Should I buy this horse (more details inside)?

Question

Hi,
I'm an eventer looking to buy a new horse. I recently found one, a 6 year old TB mare, that has been eventing at the Training level and is moving up to Prelim in March. She's a FANTASTIC jumper - she hasn't had any jump or XC penalties at all. However, she hasn't had very good dressage scores (she's only competed in 3 events, earning a 62.20, 47.89, and 51.60). I am looking for a solid Training/Prelim competitor. This horse has also competed at 3'6" jumpers throughout the winter so far, earning many 1st places. I think she might be able to be an upper level competitor, but I'm wondering if the dressage can be fixed. She's priced at $10,000. What do you guys think - should I buy her? She's only 6 years old, so her dressage might be able to be improved (Owner said she was just nervous at her 1st few events. Owner is an advanced level eventer). Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Often horses that are good jumpers aren't good at dressage.

Dressage is a very demanding sport for the mind and the body. The horse needs to be able to concentrate completely on listening and being supple. In jumping the horse has to run a course with a bit of suppleness and not as much, if any thought.

Thoroughbreds can be good at dressage, but their talent is definately in the jumping, hunter, and cross-country world.

What I would do if I were you is work out a 30 day trial. Any good horse seller will be open to that. If she's not, don't buy the horse. Something is wrong with the horse if she says she won't or can't do that. Durring the 30 days, take dressage lessons with her at least 3 times a week, and jumping the rest. See if she can handle the mental stress, or if she begins to get crabby or upset.

Her problem with dressage may be that she simply has never had a good dressage rider on her. It's worth a try.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sometimes TBs are not the best at the dressage portion of the eventing thing. Most are very forward and excell at the jumping and cross country but some horses dislike the dressage.
What does your trainer think? Is it something you can work on and train through? My horse does great at the jumping and cross country but is not great at the dressage. Adaquate but he will never be really great at it. It is slow moving and precise and he hates it. His thing is to be out and moving. So he would never be able to move to a very high level. Could this be the case with this horse?
I would have my trainer ride the horse and see what he/she thinks and if they have vidoe of the horse doing some of the dressage or test ride the horse and work some of the movements and see if you can tell why the scores have been low.
Other than that if you mesh good with the horse and your personalities are good together and the horse is in your budget go for it.
Good luck.

Answer 3

1. What does your trainer say? This person knows you best, and what would help you reach your goals the best.

2. Are you good at dressage? Do you have the ability to bring out the best in her dressage? If its your weak point, you might not be able to help her get better as easily as someone else.

3. Is that the best horse you can find in your budget? No horse is perfect and our budget reflects how much "imperfection" we have to deal with. Start by making a list of the qualities you have to have, can't have, and would like to have. That really helps.

4. Do you really like the horse? In other words, do you get along with the horse so well that it wouldn't matter if the dressage isn't the strongest?

5. Read between the lines... was she "just nervous at her first few events" or does that maybe hint that in reality she's just really nervous all the time? You can work on tension, but you will likely struggle with tension issues all the tiem if its just part of who the horse is. .... and that goes back to some of the other questions.... are you good with those kinds of horses? Do you care? how patient are you? Is winning more important?....

HOpe that helps...