[rhosroyalvelvet]

It depends on what height you are/what height horse your comfortable riding but welsh ponies especially C's can have very animated action and can do well in the dressage sphere.

In fact one of Springfieldpark Unique (by Horeb Euros out of Tinvaal Princess who is by Gwelfro Tywysod) offspring ( Eponas Brenin Mathrafal) is expected to make the Norwegian National Dressage team next year after winning the National Dressage Championships.

Also her first foal Plassens King Daniel by Nebo Daniel is currently competing at Prix. ST George level dressage in Norway.

The Welsh breed is very versitial and strong and if you chose to follow that path I am sure they could carry you to the top of the dressage circuit

Good Luck finding your horse

 

[DraftyAiresMum]

I was on the verge of buying a lovely, quiet 7yo Holsteiner/TB cross mare who was started in eventing (so had some dressage work done) for $1000 a year and a half ago. They had originally priced her at $7500 less than six months before, but fancy English horses don't sell for as much as good roping and working cowhorses do in my area and they needed her off their feed bill, so they dropped her price drastically.

That being said, I would get the word out that you're looking and what you're looking for. Talk to trainers, breeders, post ads on Craigslist and DreamHorse. Someone has the right horse for you, they just may not be actively searching for a buyer.
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[xlionesss]

I'm sure this has been suggested, but I would search for some Thoroughbreds. There are many out there that have dressage potential. They may not make it to GP level, but there are quite a few that can stick it out in the higher levels and beat WBs. I cannot recommend TBs enough honestly. They're one of the best breeds out there versatility-wise. Not to mention most aren't over-priced like many Warmbloods. My vote would be to definitely look for some TBs with dressage potential.

 

[frlsgirl]

It depends on what height you are/what height horse your comfortable riding but welsh ponies especially C's can have very animated action and can do well in the dressage sphere.

In fact one of Springfieldpark Unique (by Horeb Euros out of Tinvaal Princess who is by Gwelfro Tywysod) offspring ( Eponas Brenin Mathrafal) is expected to make the Norwegian National Dressage team next year after winning the National Dressage Championships.

Also her first foal Plassens King Daniel by Nebo Daniel is currently competing at Prix. ST George level dressage in Norway.

The Welsh breed is very versitial and strong and if you chose to follow that path I am sure they could carry you to the top of the dressage circuit

Good Luck finding your horse

I will consider Welsh ponies. I rode one as a teenager and just loved everything about her.

 

[rhosroyalvelvet]

Welsh C's doing Dressage Their max height is 13.2 but they are very wide

 

[frlsgirl]

All great ideas and good points.

 

[verona1016]

Problem with the Draft Crosses is that now I need an XLT trailer, XLT saddle and all that adds up. Of course draft horses are more on the laid back side (closer to bombproof). But I can handle a slightly spooky horse, but I don't want one that freaks out every time it sees something new. So maybe I should look at the below 5 level on the spookyness scale.

Then you may want to reconsider looking at horses up to 17hh ;-)

But not all draft crosses are huge- the ones that are more suited to dressage are going to be the lighter ones, more in the 16hh range.

I have to say, though, I have really enjoyed how easy it is to get my 15hh Lusitano x QH around. And mount from the ground. Short horses FTW!

 

[rhosroyalvelvet]

Here are D's doing Dressage. They have no max height

 

[DraftyAiresMum]

On the subject of draft crosses, I have one. I've been told by several people that he would be stellar at dressage. He's 4.5-years-old and is 16.3hh and about 1500-1600lbs. Other than requiring a draft-size halter and bridle and a taller (warmblood) trailer (although for now we can get away with a standard slant trailer because his neck is fairly short, but he needs two stall spaces), we don't require any special sized equipment. He's a paint/Percheron cross.

The user smrobs has a QH/Belgian cross who is the same age as my gelding and is 16.2hh. She rides him in a FQHB western saddle and regular horse halter and bridle (she got lucky!).

If you go with a taller TB, TB cross, or WB cross, you'll have some of the same issues as having a draft cross.
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[frlsgirl]

On the subject of draft crosses, I have one. I've been told by several people that he would be stellar at dressage. He's 4.5-years-old and is 16.3hh and about 1500-1600lbs. Other than requiring a draft-size halter and bridle and a taller (warmblood) trailer (although for now we can get away with a standard slant trailer because his neck is fairly short, but he needs two stall spaces), we don't require any special sized equipment. He's a paint/Percheron cross.

The user smrobs has a QH/Belgian cross who is the same age as my gelding and is 16.2hh. She rides him in a FQHB western saddle and regular horse halter and bridle (she got lucky!).

If you go with a taller TB, TB cross, or WB cross, you'll have some of the same issues as having a draft cross.
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Good point. I recently got to ride a Gypsy Vanner horse and loved it - great disposition.

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

Honestly for that price point, then narrowing to breed, you are not going to find much. Don't restrict yourself to a breed as anything bred decently with a smidge of talent is already over your price point. And if it's not then it's probably lame or crazy.

Just look for a horse with good conformation and disposition. There are a few breeds you can likely rule out from the get go. For second level I would not recommend anything with too much draft or arabian blood as they have difficulty sitting and doing the work. 1/4 would be fine if crossed well. Everything else is pretty well game, but be cautious of any QH blood and look carefully at the lines and the conformation. I had a 3/4 QH who was racing/ranch bred and a total stunner. Anything bred for halter, showing, cutting, etc.. will likely not have the characteristics needed though.

