level-headed horses in the barn.

                  I don't think I'll have a big problem sitting his trot (I did on my old TB mare who has a jackhammer trot) and I think he will be more than enough to suit my purposes. Even though I ride between 5 and 7 days a week, I'll never make it to GP, and 3rd level would be really fantastic and unexpected.

                  With limited funds, my choice was between a good individual from an off-breed and a less good individual warmblood and for me, I made the right choice. Quite a few people I know, including those with warmbloods, would love to trade horses with me.

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                  • #69
                    I like the warmbloods..."buy the horse to suits the need" is always my motto. There are a lot of different types out there...some of the less pricey ones are not the stellar movers that bounce you all over.

                    I am riding a wonderful DW by Juventus who is a real pleasure, but she does have FEI level gaits which can make sitting the trot hard. I have seen a bunch of the Juventus get be really nicely tempered and sane. I am also riding a Hanoverian/Trak mare by the stallion "Flugzauber" and she is lovely...but I would call her more of a pros ride...very sane and trainable though...just really athletic....she wins at dressage but is an eventing machine!

                    The third one I have is a Hanoverian by the semi-newly imported stallion Nocturno...and honestly if I was looking to sell him, he would be just perfect for an AA or YR...he is only three right now, but is so mild mannered and good natured. His gaits are lovely, but not overly hard to ride or work with, and his attitude is the best! I would suggest one of those to anyone...and he is a beauty too. Just really something to make you proud you own him.

                    PS...I agree with Elegante E above on the Friesians too...I ride them professionally for IBOP tests...nice mided horses (sometimes) but terrible to ride...lazy...too much work and most of their movement is up and down draft type...not good for dressage. They are pretty though to look at.

                    Just my two cents!!

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                    • #70
                      Love my Welsh Cob!

                      I have a Welsh Cob, 14.3 hands, but plenty of girth to take up my long legs. He has been under saddle two years. He is a great size and has a great temperment. I am a 5'5", 50 year old amateur. I have shown him in league shows and we always score in the high 60s to low 70s. My trainer showed him training level open this year at recognized shows and got similar scores and the regional championship. They finished the year up first for Welsh at his level in the All Breeds; and in the to 8% for all breeds. But that is just frosting. He is just an all around fun, sports car type package. He always get great comments from the judges like "What a fun little horse. It looks like you are having a blast". You can see him at

                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4OLHGCxH-E

                      I am totally in love with this breed. To see what they are capable of at the higher levels check this out... And note, his rider is 5'10" and he is 14.2.

                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_XKqimoPCU

                      And look what Debbie McDonald has to say about him...

                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9w59hvGZUg

                      So... Welsh Cobs get my vote!!! And they are reasonably priced compared to a warmblood!!!

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                      • #71
                        When my Ammys start looking for a horse of their own (something dressagey) I have one breed that I suggest first. Morgan, foundation/government/lippet bred to be specific! I am not per say " a Morgan person". I own none myself but have come to adore and admire the "teachers pet" of equine world.

                        When I think Amateur I think middle aged slightly out shape ladies with a reserved amount of ambition and a desire to have fun while staying safe. Few breeds are safer, kinder and still pretty and fancy enough to fit the bill like a stout little Morgan.

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                        • #72
                          I agree with the comments, it isn't the breed, it is the individual horse. Here in CA, we see a lot of lower level ammies struggling with their Warmbloods that are just too much horse for them. The Friesians and Andalusians seem to be very popular, and I'm not sure why Friesians do so much better here then on the East coast? We see many who are forward and over their backs, and they seem to have great minds. A handful of Morgans, and many Arabian crosses and purebreds that seem to be really nice. And a few Appendix QHs and Paints and Appies - really, a nice horse is a nice horse. Look for the mind, not the breed.

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                          • #73
                            I am a very low level amateur but I love warmbloods. I would consider other breeds but I am tall and so my other choices are TBs and draft crosses, both of which I rule out for some of the reasons already quoted.
                            That being said, warmbloods are very expensive compared to other breeds and I feel silly trying to find one when I'm obviously never going to be able to take full advantage of its talents. But, I continue on my quest...

