Why not think out of the box? I adopted (from New Vocations) a lovely off the track Standardbred that the previous owner had retrained for dressage. He has a lovely trot, calm disposition and is a sweet soul. There are plenty of nice TB’s out there many already started in dressage and still affordable. I got him sight unseen, a big gamble but he sure paid off for me.
I had a wonderful QH years ago that had been a reining horse. It was a divorce sale and I got him for $2,000. He transitioned to dressage easily and was a incredible at halfpass and tempi changes. I was able to really work on my riding with him because he already new so much. He was truly a once in a life time horse, safe, sound and always put me in the ribbons.
I bought a Friesian cross from Flying W for 3k (included shipping). Had to completely start from scratch since she was barely halter-broken and we won’t even TALK about how many thousands I’ve spent in lessons, but we’re working toward my silver. As an ammy, I needed a good brain first and foremost. Everything else has come along with training. Yeah, we’re not going to the Olympics, but that wasn’t a goal anyway so shrugs I hope you find something you love. Horse shopping is such a stressor
I’m going to say “probably NO”, that it’s likely you’ll find a horse for that price that you end up being happy with.
If you are on that tight of a budget, have you considered the PPE cost, new saddle/bridle, shipping, traveling to see sales horses, etc. etc.
Unless you feel quite confident and experienced enough to bring along a young or green horse up the dressage training ladder, you will have to pay for consistent training. That doesn’t come cheap if you select a good trainer.
Maybe you have money set aside for all that or your income can support it. You don’t say. I get the feeling your budget is even lower than 15k.
As for seeing sales horses advertised at a reasonable price that look pretty nice, once you call about them or see them in person, they almost always disappoint. That’s been my experience and I have called/seen a lot of sales horses over the years. I always had a decent size budget, and even so, found it very difficult to find a horse that didn’t have some ‘red flag’ that caused me to pass.
Dressage is hard (imo) for both horse and rider. I don’t think a lot of newbies in the sport realize how hard and they unknowingly set themselves up to fail by buying an inappropriate horse due to budget constraints. Now, looking back at my past mistakes, my advice to new dressage riders would be to buy a trained, older horse; one that even needed some reasonable maintenance.
Another option is buying a really nice weanling, you can get something really talented for under 10k. For 15k you can buy exceptional.
i kept an eye open for a while and bought a KWPN weanling 5 years ago from a respected breeder. This is our first year of showing but we are top 3 All Breeds for USDF at Training Level year end (and the ones ahead were ranked in the same division last year so we are top of the horses in their first year of showing) and top 15 Amateur overall, going to 4 shows. The first year stuff is relevant because our scores reflect some of the “OMG there is a person in that box at the end of the arena” and “WTF FLOWERS” moments, but we still have a median of 68.8.
We are schooling First/Second now and my trainer has mentioned “changes early next year”.
I know you said competition isn’t that important to you, but you can be competitive on a budget. I don’t see any reason my mare can’t reach FEI levels. Hoping to breed her next year ET, so I have another talented horse on a budget down the road.
of course, over the years the cost adds up but it is easier spread out.
@ToN Farm I have thought about all that, since I’ve owned horses for many years, had to travel out of state, had to buy saddles and while in comfortable bringing a green, young horse up, I have occasionally had training done when needed. I like doing it as much as I can through lessons because that’s the whole point for me. It’s the journey.
And yes my budget at this moment is not $15k at this moment. It’s $10k. That’s leaving room for traveling, a very thorough vetting, saddle and what not. But it very well can be at $15k soon. Finances are personal and I’m not sure how you can tell how much money a person has by an forum post. But anyways, yes, I’m an average adult person. I’m not rich, will not pretend for second to be weathly.
I do agree about horse shopping being disappointing. It’s definitely difficult all around.
