I am reading with interest all the non-warmblood dressage threads. I have decided to buy a PRE. My last encounter with a seller was an agent in Spain who often works with someone in California. That was a disaster for a number of reasons-mostly for unprofessional conduct and dishonest communication. So I am looking for advice from those of you that have successfully bought a safe, sane PRE for dressage.
Located in Utah, with nice horses for sale.
http://www.snowypeaksranch.com/
Their stallion Dominate XXIX was 2015 USDF All Breeds GP Open and Intermediare II Open Champion. He also competed in the Brentina Cup Finals in 2015 at Lamplight (one of 12 to qualify) under Young Rider Cassie Benson.
Both Jeremy Steinberg and Debbie McDonald have coached the pair.
Jackass Mountain Ranch in Pasco, WA has a lovely herd. Most of the sires and dams are there too. I wound up going with another breed, but most likely would have bought a weanling from her otherwise. Had two picked out!
I bought mine privately, although he was originally imported by Juan Matute. Domestically, I’d talk to Hampton Green and Coves Darden.
I bought mine from Andrea Velas, and she found him as a project horse from a smaller breeder (north shore woods). He is the first US foal by Festivo MR and is amazingly talented and incredibly sane.
Paul and Andrea no longer breed their own Andalsians or Andalusian crosses as Excelso passed away a few years ago. His last foal crop is under saddle now. But, I would check on with Andrea to see what they have, or check the sales page. Not sure that she has anything right now that fits the bill. But IMO, the training that she puts into them makes them incredible horses.http://www.paulbelasik.com/Sales1.html
Ahh thanks everyone, but those seem to be dead ends so far.
I would love a small horse >15.2 hh safe and fun. SO keep the ideas coming!!
I highly recommend Nicole Hill in Houston area with Suspension Sporthorses. Wonderful lady who has a great reputation.
Also Michael Vermaas of Rancho Del Lago near San Antonio, TX.
Both are reputable and will take good care of you.
I bought my PRE from Karen Lewis in Virginia. I really liked dealing with her and she was very honest.
Where are you located?
OP: This person maintains a sales list of all ages, PRE and Lusitano. Many in the US; also has some contacts in Spain. She would be worth talking to; she is not a breeder so far as I know, but I’m sure could point you in the right directions.
http://andalusiansdemythos.com
I think you might have some challenge finding a PRE that is 15.2 hands; many seem to be 16 hands or more. The Lusitanos are sometimes smaller.
Good luck, I bought a Lusi 8 months ago, am smitten. By the way, what age are you looking for?
Also: Woodlands Equestrian Club in Texas has a steady stream of PREs and Lusitanos that are in various stages of training. They are not cheap, but then a good one won’t be, lol. There is one from her that is currently at our barn; he is lovely but on the tall, leggy side - probably 16.2 hands.
Also contact the P.R.E. Foundation in New Mexico. They would be an excellent resource.
There are quite a few PREs in the “under 16 hand” category. I know several people riding them in that size range, and there really are a lot of breeders (and trainers with PRES for sale) on the West Coast. Are you looking for green, or lots of training? Mare, gelding, stallion? Fancy gaits for competitive dressage, or less fancy? What is your price range (they tend to be more expensive then Warmbloods).
Not to highjack the OP’s thread, but has anyone heard of Castle Mount Andalusian’s in PA?
I may be in the market for a new dressage horse sometime this year, Castle Mount is somewhat local to me but they only seem to advertise on Craigslist. Does anyone know anything about them?
Thank you all - COTHers are the best for giving real life experiences!
To questions:
I am on the East Coast
Looking for 6-10 yr that is super safe and has good basics. I will probably show some- more for the fun and wine after!
So keep the suggestions coming…
Looking for 6-10 yr that is super safe and has good basics
That will be your big challenge (as with any breed)- especially the super safe good basics bit.
Depending on your budget you will find many
more choices in this category if looking at more than one breed.
PRE horses are trendy at the moment so are expensive
I sent her a PM about an off breed horse ( large pony size)
Since she is looking for a smaller horse, they typically are less expensive. The problem with PRE is that the last decade they bred them larger and larger, they are like WB now in size and even in gait which imo is kind of depressing. Small horses are sturdy and hardy and better suited for size of many female riders.
If you’re open to lusitanos, I once rode at Sucandi in Brazil – really lovely horses with good basics. I was impressed because they were both very forward and very quiet (we even hacked around a busy farm with no spooks). http://www.sucandi.com/
I have seen the fast reacting, sensitive Luso’s intimidate their riders not through fault of their own. Like any horse there can be more stoic ones so the individual would be key. I’ve seen in my area (boarded with them ) Lusitanos advertised as calm sold to avg skill level ammies and it was not a good match, these horses do well with a quiet seat, balanced and confident rider not so good with anything less.
A cross the OP may want to consider is the AZTECA (recognized as a breed in some regions)
This is a quarter horse crossed with a PRE. A number of PRE breeders also offer Azetca’s . They tend to have quiet temperaments ( created to be a working ranch horse). They are less expensive usually half the price or less of a pure PRE. They tend to be smaller do due outcross to QH. Their gaits can be less flashy and more flat, so look for one with nice gaits.
