Where are you located?
Not going to counter your point, though the key word(s) above are NEXT market. :lol:
I grew up with Holsteiners and still love them. When I turned 60, I scaled back any jumping and now only own and ride PREs. I find them perfect for me, good results at shows (2nd, 3rd and 4th level). Never found any breed prejudice against them, even 10 years ago when there were many fewer at shows
they are not cheap, especially if they have competed above 1st level. But quick to learn, honest and all the PREs I have known have been very kind and forgiving. Riding them requires a really light touch and whisper aides. Took me a while to learn how to help my own horse relax
I JUST bought a Lusitano from them - he arrives tomorrow. I have to say that after months of searching, it was refreshing to go to a place where every horse they showed me was exactly as they had described them. They’re not cheap, but the training is excellent and it’s nice not to have to fix any bad habits.
The horse I bought is super-sensitive to seat aids and goes from the lightest of leg aids. I’m going to have to learn to use a much lighter rein aid than I’m used to, too. However, he tried his best to figure out my aids and didn’t take offense at anything. Like you, I had a spinal injury a couple of years ago and no longer want to take a chance on a horse with any kind of buck, spook or bolt.
The pre-purchase vet found nothing wrong with the horse and even commented on his placid demeanor. They didn’t even have to sedate him for x-rays, and I did a full set of leg, back & neck.
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I’d be the last to disagree on the general principle of the potential in mustangs, I adore my guy and talk about SMOOTH. We haven’t started showing yet but I find myself thinking “Do you really HAVE to post at the lower levels? It’s so much easier for me to apply good leg and seat aids to get him forward and bending in the corners if I sit!”
OP is looking for horses that are at 3rd level and above, though. I have to think that there are not a HUGE number of mustangs at that level currently that are for sale. I know my guy sure won’t be once we get to that level (or the equivalent in eventing-land if I’m brave enough to bring him along), barring unforeseen disaster striking me or my family forcing his sale. Heck, he’s not for sale now, and will not be even if we never wind up doing any more than putt about and hop crossrails.
I do like the general idea of keeping an open mind and looking at individual horses more than breeds while shopping, but I can’t fault somebody for having an attraction to a particular breed or type and looking hardest at sources for those horses. Somebody looking at PRE breeders and brokers for good solid 3+ horses instead of trying any advertised 3+ horse of any breed that is shortish and looks smooth on video isn’t really all that different than me stalking TIP and EMM trainers for youngsters with a solid start by a trainer that knows what they are doing, and a good attitude, rather than Dreamhorse ads for the same thing in sub 5k horses of all breeds.
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I have an Azteca who can be amazing but had something weird, I suspect genetic issue like Friesians or autoimmune? Low vitamin E, Lyme, ulcers,weird allergic issues. I don’t know, but suspect, his spooky issues may have been health related. I recently retired him as he’s 17 and worse, but comfortable in retirement. When not bolting, or being otherwise difficult, super comfy and fun. I like hot horses but not unpredictable/dangerous. I have had other PRE and PRE cross owners note they can be hot/spooky, so be careful there. My TB mare is super comfy when using her back, but in future, I’ll be shopping for a Saddlebred. They have the BEST brains. I’d consider the various suggestions here, and shop with an eye to quality movement and good brain, in whatever breed.
I have a Lusitano. I also owned an Andalusian. I am a total convert. Good moving ones are well received in the arena - I earned a ribbon at Regionals at Third level last year. Flaws as noted above - be sure you have a good swinging walk (they can be tight in their back - it shows in the walk and fake collection, not over the back or through - rider can tell but it’s hard to see…). They can be hot, but not what I would call spooky - just “aware”. In Lusitanos, lines with Viega blood are bull fighting bred - and definitely more agile and “aware”. SMART!!! My competition horse came from Brazil, but not an Interagro - he is from Do Retiro, and came to the US through Sons of the Wind / Vitor Silva. I bought him from a friend. He is the most reliable horse I have ever known.
Ride lots of them, because just like other breeds there is a lot of variety. If dealing with Spain or Portugal (or Brazil, I guess) be sure you have a trustworthy guide. TWO of my friends bought horses that “passed” the vet but were, in fact, off… not noticed until they were on US soil. ANd be sure they have a good foundation of training -not just “he has P/P!!”. It seems lots come here with little real Training level-First level basics - contact, bending, etc. Collection is the easy thing - it’s the basics of stretching to the bit, covering ground, etc that is hard.