Do I come off as a newbie? I’m definitely not accomplished nor a great rider. But I’ve been pursuing Dressage on and off ( due to circumstances like horse shattering coffin bone) for 15 years. I’ve been a working student for a gold medalist for a 6 month stint (she moved) and then again for an L judge that was working to get her bronze for a few years. I don’t know if many people would consider me a newbie. In fact most trainers seem to believe that I actually have an understanding of this Dressage stuff, but that my big obstacle is believing in myself…
Another option is buying a really nice weanling, you can get something really talented for under 10k. For 15k you can buy exceptional.
i kept an eye open for a while and bought a KWPN weanling 5 years ago from a respected breeder. This is our first year of showing but we are top 3 All Breeds for USDF at Training Level year end (and the ones ahead were ranked in the same division last year so we are top of the horses in their first year of showing) and top 15 Amateur overall, going to 4 shows. The first year stuff is relevant because our scores reflect some of the “OMG there is a person in that box at the end of the arena” and “WTF FLOWERS” moments.
We are schooling First/Second now and my trainer has mentioned “changes early next year”.
I know you said competition isn’t that important to you, but you can be competitive on a budget. I don’t see any reason my mare can’t reach FEI levels. Hoping to breed her next year ET, so I have another talented horse on a budget down the road.
of course, over the years the cost adds up but it is easier spread out.
I would say that a nice “long 2-yr to 3 yr old” can be had for $8-9k. I prefer to buy young so I can start them the way I want and don’t have to deal with or undo other training.
While horse prices are rising, I do think you can find a Morgan, Arab, Saddlebred, QH, etc or Cross (be it andi or one of the aforementioned) for well within your budget that has 3 pure gaits, sound conformation and a willing mind. Usually purchasing from the breeder (and like me) unstarted or barely started will find you the greatest savings. I will admit that I get lucky. I have inquired about many that breeders just tell me, “move along you’re not willing the spend what I know I can get for Mr or Ms “X”” but those are the same breeders that will reach out to me a year or two later asking if I can ‘take’ Mr X or Ms X or someone similar. I understand their position and respect it but I also know that there are decent, willing horses that are available for less. My most recent acquisition was obtained in a somewhat similar way (and well, well within your budget and obviously within mine). So far he’s turning out to be a gem (like the many before him).
ToN Farm I have thought about all that, since I’ve owned horses for many years, had to travel out of state, had to buy saddles and while in comfortable bringing a green, young horse up, I have occasionally had training done when needed. I like doing it as much as I can through lessons because that’s the whole point for me. It’s the journey.
And yes my budget at this moment is not fifteen k at this moment. It’s ten k. That’s leaving room for traveling, a very thorough vetting, saddle and what not. But it very well can be at fifteen k soon. Finances are personal and I’m not sure how you can tell how much money a person has by an forum post. But anyways, yes, I’m an average adult person. I’m not rich, will not pretend for second to be weathly.
I do agree about horse shopping being disappointing. It’s definitely difficult all around.
Do I come off as a newbie? I’m definitely not accomplished nor a great rider. But I’ve been pursuing Dressage on and off ( due to circumstances like horse shattering coffin bone) for 15 years. I’ve been a working student for a gold medalist for a 6 month stint (she moved) and then again for an L judge that was working to get her silver for a few years. I don’t know if many people would consider me a newbie. In fact most trainers seem to believe that I actually have an understanding of this Dressage stuff, but that my big obstacle is believing in myself…
I understand your point and others. Buy the nicest horse you can afford. I just don’t see a lot of positivity or actually advice for those that are simply not there in life.
@fordtraktor honestly I’m just not a competitive type. In anything lol. I would be happy with an occasional show or just as happy just riding Dressage at home/clinics/ride a test.
Congrats on your mare!! It sounds like you guys are a lovely pair!
Maybe a disconnect is for me it’s the process of doing it all, working with each individual horse and further myself that I’m addicted too. I really want to meet my goals. But if I enjoyed my horse, worked hard, became a better Dressage rider and just really perfected 2nd level type stuff, I’d be happy. Or if I just really, truly improved my horse. I can’t see me being too upset over it. But while shopping, I’m still keeping my goals in my mind. I don’t see any reason not to do that. Not to work hard, dream and just give it a shot. And yes, I am keeping in mind conformation. I don’t want to risk injury. That’s very important to me and I’m keeping that in my head.
Editing to add I think for people that like to compete or be extremely competitive it’s also about the journey. Not implying that. Just saying for some, there are multiple reasons they are doing this sport.
