Spinoff: How many COTH posters have switched to a Lusitano/PRE/Iberian?

[4wdNstraight]

Well, I just bought a 3 year old unstarted Andy. He didn’t have much handling, but is a gorgeous mover. I think he will be able to hang with the WB’s. I gelded him,and sent him to the trainer’s to be started. She can’t believe how fast he learns! He has had 3 rides, and is not worried about anything, just workmanlike. I can’t wait to bring him home!

I had a very nice 4th level Hanoverian mare. I was in a car accident a few years ago, and my back hasn’t been the same since. My trainer thought that a good Andy was the way to go! We looked at many, and my back didn’t hurt after riding them.
I am hoping that this is the answer!

I do have a very well bred 2 year old Hanoverian, but I’m not sure my back will be able to deal with his gaits. I will be posting the trot on him for a few years, so we will see.

[Kyrabee]

4wdNstraight, the ‘softer’ trot was a reason I was looking more toward the Iberian breeds. I rode my friend’s WB mare (16.1 ish hands) while she recuperated from an accident a few years ago. A nice mover… not extravagant but nicely elastic. By the end of the 6 weeks I rode her, I could sit her trot maybe 4 strides. TOO much work for an arthritic back that doesn’t want to move.

Kind of a crap shoot buying a youngster but by the time I got my mare going, I knew I had a horse whose trot I could sit. I was ecstatic.

I know she isn’t a purebred but she looks very Iberian and has those lovely almond eyes .
Susan

[4wdNstraight]

Kyrabee, I could sit my WB mares’ trot just fine, but I really paid for it after. My new boy is my last option before I have to quit riding altogether.

All the ones I tried were comfortable except one. I tried 5 in my search. I actually wanted one that was already started, but the two I liked didn’t pass vet.

It sounds like you have a good one too! I had a Lusitano QH cross that was spectacular! He was an all around athlete, evented, hunters, jumpers, and ended up doing FEI dressage. He wasn’t an awesome mover, but was so rideable and trainable that he did everything in the small tour. Good luck with yours and enjoy!

[piedmontfields]

I wasn’t looking for an Iberian when I found my mare—I was looking for a hotter WB–like a not gigantic Trakehner!

My mare is a 15.2 Lusitano-Trakehner who is built and moves like a Lusitano (I think she got the ears and endurance of a Trakehner but that is about it). She is super comfortable, light, and nimble. But she also has the common limitations many of her type: shorter neck, short tight back. If you are used to the “luxury accommodations” of a long necked, longer backed WB, an Iberian can be quite a different horse to ride, with its own set of challenges. But they are challenges I don’t mind (loosening the back, lengthening the neck). I have always preferred the more square, short-backed horse as they are easier for me to manage.

I am an older AA with some physical limitations. I am happy with my 6 mover, trying to improve to a 7, but some would not be. Her work ethic is stellar and she is very obedient by nature.

There certainly are some very nice moving Andalusians and Lusitanos out there, but they are not all of that type.

[DressageTalk]

@piedmontfields;8922613

She is super comfortable, light, and nimble. But she also has the common limitations many of her type: shorter neck, short tight back. If you are used to the “luxury accommodations” of a long necked, longer backed WB, an Iberian can be quite a different horse to ride, with its own set of challenges. But they are challenges I don’t mind (loosening the back, lengthening the neck). I have always preferred the more square, short-backed horse as they are easier for me to manage.

I spent the last 9 months leasing an Andalusian mare - the first Iberian horse I’ve ridden. I experienced the same “challenges” but ended up not minding them either. When I got her back loosened up sitting her trot was a dream, and in general I think she had less of a tendency to get strung out than a lot of the warmbloods in our barn.

Originally, I didn’t think I would purchase an Andalusian as I tend to be tall for a lot of them (I’m 5’ 9"). But there seems to be a number of Iberian horses that are now reaching 16.1-16.2 and they seem to be a good buy for value and just as competitive as a lot of the warmbloods. In fact, the mare I was leasing won a number of classes against “flashier” warmbloods with correctness and accuracy.

[2tempe]

I think there are some interesting points here: The Iberians are a “different” ride, and not free of some training challenges. My Lusi was quick - in his thinking and in his work. That led to (or was related to?) a tight back and short neck. My trainer encouraged me to slow him down, and let him find his balance at that quieter tempo, and slow his brain. It took some time, but the improvement was remarkable. Bigger step, more back to front, etc.
The good news is that these horses seem smart and want to please, so the improvements happen and the rider is rewarded on a regular basis.