And yes their feet are different. Pay attention they don’t get away from your farrier.
COves Darden, mentioned above, had some really nice horses at Regionals last year. We were in the same barn…
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And I wanted to add that if you wind up looking for an Andalusian, there are two registries - IALHA and PRE. IALHA also registers Lusitanos here in the US. IMO, the PRE registry focuses more on the dressage horse. If you care about year end awards and that sort of thing…
All great info! Thank you all for chiming in with all the experiences, thoughts, and suggestions. I’ll check out some of the recommended farms. I guess I should say I’m not only looking at PREs/Lusitanos, they just seem to be what I’ve liked best in my search so far. I honestly don’t care about breed, color, gender, etc. I just want a safe, sane, smooth horse that isn’t a giant and has the ability to be competitive to achieve a silver in the upcoming years. I know these unicorns don’t come cheap but the cost is worth it to me considering compromising on any of those items could have diasterious and permanent physical consequences. I’ve heard Saddlebred and Morgan before and I love them. Unfortunately, I don’t have much luck finding them at the level I’m looking for …and why would I, no one wants to sell them!
Wondering how easy it is to find a horse for sale with potential already truly at third level, of any breed?
I was going to recommend Jorge Gabriel. Wonderful reputation and lovely horses.
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If you EXCLUDE WB, the list is pretty small.
I’ve been looking for well over a year for something that is of average age, safe, not a giant (around 16 hands), at 3rd level +, and under six figures … so far, it doesn’t exist. And that’s any breed (not breed specific, can be unpapered, doesn’t matter). Safe yet light off the aids with a forward thinking mind is a fine line to walk. I’ve felt the best on the PREs and Lusitanos so that is why I’m starting to lean that direction.
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My avatar is my little Andalusian.
He was broken in late (8yo) and then left until he was 11yo and I purchased him back. He wasnt left for any particular reason, just fell through the cracks.
He is very smart and clever and I got him from OMG unrideable, to level 2 in a season. He can be hot, and ridiculous, but is very safe.
All the ones I know are very similar. He is now leased to an adult who had no real confidence left from her horse. My guy isnt an easy horse by any stretch, but knowing you are safe means everything. They are going great guns.
He was shocking to jump, just really lacked confidence and lept over everyhing like it was 3’6, even though we only ever entered tiny intro events. I learnt to be very good with my hands lol
His new rider has consolidated his work and he is winning a lot now. Unfortunately he has a fair few melanomas so his ridden career will be fairly short.
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There’s a couple really cute quarter horses posted for sale in that “Dressage Horses for Sale- Weanlings to GP” group. Both East coast, both schooling 4th+, both <15yo. Both (very far) under 6 figures as well. Might be worth a shot, especially if they are local to you.
Disclaimer: I have no relationship with either seller-- wouldn’t know them from Adam. But they have very cute horses.
Marta Renilla in Houston has a nice one right now, I think he’s psg.
Woodlands Equestrian.
I went to Spain and rode quite a few PRE’s, Lusitano’s and a few Hispano’s as well.
All of them were very different. I was very aware that Lusitano’s were supposed to be hotter, but I rode one that was used as a kids pony, as well as training a very solid GP. He was a complete doll. But the next one I rode was a firecracker, but a fun firecracker because he was right on your aids the entire time and so willing. Some were bouncy to sit, some were smooth, you just have to judge the horse underneath you. I ended up buying a mare who was solid at Small Tour and working on all of her GP.
Depending on your budget, it may be worth finding a good agent in Spain/Portugal. You are looking for a bit of a unicorn and that may be impossible without expanding your search. Especially for something 3rd level and over. People are always very surprised at the prices you get from some of the smaller breeders in the less fancy areas in Spain.
Broken arrow - interesting that you ended up with a mare while looking at breeds where very few mares see anything other than the breeding shed!
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Yeah. I’ve actually seen some mares pop up recently. I don’t know if they’ll become more common. They’re out there, but rarer. Part of me thinks it’s a shame, I love a good mare, but the other part of me doesn’t care either way.
I’ve always found it interesting.
