Musings - Doing the Best Dressage with What We Have

[Dressurfrau]

Some folks may have seen my earlier posts about my young horse falling and hurting his hip in the field. Next vet check is March and I hope to start him then.

He’s a big fellow with big gaits and I was hoping to get a third horse to keep fit and be ready for those big gaits without interfering with his movement. Checked the local rescues and there are no rideable ones available, although that may change. Found a couple of interesting sale horses and the first owner was very honest, bless her, and I thanked her but decided against traveling to see the horse. The second horse owner, a little lesser so, but I was able to find out info on the horse that saved me a trip. Third strike was a horse who looked good in videos and pics but not in person. The owner was pleasant until I started asking hard questions. The horse was obviously metabolic and I didn’t take a test ride. I would take a chance on that at a very low price point but this was not a horse on the lower price point - not that my budget is big. The owner states it “was not a great experience” showing me the horse. I was kind but the signs were pretty obvious and it was obvious the horse had not been in work for some time, although I was told he had. Very disappointing but the best decision.

So, I’m pulling my hubby’s 20+ year old quarter horse back into work and slowly starting him back. He’s sound but a little arthritic but hates an English saddle. I don’t feel comfortable in a Western saddle but his preferences win out. His stride is far different from my youngsters but I’ll find something to ride maybe locally for a month or so before I start my youngster.

I’m hoping this will develop me more as a rider and help me be more versatile in riding in different types of saddles.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Djones]

I get it, totally. Start the old dude on MSM or the like, he’s feeling his age as we all are, eh?

[endlessclimb]

Or go with the big hitter and just throw him on equioxx while you’re fitting him up. He sounds like a decent candidate for your goals, and it’ll do him good too.

[Shagyas_Rock]

Merry Christmas to you as well, and I wish you every blessing as you work with your 20 year old. Dressage is for every horse

[lorilu]

Merry Christmas and best wishes!! You might look into the Harmony Western Dressage Saddle. It fits and sits much like a dressage saddle!

[Dressurfrau]

Thanks!

[outerbanks77]

Yes, I wonder if he would be fine with a different dressage saddle. Surely you could pick something up for less than it would have cost to buy another horse.

I was training my 15.2 appendix QH mare when I started my now 17H WB. While it is helpful of course to not be rusty and to be actively riding, I don’t think riding her was much preparation for my WBs gaits. Ironically, it seems that teaching my WB to canter has made me braver jumping my QH. For the big gaits, the dressage rider training program has been much more helpful (enrollment is open with the next round starting in January). I’ve stuck with it all year and I’m just finishing DRT 2 and can mostly sit her trot. Also, I’ve found myself wanting in the aerobic fitness department on a few occasions while bringing this mare along, even though I’ve been jogging a couple days a week, so don’t neglect that fitness aspect.

Good luck and have fun!