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Help me compare current mare to prospective trades for dressage horse...

1K views 16 replies 3 participants last post by  aimcat 
#1 ·
Guys I have not had my current mare long. She is a great mare - good temperment but Im not so sure she would make a good dressage horse. I have thought about trading her and have a few prospective trades but want to know what you guys think.

First is my mare 15.1 hand paint mare - she is 9-10ish

THIS IS NOT ME RIDING IN THIS VIDEO!


Here is her pic -



Next are all possible trades:
11yo TB gelding 16.3



Picture



16h 16yo TB gelding - no video - dead broke



Also keep im mind Ive gained some weight im in the 240 range and normally I am 170 or less! Im sure when I get back into riding I will loose it but just keep that in mind!

I have 2 more that might be prospective but need to get pictures and video.
 
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#2 ·
Any horse can do low level dressage - it just depends how high you're thinking of going.

I like the second horse the best, doesn't look too bad at all. A conformation picture would be nice.

The last horse is underweight and is seriously lacking a topline. That's all I can say for his conformation, as I'm not the best judge!
 
#6 ·
Well it looks like your mare needs tons of encouragement to maintain/increase her pace, which is something you'd have to fix (it *is* fixable!) She also doesn't look like she uses her hind end much.

But yes, I would choose the TB over your mare if I wanted to start doing Dressage.
 
#8 ·
He doesn't seem off to me. However, I'm not the best at catching things like that (sorry!).

Make sure you're very comfortable with the horse you choose, especially since you're a novice. As you probably know, Thoroughbreds tend be high-energy. Make sure he's not too much for you!

Are you taking lessons?
 
#10 ·
That's good! Sounds like a really nice boy, I'd definitely go check him out, and take him on a couple test rides. I do think he'd be good for dressage!

I think the weight thing should be okay, but if you're worried he won't be able to carry you, you could always look at some draft crosses - there are some really awesome ones out there that do well in dressage!
 
#12 ·
I'd hold out, then! I love draft crosses. You can't beat the athleticism of a sport horse plus the strength and more solid build of a draft. The more Warmblood-y look is trending in the dressage ring right now, too.

If you want a draft cross, I'd suggest waiting until you found one? Otherwise that TB does seem pretty nice.
 
#16 ·
this post may be too late, but i love that little paint mare. She seems so sweet. The TB is definitely more forward going, which is nice for dressage, but if you are just getting back into riding the paint mare is probably a more stable choice. Horses that come from lesson barns are fit, so if you are doing less than he is used to, he may get hotter. Good luck in your search!!
 
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