[piedmontfields]

2tempe, yes the quick mind is also a real feature in these breeds, I think! I happen to love it, but it is a very different sort of mental ride. I can believe that it would be unpleasant to some riders/trainers (aka over-reactive, over-sensitive).

My trainer jokes that my mare is super-caffeinated and I need to drink my espresso before riding. But really its a combo of being quick thinking/acting and also very quiet, since my mare is quite sensitive physically and mentally. I have to be comfortable with how quick she is while also slowing her down and being very calm inside.

I agree that the Iberians I’ve known tend to be great workers and very eager to please.

[joiedevie99]

Well, I totally love mine

Like others, I wasn’t out shopping for one. I had two lovely warmbloods - a KWPN (Clavecimbel x Ferro) and a Hanoverian (Fidertanz x Londonderry) and fully expected to find another - but I was open to trying anything.

My trainer got a video clip from a friend of a little grey PRE, along with a note that the horse was quite nice - but was sensitive, smart, and forward, and was simply proving to be too much horse for his new owner.

I flew out the next day, and had him home within a week. My only reservation was his size - but I consulted about 20 people in 12 hours, and not a one thought the size was an issue.

We’ve qualified for Nationals both years I’ve had him - and we had a great showing there last year. We did our first freestyle at I-1, and our first CDI. We’re working towards an I-2 debut next year.

The training challenges are certainly there, but they’re different. We spend more time really training how to trot - adding swing in the back, and cadence in the steps. Then we slow the rhythm, and repeat. He came with a lovely walk and canter.

I’m shopping for another horse now, and find myself open to another PRE (or lusitano) or a warmblood. It’s hard to find quality - especially if you aren’t looking for a 3 or 4 year old - so I’m keeping an open mind again and I’ll see where I end up.

[Silverbridge]

[QUOTE=joiedevie99;8924687]
Well, I totally love mine :)…

…I’m shopping for another horse now, and find myself open to another PRE (or lusitano) or a warmblood. It’s hard to find quality - especially if you aren’t looking for a 3 or 4 year old - so I’m keeping an open mind again and I’ll see where I end up.[/QUOTE]

It would be great if you’d also consider a Lipizzan, while you’re searching.

Ours is a rare breed and we sorely need more experienced trainers and riders, both professional and ammie, out there in the mix. And particularly at recognized competitions, with goals and ability for going up the levels and to various championships.

I love my own Lipizzan partnership, and it’s a fun journey. And there are many other amateurs like me, who’re finding our way up the levels for the first time, with a Lipizzan who’s also moving up for the first time. It’s a great experience and we’re almost all doing well, or at least, okay.

But it’s not as significant a showcase for a rare breed as would be more capable and experienced pairs, showing in the public eye.

There are just too few people with the budget and ability, who’re willing to dive in with so unknown a quantity as the Lipizzan. (Or even a Lipizzan cross, which can also be phenomenally capable and talented).

[piedmontfields]

@joiedevie99;8924687

The training challenges are certainly there, but they’re different. We spend more time really training how to trot - adding swing in the back, and cadence in the steps. Then we slow the rhythm, and repeat. He came with a lovely walk and canter.

Thank you for sharing this perspective and experience. I am much less experienced that you, but am going through that “teaching her to trot” process. It is evolving but is still a process and work for us. It’s exciting to hear how far you’ve come with your PRE.

[DressageTalk]

[QUOTE=piedmontfields;8924997]
Thank you for sharing this perspective and experience. I am much less experienced that you, but am going through that “teaching her to trot” process. It is evolving but is still a process and work for us. It’s exciting to hear how far you’ve come with your PRE.[/QUOTE]

I agree that the trot can be the most challenging gait for a PRE. I also experienced the tendency to get short, and quick. Something I found really helpful was going over trot poles in our warm up. They helped to lengthen my horse’s stride and really get her pushing off of the ground. My trainer had me use them to teach her lengthenings and mediums as well. Once she got her hind end engaged going over the poles it was much easier to get her to push off into a bigger trot when I asked for a lengenthing at the end.

