What do you look for in a youngster?

dressager

dressager

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I was just wondering what you find important qualities in a young dressage horse? After months of searching I think I have found a nice 4 year old (having a heart murmur investigated) However, there seems to be such a wide range when it comes to young horses! I wanted something unspoilt and not too green ready to start at novice and to take through the levels as far as possible, with a lot of professional help along the way! Most importantly I just want to learn and improve my riding. One I tried was a bit of a rodeo act, another had a really big trot but I didn't like the canter much -kind of cantered with straight legs plus it was a bit too green.

The horse I have found has the most amazing unflappable temperament which was what attracted me to him first of all. Our current delightful weather conditions do not bother him in the slightest, no spooking, nothing. He appears to have excellent manners in and out of the stable, easy to handle etc.

His walk is nice, he overtracks and takes the contact down when asked. His trot is average I would say (especially as there are so many horses with huge flashy trots these days), but it has a nice rhythm to it and he is responsive to the leg. Obviously when he muscles up it will improve. Similarly, he has a really good rhythm in his canter, it feels like he could just keep cantering all day long! Very balanced overall for a young horse.

Just wondering what you dressage riders would put high up on your priority list for a youngster?
 
Having never looked for a dressage horse i couldnt be sure. But certainly good conformation. I wouldnt want anything to quiet, something with spirit that is quick of your leg and responsive. I dont think greeness matters, just a willingness to learn. Breeding is also something id consider, if i wanted a dressage horse id probably go down the warmblood route.
 
i have been told that the trot is the easiest gait to improve, fwiw.
i look for a really good naturally-engaged hindleg, especially obvious in the step-through with the inside hind in the canter... some just bring it through and put it down, barely clearing the ground as it swings through, but i want one who really uses his hock as he brings it through, if that makes sense.
no stiffness, a really good natural walk, a horse who uses himself comfortably.
willingness to learn is very important too.
other than that, as vieshot says, conformation. it doesn't matter how brilliant its paces are if it doesn't stand up to work. a good strong back, well-set on neck, really good limbs, great feet ideally. naturally uphill is very helpful too!
 
For me, its temperament and a willing attitude which I go for. Having had a horse who had the good conformation, bloodlines and talent etc. but who's attitude sucked - a horse is no good at all if it isnt willing to try for you.

My current horse looked shi* when I went to see it. His conformation isnt amazing and he really did look terrible (very thin etc.) and was so quiet I thought he'd been doped! To ride he was rather sharp and extremely green. Either way, I saw how sweet natured he was and bought purely on that! Turned out brilliant as he's been one of the best horses Ive ever had and taken me to levels I never thought Id do at BSJA and BE
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Bloodline-wise he is 1/2 Luso and 1/2 TB (all raced) so he's got absolutely no jumping lines at all however he's great at it
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For me I would want a willing attitude, for the horse to give me a comfortable ride with loose paces and good natural carraige...
 
I agree shadowmonkey. I can actually sit to this horse's trot which is a good start, lol.

Kerilli - aaargh no better not! Not sure the owner will be too impressed. They're a professional rider, that's all I can say!
 
IMO I don't think there are many 'unspoilt' 4 year olds, particularly ones who would already be at Novice. But thats just because you're never going to get a truly clean slate unless you break it yourself.

I'd personally be looking for good basic conformation - slightly bum high is forgivable at 4 IMO, paces when loose (I found G's were fairly shoddy undersaddle as he was so unbalanced but they quickly came up to scratch to his paces when loose - he had a great hind leg in canter), general temprement and keeness/willingness to work/learn.
 
Forward thinking and balanced are my main criteria, you can improve everything else (so long as it doesnt move like a beach donkey!)
 
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