Potential dressage horse classes - am I bonkers?

[ironhorse]

Are young dressage horse classes just for flashily bred warmbloods?
Working my 3 yo on the lunge today I've become aware of the amount of scope he has in his paces for the first time, and I really think he might have the makings of a dressage horse and am wondering about the 4yo classes for next year. He's working quietly at all paces with good acceptance of the bit and has started a little sideways movement.
Now for the bonkers bit - he's not actually working in English tack yet as he's been started western, although I do lunge him in an ordinary snaffle and side reins, which he works into properly. I plan to start using English saddles in the new year, and I don't really anticipate a problem as he's so laid back
BUT he's also an American Quarter Horse, and a very bright dun colour, although he won't be totally dwarfed by the big warmbloods as he's 15.3hh now.
Am i going to get laughed out of the arenas, and is he even eligible? (He's got an AQHA UK passport) Should I stick to the cowboy stuff or think about some dressage lessons in the spring - I do have access to a BHSI who is used to seeing me on cowhorses

 

[TarrSteps]

It depends a bit on what you want to get out of it, I would have thought. I have to say, unless he is an incredibly unusual QH he will probably not fit the desired type. While the classes may be open to all qualified horses, their purpose it to identify potential GP horses (preferably International ones) not necessarily to reward the sort of things we may all find more desirable in a good riding horse or even what might succeed in the lower classes. I'm not dissing your horse (I like a good QH!) but you did ask.

If the classes are FEI then he probably would need to be registered with a WBFSH studbook but there are certainly other 4 yr old classes about. There are also those "Sport Horse" showing classes. I watched a few last year and they seemed to reward a flatter moving, more "show type" horse for sport than the FEI classes want to see, as well as putting more stock in behaviour (not that the FEI classes want to see loonies, but they do want to see extravagance and are usually willing to overlook a few bounces in a top athlete).

Do they have AQHA HUS classes here? They (in North America) are not in any way "dressage suitable" but they do tend to reward horses with big sweeping trots.

 

[burtie]

I would actually stick to normal affiliated prelims if you as a rider are eligible.

If he is forward and balanced in all 3 paces he will most likely do well in these classes. The pro's can't enter them and normal prelims are a lot more available than the young horse classes.

 

[ironhorse]

Do they have AQHA HUS classes here? They (in North America) are not in any way "dressage suitable" but they do tend to reward horses with big sweeping trots.

Yes, and he is definitely destined for them, although I shall not enjoy containing his lovely walk to the shuffle exhibited at the World Show!
But I do quite a lot of work in the dressage industry and I just feel (OK I'm not entirely unbiased!) that there is a dressage horse in there! And as for uphill, Oh, yes in the way that no QH I've ever ridden before has been....the trainer thinks he's a big oik with an attitude that will make a useless reiner and he's got a point...BUT...!

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

any horse (of any breed and color) has the potential to be a dressage horse. any horse is capable (with the right training) of doing an obediant, forward going, accurate test in a decent outline. what level you achieve is up to the amount of correct training, and whether the horse moves well naturally.

 

[LMR]

I would definitely go for it even if its just for the experience. The class is open to all 4 year olds and their is no limitiation as to what breed colour etc. I do think you need to remember that it is one of the few classes the pros can enter their young horses doesnt mean you are not allowed to go!

I went this year just to get my 4 year old out to the potential international class. She is not the biggest of movers but we still got placed. It was great experience to as you go in groups of 3 (i think it was) and it gave my mare more confidence than if she was on her own.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

i did all the age classes on my TB, and whilst we were un-placed (due to tension and sharpness/airs above the ground as much as anything), we certainly didnt look stupid and no one laughed!

as long as you are *tough* enough to realise you most likely wont get placed, and are doign it soley for experience and to get judge feedback, go for it

i cant do prelims due to rider group, and wanted to do some nice baby horse tests so looked on it as training.

do you have any pics/vid of him, he sounds lovely

 

[Polotash]

How about the Badminton young horse classes, which look for more of an allrounder type?

Agree with other comments that by all means take him in the dressage classes for experience but keep your expectations realistic :0)

 

[Festive_Felicitations]

Go for it and post reports & pics on here!

I agree with the others give it a bash if you think you would enjoy the challange just be philosphical/ realistic about your chances of placing.

PS if you do do HUS classes please start a revolution by having a horse that actually moves forward in a normal, non-resticted to death gaits - unlike those shown at the World Show and in other Youtube vids.

 

[Lgd]

For the 'show type' classes have a go but don't expect anything.

Would avoid the potential international ones requiring a test as the level demanded is quite high and a lot of these horses are never seen again from being pushed too far too soon. The real genuinely talented ones will come through but far too many get broken or brains fried.

I've got two who would do the job for these classes and I wouldn't contemplate it with either one. I've actually not backed the older one until just before her 5th birthday as she was so immature. I bred her to be a potential GP horse and want longevity in her career, not broken by doing too much too soon.