Anyone considering an American Saddlebred for dressage might want to look for the following qualities:
Big bones to support a mature height of over 16 hands. Most people (judges included) prefer large horses
for dressage work over small ones. Fortunately, many American Saddlebreds embody the correct conformation for
dressage. Click here to review American Saddlebred conformation.
Certain bloodlines lend themselves better to the trot, instead of the slow-gait and rack. Some of these
lines include Kalarama Rex, American Ace, and Indiana Peavine. Of course, it's the individual that counts, not
how he/she is bred.
As previously implied, try to stay away from the naturally gaited families. Stock from three-gaited or fine
harness horses may be better suited for dressage. If possible, watch the prospect move at liberty, while barefoot,
and look for a square, strong trot. Naturally gaited horses sometimes exhibit the tendency to slip into a pace
while turning.
Look for less "up-headed-ness" as popular in the saddle seat world. Sometimes, a horse that carries its head
extremely high is weak in the back, making it difficult to create impulsion and driving off the hocks.
Look for a horse that sets his/her hind legs squarely underneath its body. This often helps create the impulsion
needed for dressage work.
Finally, the best dressage prospect, be it an American Saddlebred or another breed, is a young horse that
hasn't been started as a show horse. That way, you won't have to undo what a trainer in another discipline might
have done that contradicts what you want to accomplish in dressage. Of course, having access to a reputable dressage
trainer is a must!