[DownYonder]

There are two of them at the barn. One lady had been riding a spicy little Hanoverian mare for a few years, but she got dumped and broke her foot and decided she wanted something a bit more sedate. She sold the mare and bought a PRE gelding and is having a ball with him. She can’t really ride him up to his level - as others have mentioned, his trot gets quick and short and she can’t ride it - but he is pretty bomb proof and really takes care of her. He is a bit of a PIA in the barn though - is always making grumpy faces at the other horses and will charge my gelding if he gets a chance (not a wise move - my boy would kick his a**).

The other one is a Lusitano gelding that just arrived. The owner had some injuries and wanted something easy and safe, and she put the horse out with a local trainer while she recuperated from her latest injury. Horse is easy to handle in the barn, but is a jerk under saddle - including trying to buck. His saddle isn’t a good fit for him - channel is WAY narrow, it bridges, etc., plus we determined pretty quickly that he has some hock issues, so he will be seeing the vet in the next few days. We are bit that the previous trainer (a very experienced FEI trainer and USDF Gold Medalist) didn’t realize the horse had saddle and hock problems.

[gall0p]

I am really enjoying my Lusitano gelding! Aside from the initial sticker shock looking at PRE/PSL, he has been a fantastic purchase. He’s very smart and comfortable to ride, with plenty of turbo on demand for the more physically demanding work. I also really like that he’s an easy keeper and mellow to handle on the ground- its nice not having those hassles as an AA at a boarding barn.

We’ve definitely had to develop his trot from a mincier step, but it has really come a long way. Cavaletti have been great! He also came with a naturally great walk and balanced canter and finds the collected and lateral work easy. I’m really looking forward to moving up the levels and doing more working equitation with him too.

[HaltatG]

I’m lucky to have the ride on an imported Andalusian who is a joy. He was quite sour and shut down in his previous training approach, so when I started riding him the focus was just on going forward again. Once that was sorted, he became happier in his work and now gets really proud of himself when he does something well. He has a great work ethic, something I think a lot of Iberians share.

Speaking of work ethic, my breed of choice - Lipizzaners - have wonderful work ethics. The three I’ve had have all had sport horse gaits with lovely free shoulders and good hind ends. They also have personality to spare and bond really deeply to their people.

[Rockannand]

The MIGHTY little Andalusian. That is my mare… I’ve owned her now for 8 months. In my hay day, I rode XC TBs, good ones… with my Dressage scores always being better. If you have spent hours upon hours researching the PRE, you will learn that they are not placid horses. I used to enjoy the TBs gas peddle but they did not have the courage to fight a bull. The Andy or Lusco isn’t a spook. Their temperaments are trustworthy should you be a mature rider or young person. Their gait, divine. A trot you could sit all day long. Sensitive to leg and hand, many Andy’s and Luscos are trained Classically, meaning in French Classical Dressage… with contact on the corners of their lips… in lightness. They have the strength to work in self carriage and ‘withers high’ work quite easily if you know what you are doing. In my experience, they are the ULTIMATE dressage horse, both in temperament and style.

[Covergirl15]

I don’t have one, but did you guys see the grey PRE at nationals doing the freestyle? It was on the livestream and the rider had a burgundy coat… oh my gosh he was gorgeous!! It was a beautiful test–very expressive and very “wow” gaits!

[GraceLikeRain]

[QUOTE=Covergirl15;8932902]
I don’t have one, but did you guys see the grey PRE at nationals doing the freestyle? It was on the livestream and the rider had a burgundy coat… oh my gosh he was gorgeous!! It was a beautiful test–very expressive and very “wow” gaits![/QUOTE]

If it was the burgundy coat and boots then I believe that was Stacey Hastings. I got to watch them this year and last year at nationals. He’s really developing beautifully.

[ewells]

[QUOTE=Covergirl15;8932902]
I don’t have one, but did you guys see the grey PRE at nationals doing the freestyle? It was on the livestream and the rider had a burgundy coat… oh my gosh he was gorgeous!! It was a beautiful test–very expressive and very “wow” gaits![/QUOTE]

He is just stunning! His name is Gauteque and he’s from Coves Darden Stunning young stallion and his rider Stacey Hastings is doing a top notch job with him. Loved watching them in last years Young horse finals to. Check out his ears to so soft happy and flopping!