Wildly Expensive Mechanical Horses

[Mondo]

I recall looking at one of those mechanical dressage horses a number of years ago and the cost, including shipping from the UK, was around $3700. I looked again recently and saw they are upwards of $50,000 now!!! WTH? :eek:

I work with many, many adult beginning riders as well as riders with fear issues. I have long thought that one of those would be the ultimate starter “school horse” for a lot of my students, but damn, I can buy myself a competitive FEI horse for that kind of money! :no:

Two questions for the board: Can I conceivably find a used one at a more affordable price? And, what’s the consensus hereon about my intended use of such an “animal?” Good idea or no?

Thanks in advance.

[VFT]

I saw a used one for sale a while back, I don’t know the price but here is the link:
http://rideamerika.com/

[Mondo]

Thanks, I’ll check it out. Geographically not far away from me either.

[Willesdon]

I’ve had a couple of lessons on a mechanical horse. The person teaching was both a skilled dressage rider and a specialist bio-mechanical coach/trainer thingy (sorry, can’t recall precisely what qualification she had.) Surprisingly, the lessons were extremely hard work but I found them really enlightening. The mechanical horse had a slightly odd ‘feel’ but responded with change within a gait or increased speed when my leg was correctly applied and the trainer could really work on my posture and could see things such as uneven pelvis or tension in my shoulders and deal with it immediately without having to worry about a live horse on the lunge. 45 minutes of individual attention actually had me shaking with tiredness. The entire dressage barn had a wonderful elegance to their way of riding.

Next time I rode a live horse, there was a horrid clatter of scary noise outside the ring but, though the horse started, I was in such a perfect balance nothing dire could happen and the horse immediately came back on focus. I was sooooo impressed with myself. Unfortunately, normal service has since been resumed.

[atlatl]

I’ve only done the mechanical horse thing once and frankly while it was fun, I don’t think one session did much for my riding. Perhaps if it were available regularly, that might help make a difference. The instructor and I both were surprised when the “horse” broke to a trot and I immediately responded with a quick kick! I guess it was me after all!