No idea where you are located but here are some horses I found who I would consider to be suitable for a low level dressage horse with the ability to do a respectable second level.

'Forever To Have And To Hold' at Warmblood-Sales.com

'AF Rafael' at Warmblood-Sales.com
^ this horse is a steal but watch the LF..

'Fendi' at Warmblood-Sales.com
^ a little more but IMO overpriced and not as nice as the previous horse. As well the rider is a little scary... She is obviously a sweetheart and a forgiving mare.

'One For The Girls' at Warmblood-Sales.com

'Cardod Sebastian' at Warmblood-Sales.com

So there are lots out there, but don't let a breed restrict you. Of course there are some guidelines you should follow, but let the conformation and disposition of the horse be your guide.

And bonus I found a horse for me to look at! Thanks lol :P

 

[frlsgirl]

Honestly for that price point, then narrowing to breed, you are not going to find much. Don't restrict yourself to a breed as anything bred decently with a smidge of talent is already over your price point. And if it's not then it's probably lame or crazy.

Just look for a horse with good conformation and disposition. There are a few breeds you can likely rule out from the get go. For second level I would not recommend anything with too much draft or arabian blood as they have difficulty sitting and doing the work. 1/4 would be fine if crossed well. Everything else is pretty well game, but be cautious of any QH blood and look carefully at the lines and the conformation. I had a 3/4 QH who was racing/ranch bred and a total stunner. Anything bred for halter, showing, cutting, etc.. will likely not have the characteristics needed though.

No idea where you are located but here are some horses I found who I would consider to be suitable for a low level dressage horse with the ability to do a respectable second level.

'Forever To Have And To Hold' at Warmblood-Sales.com

'AF Rafael' at Warmblood-Sales.com
^ this horse is a steal but watch the LF..

'Fendi' at Warmblood-Sales.com
^ a little more but IMO overpriced and not as nice as the previous horse. As well the rider is a little scary... She is obviously a sweetheart and a forgiving mare.

'One For The Girls' at Warmblood-Sales.com

'Cardod Sebastian' at Warmblood-Sales.com

So there are lots out there, but don't let a breed restrict you. Of course there are some guidelines you should follow, but let the conformation and disposition of the horse be your guide.

And bonus I found a horse for me to look at! Thanks lol :P

Wow - good finds Anabel! Thanks.

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

Just adding - looked into the horse I found for me and she sold already *sigh*

And rewatched the video of Rafael - notice they show no trot going to the right?? Horse is lame LF high suspensory or shoulder IMO. Otherwise the horse would be priced much higher. Still might be worth a look because I am a jaded cow who is overly suspicious of anything for sale that cheap but vet check vet check vet check. He is the nicest of the bunch.

 

[Dreamcatcher Arabians]

Frlsgirl, I'm in OK and have a lovely, purebred, 7 y.o. Arabian mare for sale. She is "broke broke broke" as the trainer put it, has shown in hand to Regional Championship, and under saddle at 2 shows. Her first show was a class A, Iowa Gold Star, which is a big A show for Arabians and in the Hunter Pleasure Maturity at US Nationals in 2011. She's a lovely mover, and could do training level easily and with training, could move up.

We're going a different direction and have no use for her, she's not being ridden at all, and it's a shame. She's broke enough that my husband, who is better than a total beginner but isn't quite intermediate, can ride her easily and enjoys her. She's much too good a horse to have standing around doing nothing. She's priced within your criteria.

Her pedigree:
Amerikan Beauty Wp Arabian

 

[frlsgirl]

Very nice!

 

[deserthorsewoman]

If she has inherited anything from her ancestors, especially the sire side, she should have a trot to die for....Salon is a guarantee for an enormous trot.

 

[paintedpastures]

Just saw a link the other day, to a place that has sale on WB type horses
Some horses pretty discounted price maybe something:wink:
Horses For Sale | The Paulgaard Equestrian Center

 

[maisie]

There are many horses out there that won't break your pocketbook and can show up to 2nd Level. Among OTTB's, you probably don't want to take on a "fresh off track" but the ad sites have many horses in the 7-15 yr range that have been retrained and might work for you. Arabians and also Morgans have sport horse lines that can certainly compete in open shows. Then, there are the crosses too.

Right now I am riding an Appendix at training level and I will certainly show him at 1st Level in the next year. At 19, he likely won't go higher but if he were 5-6 years younger he could do 2nd. He was previously trained in many of the movements.

I think the most important thing is to take your trainer with you whenever you look at a prospect. They should be able to judge whether the horse has the movement, conformation and temperament to fit with you and your plans. Good Luck!!

 

[srcosticov]

I am totally an advocate for OTTBs. Some lines are known for their superb minds and athletics.

I just took on a mare that is an Artax baby and she has one of the best minds I have ever dealt with. Super eager to please, 16.3 -17 hands (need to stick to verify), fabulous eventer prospect, and SUPER flashy. She is a rescue and was neglected for a few years after being pulled from the track, but you'd never know. She will easily be a 15k + horse and we totally lucked out buying her for next to nothing.

I say give them a shot, but I also would suggest a 15-30 day trial where you are able to return if the horse is not right for you. Some trainers/sellers will agree to lease the horse on premises for that amount of time, some will let you take the horse home, it just depends on the situation.

 

[MaximasMommy]

I've searched the thread for lipizzan but I didn't see any. Mine was 6500 moves like a dream. Yea, he's short, but so what! So am I!