The mare is Magical Creation from TRR Sport Horses and Saddlebreds. She's competing at 4th level. I've seen video of saddlebreds at the upper levels, and while they can give an amazing performance, they're a bit like thoroughbreds in that it's hard to get them to relax their back. That's why I think these horses are worth a watch -- they're very fluid and relaxed, aren't they?
The same farm has a Saddlebred stallion currently at first level. Compared to the first video, this ride is a bit unsteady at times -- a little hurried some moments, a little pokey others. But such a nice picture overall! He's a stunner.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
4th level Saddlebred ridden by Hilda Gurney
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Years ago, I was blessed to have a Saddlebred to ride. I had to teach him to stretch down and relax his bak, but once I did, he was wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteThe other thing that amazed me was his disposition. I had always seen Saddlebreds all wild and fiery in the show ring. This guy was the sweetest, most cooperative, gentle, honest horse you could ever want to ride. And he was a beautiful mover.
Sad to say, I sold him for his owner and sometime later, he died in my arms on the way to surgery for colic. It broke my heart, but at least I was there with him.
My 4th Level horse was half saddlebred. Flashy and big gaits, but, alas, relaxation was NOT her forte! These look butter-soft by comparision - very nice!
ReplyDeleteI've never understood the urge to turn a breed that's not bred for dressage into a dressage horse. It's really a lot easier if you start with the correct conformation, movement, and mindset. Sure, there will be the occasional non-warmblood that can do well, but the vast majority are going to struggle. Why not make life easier for both horse and rider?
ReplyDeleteBecause there is nothing magic about dressage? It's training? And all horses benefit? People talk as if it is some exclusive club that only an elite few should attempt.
ReplyDeleteIt's not such an challenge to ride a horse for whom everything comes easily. I admire the riders who take on the challenge.
Exactly Stacey. I ride a TWH and an Appy in dressage and neither is easy but I place in most schooling shows anyway. For me dressage is making the horse responsive and listening as it makes things like jumping so much easier.
ReplyDeleteSo pfft to the many many MANY people who think I am crazy for riding gaited dressage and pushing an older appy into first level.
cannot agree more with you Stacey re: "It's not such an challenge to ride a horse for whom everything comes easily. I admire the riders who take on the challenge"...and I also believe any type of equine breed can benefit from dressage training
ReplyDeleteWow! Both horses are wonderful. The mare is very nicely marked and moves very smoothly. I had never considered a Saddlebred as a Dressage horse personally. Just goes to prove that you learn something new everyday if you keep your eyes open!
ReplyDeleteI agree Stacey. I'd also like to see judges reward correct training, rhythm, harmony, relaxation and precise riding more - because I think those are of pinnacle importance to dressage - rather than rewarding flashy gaits, when those aforementioned qualities are absent.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's not sour grapes. This is coming from a rider whose horse consistently scores 7 or higher on the gait coefficient. I just think those other things are more important. That's part of what bothers me about Totilas - it seems like everyone is really focused on his animated gaits. I'd rather talk about that other, boring stuff.
I shocked an animated group of horse women into stunned silence when I offered a very mild critique of Totilas (said some of the wonderful energy was at the expense of relaxation).
ReplyDeleteI must have sounded like a know it all, the look on peoples' faces! Felt like an ass.
Need to remember...
You are a lower level rider. You are a lowel rider. You are a lower level...
My "first horse" (I leased him in high school, so he wasn't really mine, but I've always considered him my first horse) was a National Show Horse (half Arab, half Saddlebred). I got him when he was 23, and in his lifetime he'd been a hunter/jumper, Park horse, equitation horse and then started a career in dressage in his late teens. He was a wonderful horse and was an excellent dressage mount! He also was extremely dignified and charming, and I have nothing but fond memories of him. He taught me so much about the basics of dressage, though it was often a humbling experience. Nothing quite like struggling to get a movement, having your trainer hop on, and your horse miraculously transforms into a Lipizzaner. Sadly, he died about 6 months after I stopped leasing him and went to college. Thanks for this post, it brought back some great memories of the old guy.
ReplyDeleteAny breed bred to be a smooth saddle horse can do dressage. I would think that a saddlebred with it's infusion of TB would be a nice dressage horse. It doesn't have to be a show horse, it doesn't have to attain high levels. But it can be a lovely pal, a lovely ride and a great learning experience.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to read this post! Ever since acquiring my now 3 y/o Saddlebred/Thoroughbred cross as an eventing prospect, I've had an increased interest in Saddlebreds as sport horses. My boy is doing Intro at his first dressage show next month.
ReplyDeleteI think Saddlebreds that are bred w/ sport, as opposed to saddleseat, in mind, can excel in so many disciplines that many may be surprised by! I've actually even heard of some successful European jumpers w/ American saddlebred blood a few generations back. [names escape me at the moment but I may be able to find them again]
I've long been a reader of this blog, but have just been really prompted to comment. I just wanted to thank you you for shining some light on the talented Saddlebred sport horse!
I used to show a Saddlebred in the very green hunters, she did really well!
ReplyDeleteHarry Callahan is another really good dressage Saddlebred...you should check him out!
the owner/trainer of my dressage barn has a saddlebred in training there and she also trains at a strictly gaited farm. As others have mentioned, Dressage is good training for any horse, any breed. No, not all will excel, but it's still great for them!
ReplyDelete