In your opinion.......

[malibu211211]

Are all horses, no matter of shape, size, breed capable of competing at all disciplines and able to reach a certain level within that discipline?
Please discuss as having a 'going to bash my head against a brick wall' moment with friend and her horse

 

[BarmyC]

IMO yes but they all have different levels

every horse should be able to do a prelim dressage test jump a small course of jumps and the same for XC.

They might not all be fabulous but a horse or pony can all jump at least a 2ft course!! from a standstill if necessary

 

[PaintboxEDT]

i think with the correct schooling ect i dont see why not

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Yep (depends more on their attitude IMO, than their breeding)..........My cob won't ever be a world beater at anything, but will have a go at everything.

 

[vicm2509]

In most cases I dont see why not. My horse will do dressage and SJ but I can not do XC as he naps (but we are almost sorted).

Some horses dont like to jump but IMO almost all of them are capable and your average horse is usually capable of being able to do all 3, even if at a low level providing it has had appropriate schooling.

 

[malibu211211]

The horse in mind is lovely, an absolute star and will do anything to please you

 

[Mavis]

Yes I would say so. My horse could probably be quite talented, with someone else on board

 

[merlinsquest]

In the field, Merlin is able to do extended trot, Piaffe, Passage, pirouette and just about every high school movement known to man....................

So yes he should be able to compete very sucessfully................ maybe its just me that holds him back!

 

[Santa_Claus]

I am yet to find a horse who I do not feel has the ability (with appropriate rider!) of doing an elementary dressage test and a 3ft showjumping round. The main problem though is correct schooling from a young age as if not broken correctly a horse is going to be limited.

Yes poor conformation may limit a horse as will injuries etc but in the words of Tim Stockdale, any horse should be able to jump up to it's belly as it only needs lift its legs out the way

and dressage wise as long as it is supple enough to do basic lateral work and can start to take weight behind to collect and extend which again most horses should be able to with correct schooling then can do at least elementary. To be honest most could get to Medium without issue, going further is then dependant on the ability to produce a clean change which some horses generally find an issue.

 

[Nudibranch]

Pretty much yes, I would agree that they should be able to. Even Shetlands can compete in pretty much all disciplines, albeit at their own special level. My shettie mare could loose-jump her head height. Though I think there are limits; can't see an Ardennes doing a dressage test or a TB four-in-hand (but I may be wrong!).

 

[Hollycat]

Theoretically yes, but I think there is a big difference between competing to win and competing to take part though. I do think most horses can be taught to jump, do dressage etc as its a matter of training more than anything else. But wth the best will in the world some horses will have physical limitations dependent on breed, height etc. For example a pure bred clydesdale would not have the speed xc to win a novice event, but it may steadily go round in its own time. I am sure many horses could pull a light plough but wouldn't have the strength or endurance of the clydesdale to pull a heavy load all day. Then some individuals within a breed simply may not like a certain discipline and will not be trained to do it.