Barbaro (the Champ)

[prudery]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

I'm a hunter/jumper person, but I love dressage as well. Other disciplines of riding could learn a ton from dressage for sure. It's tough to find well conformed thoroughbreds in the dressage world since the warmbloods have taken over, isn't it? LOL

Actually, all riding is dressage in theory . With Tbreds, the downhill look is definately not dressage material, but there are plenty of uphill guys . The big issue with the Tbred is whether they have a strong back, loins and the patience required . I watched the Magnum Arab guy video . Lovely elastic horse, but in halter classes don't they have to stand square ??? He doesn't behind .

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by prudery

Actually, all riding is dressage in theory . With Tbreds, the downhill look is definately not dressage material, but there are plenty of uphill guys . The big issue with the Tbred is whether they have a strong back, loins and the patience required . I watched the Magnum Arab guy video . Lovely elastic horse, but in halter classes don't they have to stand square ??? He doesn't behind .

It definitely is in theory, but not all people will work on training level-1st level which I believe is imperative in most other disciplines (especially jumping.) All of the lesson horses out at the barn with maybe the exception of one do at least first level dressage, most do 2nd level. I did an internship at a trakehner farm (primarily dressage) in North Florida when I was 17. I learned so much that summer. I just started riding again the past several months and I am so out of shape.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

It definitely is in theory, but not all people will work on training level-1st level which I believe is imperative in most other disciplines (especially jumping.) All of the lesson horses out at the barn with maybe the exception of one do at least first level dressage, most do 2nd level. I did an internship at a trakehner farm (primarily dressage) in North Florida when I was 17. I learned so much that summer. I just started riding again the past several months and I am so out of shape.

My horse can do up to third level. I think that dressage is especially important for open jumpers and big EQ horses. My theory is that all hunters should be trained to first level. Of course, they really all are trained to training level aren't they.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

My horse can do up to third level. I think that dressage is especially important for open jumpers and big EQ horses. My theory is that all hunters should be trained to first level. Of course, they really all are trained to training level aren't they.

Not all horses can do a training level test. Trust me. LOL

[prudery]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Not all horses can do a training level test. Trust me. LOL

Ain't that the truth .

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Not all horses can do a training level test. Trust me. LOL

Maybe not well or maybe in a disaster...but all horses who show unless they are strictly walk/trot horses should be able to walk, trot, canter, stop, and circle. Otherwise...what would they show in? Let me rephrase that "All horses who place well or behave in h/j shows in the walk, trot, canter classes should be able to do a training test.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

Maybe not well or maybe in a disaster...but all horses who show unless they are strictly walk/trot horses should be able to walk, trot, canter, stop, and circle. Otherwise...what would they show in?

There is more to a training level test than walk, trot, canter, stop and circle.

The purpose of the Training Level Dressage Tests is to confirm that the horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. The horse is also asked to stretch down at the trot, and make changes of bend at the trot rather than going through the walk. As you are working through training level and moving towards first level, the horse should be moving and reaching forward towards the bridle. The horse should accept the rider and the riders use of seat and leg. Kind, consistent and correct riding will show with the horses acceptance and obedience to the aids.

I'm no dressage expert, but there is definitely more to a training level test than what you said. It's not easy teaching a horse how to do those things in the correct manner.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

There is more to a training level test than walk, trot, canter, stop and circle.

The purpose of the Training Level Dressage Tests is to confirm that the horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. The horse is also asked to stretch down at the trot, and make changes of bend at the trot rather than going through the walk. As you are working through training level and moving towards first level, the horse should be moving and reaching forward towards the bridle. The horse should accept the rider and the riders use of seat and leg. Kind, consistent and correct riding will show with the horses acceptance and obedience to the aids.

I'm no dressage expert, but there is definitely more to a training level test than what you said. It's not easy teaching a horse how to do those things in the correct manner.

I know...I've won several training level classes and I had to work my butt off for those wins. I meant that all hunters should be able to perform the walk, trot, canter, circle, and halt so that essentially, they can do a training level dressage test. It doesn't mean that they have to do it well...just that they can do them. I've had horses gallop, buck, and rear in tests before, yet I still performed the test.

Of course there are working trot, working trot sitting, halt, working canter, changing rein, working trot rising, medium walk, free walk, gradually letting the horse take the reins at the trot while circling, working canter, changing rein, transitions, 20 meter circles at the trot and canter, bending, acceptance of the bit, impulsion, submission, lightness, freedom, regularity,stopping squarely at the halt...etc. etc.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by prudery

Actually, all riding is dressage in theory . With Tbreds, the downhill look is definately not dressage material, but there are plenty of uphill guys . The big issue with the Tbred is whether they have a strong back, loins and the patience required . I watched the Magnum Arab guy video . Lovely elastic horse, but in halter classes don't they have to stand square ??? He doesn't behind .

Well, they show the Arabs differently. They show them as being more saddle horse type. They want them standing with their hind end out from under them a bit like the Saddlebreds and the Walkers. See, in all three of these breeds, a strong short back, and strong croup are highly desirable. Thus, the standing of their hind legs out behind them gives them the appearance of having a flatter croup. With these breeds, as I'm sure you know, a flatter croup, and a short, strong back is desirable because a flat croup puts the withers higher than the croup. This way, it is easier for them to rock their weight back to thier hind end and lift their shoulders higher. It is then easier for the animal to lift his legs up higher resulting in more action. Magmun Psyche really didn't have to stand out like that to see what a fantastic croup he has.

[LARHAGE]

Originally Posted by prudery

Actually, all riding is dressage in theory . With Tbreds, the downhill look is definately not dressage material, but there are plenty of uphill guys . The big issue with the Tbred is whether they have a strong back, loins and the patience required . I watched the Magnum Arab guy video . Lovely elastic horse, but in halter classes don't they have to stand square ??? He doesn't behind .

Arabs don't stand square, they have a leg back to accentuate their topline.

[prudery]

Originally Posted by LARHAGE

Arabs don't stand square, they have a leg back to accentuate their topline.

Interesting. But I must say that that horse was soo lovely it wouldn't matter if he stood square, round or on MY head .

[LARHAGE]

Originally Posted by prudery

Interesting. But I must say that that horse was soo lovely it wouldn't matter if he stood square, round or on MY head .

Yes, he certainly is, thats the thing with Arabians, they can be so unbelievably beautiful, they are often called living art.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by LARHAGE

Yes, he certainly is, thats the thing with Arabians, they can be so unbelievably beautiful, they are often called living art.

IMO, there is no breed in the world as beautiful as a good Arabian.