Thanks and totally fair. FWIW, I also have a QH mare for my kids, but they don’t ride so I have worked with her. She can half pass, do flying changes, and everything after a couple of years. Her gaits are a 6ish but she is steady and would be perfect for what you want to do. Yeah, she is downhill and “earthbound” but she is very accurate. I got her free from a family member who advertised her for 6 months and couldn’t sell her for $3k.
She loves to jump so we have also dabbled in eventing.
There are tons of these horses out there. My QH mare was trained western so I had to teach her about contact which took a lot of time and patience, but she has always been fun. Anything safe and correct (sound and able to stand up to work) you enjoy riding should work.
ETA I am very competitive but it is definitely about the journey or I wouldn’t have bought a weanling! Lol
@fordtraktor fair enough!! Definitely have to be in it for the journey and patient with a youngster
So what you are doing with the QH mare, that’s kind of where I’m thinking. Like okay decent mover, try to improve them, enjoy it and would be thrilled to play with some half pass or changes. For me it’s because I know it will mean I’ve improved as a rider over anything else.
The whole appeal of dressage to me is that it is good for any horse. You’ve said you’re not competitive so who cares if the horse you end up with could or couldn’t earn you a medal? I think you will be able to find a well built, quiet minded horse and carry on with your journey. Good luck
You can definitely find one like her in your budget. Mine isn’t for sale, but she would be priced around $10k if she was right now. The people saying no want more. My mare is cute at a button, an adorable palomino, but she’s still a QH and has limitations to how far she can physically go, as a dressage horse or eventer. Bonus points, she can dink around safely with my boys western.
You can find one that is super appealing and cute! They are out there.
Short answer yes, you can. My FEI horse is an Arab x WB cross that I got for $6500 as a long yearling - I should note, I’m not just throwing FEI around lightly, he is confirmed at PSG; two people have gotten silver medals on him.
With a horse who is less naturally talented, you have to be precise, balanced and you have to ride every stride. It’s hard for them, so they need you to make it as easy on them as possible. With purpose bred dressage horses, you can be mostly in the ballpark, and they’re much more likely to do it (half pass, changes, etc. etc.) because it’s less effort.
As everyone else has mentioned, look for pure w/t/c, uphill, good brain/work ethic and good hip angles. You might consider looking at anglo arabs, or appendix QH. The TB blood improves the canter like you wouldn’t believe.
My arab x WB is a normal mover, but because he LOOKS like a WB (until you see his open hip angle and straight hind leg), I suspect he’s a bit disappointing to a judge, who’s probably then assuming that I’m riding him into the ground. I did demo ride him for an L judge training a billion years ago with Axel Steiner, and when he asked the trainees to give the collective gait score, it was like a race to the bottom; 5.5-6 was the general consensus iirc. Axel put them in their place tho - he said any horse with pure gates is a 7 mover by default. One thing I will say for ‘normal’ movers, they are much more likely to be sound than an huge mover who’s putting more stress/load on their legs.
The token answer: any sound horse can do dressage and the rider is usually the biggest limitation
The Budget answer: I spent $0.14 on my grade horse who is now schooling grand prix
The Diva answer: If you want to school 3rd/4th you need to be looking at spending at least $75,000 and my friends with a $300,000 can’t find a horse that can walk/trot/canter
$15,000 should give you a wide array of non-WBs who are recently under saddle with correct gaits that do not give early signs that future work will be difficult. A horse correctly schooling first or second level is a bigger stretch in that budget but I’ve seen them, especially for less popular breeds or other traits that can drive down the price.
I think that as a budget increases so do expectations. What someone buys for $60,000 can look eerily similar to a $12,000 horse on paper “Great mind, AA friendly, schooling first level, sound, will pass PPE”. The difference between the two horses then becomes the quality of gaits, breeding, trainer/barn of origin, inspection status, etc.
If your budget is $15,000 and you have regular access to a good trainer, I think you can reach your goal or make very good progress. Along the way you may find that a horse runs into barriers but if you do the foundation work well, there is always a home for a 1st/2nd level horse with a good mind.
