I want to get a good dressage horse, and I am thinking of a German Warmblood, like a Hanoverian. Anybody have some other good breeds for upper-level dressage?

Well, I’ve never seen many Halflingers doing dressage, and no Paso Finos or Walkers in the upper levels. Your right in thinking along the lines of German Warmbloods. Hanoverians are classic and widely seen in the upper levels, as are Danish and Dutch Warmbloods, Holsteiners, Westphalians, Oldenburgs, and Trakehners. You may want to also look at some of the Spanish bred horses, like Andalusians. Lippizans are also classically bred/trained for dressage, but can be hard to come by. The French Selle Francais can also be quite skilled in dressage. Ultimately, though, the individual horse’s talent matters more than breed.


7 Responses to “What are the best types of horses for dressage?”

  1. Tiffers Says:

    Something with spanish lines maybe? Lusitano or what used to be called Andalusian. They can have very good movements indeed.
    References :

  2. kiya12bc Says:

    Pasafino…Tn. Walker
    References :

  3. Sarah C Says:

    You will find that the most expensive and upper level dressage horses are….

    Danish Warmbloods
    Andalusian
    Hanoverian
    Dutch Warmbloods
    Fresians

    If you have any more questions or need some help you can contact my equine help hotline by adding Equine Help 101 to your buddy list!
    References :

  4. sami k Says:

    hi dressage
    you have to tell what you want from the horse. Some I watch horse race , i thinkarabic horses are the best and the most expensive. so long ..
    References :

  5. silvaspurranch76401 Says:

    The most popular dressage horses are Hanoverians, Haflingers, and Andalusians. However Friesians and Lipizzaner’s are growing in popularity over seas.
    References :
    horse ranch owner, breeder, and trainer. APHA, AQHA, IBHA, NCHA, NRHA, NRCHA, and NARHA lifetime member.

    and retired equine and large animal veterinarian.

  6. ap1188 Says:

    Well, I’ve never seen many Halflingers doing dressage, and no Paso Finos or Walkers in the upper levels. Your right in thinking along the lines of German Warmbloods. Hanoverians are classic and widely seen in the upper levels, as are Danish and Dutch Warmbloods, Holsteiners, Westphalians, Oldenburgs, and Trakehners. You may want to also look at some of the Spanish bred horses, like Andalusians. Lippizans are also classically bred/trained for dressage, but can be hard to come by. The French Selle Francais can also be quite skilled in dressage. Ultimately, though, the individual horse’s talent matters more than breed.
    References :

  7. Dressage Queen Says:

    Straight on! Hanoverians and other German Warmbloods are the best!
    The biggest thing is no QHs or gaited horses can really be good at this. Maybe for other things, but not for dressage. Generally dressage horses have a BIG elegant build!
    References :
    Working with Olympic horses!

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