[BurningAmber520]

I would really like to learn dressage with Amber, I am on the lookout for a trainer right now to teach both of us together. I was just wondering if you think Amber has the looks, build to make it to 2nd or 3rd level. I'll get videos this weekend of her but if you could tell me what you think based on the pictures that would be awesome!

 

[Valentina]

If you mean competitive at recognized shows at Second or Third level - then No - I don't think so (based on the pics you've shown).

A horse going to second level must be capable of sitting on it's buitt and LIFTING it's shoulders - this horse looks too heavy and moviong on its forehand.

That said - any horse can benefit from proper dressage training.

 

[Beling]

I was told any sound horse can be trained to Prix St Georges. But if you mean competitive then that depends on the horses around you.

As Valentina says, Dressage is good for horses. So go for it!

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

I am sure she will be able to perform some movements from second and third level.
Competitively, she will max out at first level.

Good luck!

 

[ridergirl23]

she coudl definitly benefit from it, you never know, with the right trainer i hae seen a very downhill horse compete and win soem at 3rd level, it depends how she moves. she is beautiful tho

 

[SashaofNgalaire]

You could try some dressage,but this also depends on the rider if the rider can make the horse preform movements with very small unnoticeable movement of the leg and heels etc.

 

[Kayty]

Course she can do dressage. Almost any horse can get to medium, it's usually the flying changes that get them stuck. If you get some good lessons with a reputable dressage instructor and have sensitivity as a rider there's nothing stopping you from giving it a shot. If you're a junior rider, you could very well be competitive on your mare as well if you have to knowledge and skill to get her off the forehand and ride a nice, sot and accurate test.
I beat alot of super expensive wambloods as a junior on a 15h QHxappy mare who was build hugely downhill, was 12 when I started working with her (she had done nothing other than trail riding) and had the work ethic of a crazed grizzly bear but with decent training and a few sneaky 'faked' moments from me, she did quite well in prelim/novice. Elementary work was harder due to her conformation, she found the higher level of collection diffficult and just didn't have the brain to be a trainable horse.
Sorry for the long winded reply, but don't let anyone tell you that your mare can't do at least basic dressage and be competitive at lower, junior levels

 

[NyHorseGal]

Did you find a dressage trainer yet? There are 2 barns in chester that are dressage. One is called Outfoxxed. Theres another barn that i worked out for 1 day..its a fancy place. I forgot the name of it..but they are dressage.

 

[MissDiva]

All horses can do dressage! It's almost always the rider slowing down the progress. I don't understand the obsession with "how far can she go?" to me it seems like a set up so that it's the horse's fault when things don't go as planned. It will also get you riding with second level on the brain and you might end up skipping the ever so important basics and trying to Travers and turn on the haunches.
If YOU have never ridden second or third level dressage, you are asking that horse to have a hell of a good attitude and heart to make it there with you on her back. No one can tell from a picture how kind and forgiving she is.
BUT, ALL horses can do Dressage. Start with the basics and just see how far you can go. Don't rush it or push too hard and you'll eventually find a natural limit to (both of) your talent.

 

[ridergirl23]

All horses can do dressage! It's almost always the rider slowing down the progress. I don't understand the obsession with "how far can she go?" to me it seems like a set up so that it's the horse's fault when things don't go as planned. It will also get you riding with second level on the brain and you might end up skipping the ever so important basics and trying to Travers and turn on the haunches.
If YOU have never ridden second or third level dressage, you are asking that horse to have a hell of a good attitude and heart to make it there with you on her back. No one can tell from a picture how kind and forgiving she is.
BUT, ALL horses can do Dressage. Start with the basics and just see how far you can go. Don't rush it or push too hard and you'll eventually find a natural limit to (both of) your talent.

thats what shes asking, DUE TO CONFORTMATION how high could she go?
shes wondering FOR FUN what level we THINK she could get to. when anyone says things about how high a horse could go in dressage theres NEVER any garentees they cant go higher or can even go that high.
this is only because shes interested in knwoing what we think,no biggy.

 

[BurningAmber520]

Thanks guys I don't planing on doing anything above 2nd level with her, we're actually going to be doing our first test in the spring doing training level

 

[ridergirl23]

Thanks guys I don't planing on doing anything above 2nd level with her, we're actually going to be doing our first test in the spring doing training level

good luck and have fun!!! (heres a little inside tip: to get a good score on your centerline, look about a meter above the judges head when your going down the centerline) it usually works

 

[BurningAmber520]

Thanks! Now i just need to find a nice (but not ridiculously expensive) used dressage saddle

 

[NyHorseGal]

I finally rememberd the name of that other dressgae barn.. Its called Glenmere Dressage. Its in chester. Maybe there lessons are cheaper then outfoxxed? or about the same.. they are a fancy barn. So who knows.

Let me know how you make out on your search.

 

[Gillian]

Thanks! Now i just need to find a nice (but not ridiculously expensive) used dressage saddle

Your mare is lovely, she'd do great for lower levels.
Just wanted to point out, unless you plan to show you don't exactly need a dressage saddle. I do dressage in my jump saddle just fine. ;] However, I am hoping to get one for my graduation present... ha ha. Good luck!

 

[Kayty]

Dressage saddles will make your life so much easier in terms of finding yourself in a correct/balanced position. Jump and GP saddles force you into almost a chair seat and you need to work so much harder to get into a reasonable dressage position. You will notice a massive difference in your positions and ability to give clear aids when you get a dressage saddle- as long as it is the 'right' saddle!

 

[Gillian]

^ Oh yes, well of course! Ha ha. Just saying that technically you should be able to do dressage in any saddle. :] And if you can ride well and correctly in another saddle, it'll be so nice, and easier once you do switch to a dressage saddle. (I get to ride in one occasionally, and that's what I've experienced at least.)