And yet “classical” lovers like to rag on “modern” dressage riders who need big thigh blocks to hold them in place lol. That Portuguese saddle looks more secure than any modern one I’ve ever seen.
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It is great for breaking in babies to saddle. It is used in the bullring…not for competition dressage
That picture makes me sick.
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Why should Lusitano owners be concerned? Iberian blood is being introduce into WB stud books, not the other way around. Iberian stud books will be unaltered. It seems those that like the PRE/Lus would like the fact that WBs will be attaining Iberian qualities. I hope they are equally concerned over the many other Lusitano crosses as well.
Also, many people are happy about the increase in height. An increase in height does not guarantee a lack of soundness or ability.
You are missing my point entirely. Saddles developed today mimicking older styles are developed using modern technology.
This, entirely. SRS Chief Riders have trained and continue to train modern competitors. Like I said before, Podhajsky, one of the most influential members of the SRS, was an Olympic competitor. I don’t know a single upper level trainer that isn’t referencing the work of historical masters. Are there competition riders inventing things that I don’t know about? Dressage is interpreted by every rider who performs it. There are individual interpretations, but IMO, there is no huge divide between classical and modern dressage. I also don’t subscribe to the idea that because you compete, you are some how doing a type of dressage that isn’t developed on the works of historical masters, or that you are some how less informed, or less fair to your horse.
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I have come up with a solution.
The SRS needs to embrace YouTube & Patreon.
Three types of Patreon streams. All get access to special merchandise.
- Sponsor a foal and get monthly updates on the foal (might be fun to see the colour changes)
- Behind the scenes: Follow a new rider as they learn the ropes. Learn how they train the riders. Weekly videos.
- Trainers Corner: Weekly videos showcasing training techniques from halter breaking to riding. Not so much a “how to” as it wouldn’t be linear, more something to entertain, and satisfy some curiosity.
Not only could this raise massive funds, it would also help preserve the “classical” way of training.
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You obviously haven’t talked to Lusitano owners.
I am not saying this opinion is everywhere, but the belief of certain owners and breeders is that breeding for height and the “bling” gaits will dilute the “handy and athletic” qualities for which the Lusitano, as a working cattle horse is known for. I had a long discussion with João Ralão Duarte, Secretary General of the APSL and this trend and breeding direction was clearly explained to me.
Obviously some breeders are happy to sell their produce into the high-dollar dressage market.
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I do get the idea. But does anyone here think that a well-ridden Lipizzaner from the SRS would be competitive at GP in international competition? I do not, because, as someone said upthread, they are relatively “grounded” compared with the movement of the best international horses today.
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Right, but does that mean the riders of the SRS are incapable of riding other breeds or teaching people on other breeds. No.
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I’ve seen lipizzaner horses doing dressage, FEI driving and working as trekking horses. They are versatile and always have been because only a few of the many bred went to the SRS.
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There’s a lovely little Lipi (Favory Gazdag) currently competing GP
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I guess you think I just make this crap up. I talk to a multitude of breeders, including various breeders who use Iberian blood strictly or incorporate it into WB lines. You also did not answer my question as to how Lusitano owners are being affected by a WB registry including PRE blood. I would think that if you are aware of what every Lusitano owner thinks you could elaborate on that.
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Actually Lusitano breeders are introducing WB blood into their stock… ever heard of Ortigão Costa (OC)…he breeds for color, black…and bred a bunch of his mares to Totilas…he calls them Português de Desporto horses.
Ortigão Costa is not the only Lusitano breeder doing cross-breeding to various WB’s. I know someone who imported one of these crosses.
Oh…and PRE and Lusitano are not interchangeable, so be careful in your use of the terminology…some people get a little “testy” when they are lumped together.
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Ding ding. I think you finally get it. There is no logical reason for Lusitano owners to be upset over the PRE being introduced to KWPN bloodstock.
Maybe if you didn’t assume everyone on this BB to be an idiot, you’d have better conversations.
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The de Massa and Interagro horses being shown in Wellington this winter seem to have no problem holding their own against warm bloods, and they seem pretty true to the breed.
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Maybe if you read for comprehension we could have a civil discussion. Nowhere did I talk about PRE’s …all my discussion was ONLY about Lusitanos as shown below.
Also…FYI, Spanish horses being introduced into Dutch breeding is not new news…they are just going back to their roots. The country that is now the Netherlands was part of Spain under Charles V until William of Orange tried to throw off the Spanish yoke (1560-1580’s).
Below you show the lumping of PRE’s and Lusitanos in one lump
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CAN the baroque breeds train to GP? Yes, quite clearly, maybe even more easily than leggy WBs in some cases as they seem to stay sounder (anecdotal).
But are they regularly rewarded with wins at the highest levels? No. Does this mean there is disincentive to breed them and market them to the moneyed ammie market (the most prevalent way to make a living in this sport)? Yes.
Do you think maybe demystifying “classical” dressage might change things? If places like the SRS did more outreach and education (and their method of training were more accessible), perhaps it would become more fashionable. The horses do seem sounder and more ammy friendly than the big WBs. I personally would buy one after knowing a few. Most amateurs just want a sound, sane, rideable horse capable of doing the training! They aren’t aiming for the top of the sport.
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I wasn’t talking about the breed in general, but about the training and presentation of the movements at the SRS.
Quoting you verbatim as it seems you are having a hard time following the direction of the conversation. I mentioned PREs, you brought up Lusitanos. I asked you why Lusitano owners would be concerned over PRE blood in WB stud books. I humored you and included Iberian blood as I was not even talking about the Lusitano. You then mansplained to me that there is a difference in the PRE and Lusitano. Well, duh. You also assumed that I do not own Lusitano horses, that I don’t talk to Lus/Iberian breeders, and that I believe that this is the first time Spanish blood has been incorporated into WB lines. Then you tell me to read for comprehension. You’re entitled to your own opinion, but I’m not longer interested in it.
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OK. No problem.