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                            • #74
                              I would think anything sane, sound and smooth

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                              • #75
                                Whatever breed the amateur wants to ride (and enjoys riding).

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                                • #76
                                  Man this post got long...

                                  Hmm, well this obviously depends on the individual...

                                  There's a reason a lot of us on here have breed preferences - a lot of breeds have stereotypes that are often true, and certain people are drawn to those traits. Sure, there are unique individuals in every breed, but there is usually an average type that has created the stereotype (which can be good or bad depending on your preference).

                                  I personally adore the saddlebred. They are sensitive, light, level-headed but a bit hot, and most of them will turn themselves inside out trying to figure out what you want them to do. Many of them are lovely movers, and I'm convinced they could quickly become a top sporthorse option (especially for the budget conscious) with more careful breeding and better "brand" management. I think many ammies could successfully train a lot of ASBs that don't have previous issues or saddle seat training. They learn quickly and generally don't try to test you too much.

                                  However, not everyone prefers their type. I also can see the appeal of PRE horses. They don't have my favorite "look" for dressage, but I've known many that are sensitive yet still incredibly forgiving. We have a lady at our barn who is paralyzed from the waist down and rides a 3/4 andy, 1/4 QH (he looks all andy), and he is an absolute dear. They are often pretty light (which I like), sensible though sometimes a bit hot, and sensitive (but not overly).

                                  Some love arabs. I grew up around them, worked with quite a few, and like them a lot, but I think they are often more useful to a lot of ammies in a cross. Arabs are often too smart and quick for an intermediate or lower ammy. They can be wonderful horses, but they can also be tough little guys that work to actively outsmart their riders, haha. Some people thrive on this and enjoy the challenge. Others would be quickly outsmarted and left behind. I have known a lot of arabs though, and there are a lot of gems out there (especially once well trained) that would be perfect for even the most timid beginning ammy.

                                  Warmbloods are always a good choice if dressage is the end goal. However, if someone is on a budget, I think you can often get a better candidate for less money in an "off" breed. Especially if you require a horse that already has some decent training.

                                  Appies have recently caught my notice. It was actually an appy who switched my gears from mostly saddle seat to now mostly dressage/jumping. I haven't known very many, so I can't make any broad comments on the breed. But my horse has been everything appy people talk about - talented jumper, sensitive, quick to learn without being too smart for his own good, willing, etc... Mine is a fabulous mover and always wows the dressage folks. However, he is certainly not a horse I'd call "amateur friendly." For experienced amateurs with excellent hands and balance control, absolutely, for a beginner to intermediate, well, he gets pretty irritated. I love him though and think he's got the talent to get to FEI, even if I don't have the time currently to get us there = )

                                  In the end, it all comes down to compatability and skill level. It's hard to lump all ammies under one category because there are ammies who will always be lower level riders at best, and then there are ammies that could be pros easily. Each will require different horses, whether it's a top bred WB, OTTB, QH, arab, ASB, TWH, standardbred, PRE, connemara, cob, fjord, etc = )

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                                  • #77
                                    Andalusian. Anything on the hottish side crossed with a Cleveland Bay!

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                                    • #78
                                      There you go - you have your choice of every concievable breed. For marketability, it would be WB, for mind it would be R line, for sale it would be a bunch of ribbons.
                                      Proud member of People Who Hate to Kill Wildlife clique

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                                      • #79
                                        For an ammie?
                                        Very simple, any horse that has:
                                        Patience
                                        Forgiveness

                                        My horse has both, and I probably test them every ride.
                                        Some days the best thing about my job is that the chair spins.

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                                        • #80
                                          Warmbloods are different.

                                          Many are bred to be very sensitive and reactive to win in upper level, top competition.

                                          However, some breeders, like myself breed for easy going, amateur friendly warmbloods. I have had many youngsters that we can ride once a week, or even less, and they are fine, no lunging needed, just enjoy.

                                          I have 3 year olds that kids have taken lessons on. I chose my breeding animals very carefully for this goal. My stallion gives pony rides too.
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