I Ws Looking at Buying a Percheron Tb Cross… I Ride Dressage What Do You Think?
Hes a 2yr stallion really sweet and willing to learn. He stands at around 15.3 hands right now. I show first level dressage with my current horse and im looking at getting a new horse to train myself. I was just wondering if he would make a good dressage horse or not.
A perch./TB cross would make a perfectly fine dressage horse. But if it comes down to the line, it wont beat a warmblood. Warmbloods, especially german bred ones, are BUILT for dressage. They naturally come onto the bit easily and have free lateral movements. My TB mare has been ridiculously difficult to collect… sadly, without a warmblood in dressage you often feel like you have to earn your points even more. I’m not saying AT ALL they cant win, I saw a fjord cross win 2nd level at championships last year, but it definetly is easier on a warmblood.
If you’re not absolutely sure, wait and try out some more.You KNOW when you and a horse click…. because you realize you just cant live without them in your life. It makes it *so* worth it.
hmm…well a percheron/tb cross would be more of a jumper. If he has thoroughbred in him, he might be a little edgy when it comes to patient calm things like that. I have a thoroughbred/Clyde, and they are not willing to do dressage at all. Althought im sure that horse would be an amazing at something quick/ agility ….hope this helps =]
id go for a warmblood they have better gaits and are more floatie
Sounds like you are looking at a warmblood, which are great all-purpose horses for both competitive and recreational activities, including the major international equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping, 3-day event, and driving.
Warmblood is a cross of the "cold bloods" (draft horses) and the "hot bloods" (Arabians and Thoroughbreds).
Good luck!
It just depends on the horse. Technically a percheron tb cross IS a warmblood, as it mixes "cold" blood(percheron) with "hot" blood (tb). Every horse is different as I’m sure you know, so it is impossible to say that this horse would be good at something because of his breed. You’ll have to look at the individual horse to decide if his attitude and movements are right for what you want.
WHAT?! A percheron/TB cross not being good for dressage? Do not listen to this person – with proper training, a correct start, a good coach – pretty much ANYTHING can excel AT LEAST to First Level.
The only thing that I would do immediately is GELD HIM.
You do not need to breed a percheron/TB cross – I don’t care how great his temperament is or how wonderful he ends up being at Dressage. The world doesn’t need anymore unwanted Draft/TB cross AWS horses running around with long dirty ugly feathers and outgrown unkempt manes. UGH
Here – here are some Perch/TB Dressage horses looking GORGEOUS.
Get what suits you – don’t listen to people pushing you towards an expensive (and not ALWAYS necessary) warmblood. Though if you’re already buying a 2 year old you could technically just buy a weanling warmblood and start from there if that’s what you decided you wanted.
http://www.draftcrosses.com/Hudson%20halt.jpg
http://www.rideirish.com/cannuck300x225.jpg (This one is 3/4 TB 1/4 Perch)
And there’s also the gorgeous BRANDED RPSI (1/2 Perch, 1/4 TB, 1/4 Oldenburg) filly we recently had out at our barn:
http://www.southernoaksequestrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/diva1.jpg
http://www.southernoaksequestrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/diva11.jpg
http://www.southernoaksequestrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/diva21.jpg
http://www.southernoaksequestrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/diva3.jpg
I took those pictures
Etc Etc
I personally like this particular breed very much. Some of them can be quite stocky & drafty, others quite refined and Thorougbredy. I think they are wonderful for dressage & hunters and fox hunting. They are a super great breed. However, if your goal is to train this horse to upper levels, I wouldn’t probably look into him. Usually, TB/Perch crosses tend to be just bulky enough, just enough on their forehands, and just un-athletic enough that they would not be able to acheive the collection, impulsion, and athleticism required for higher movements. However, there is no reason these types of horses can’t be serious competitors to about 3rd level with training – there is so much variation within the breed that you might get one that is capable of doing higher level work. For the level you are currently at, a TB/Perch would be great! But I probably wouldn’t opt for such a young horse, it will take a long time and a lot of training. But that is my personal preference.
I’d look more at his natural movement and conformation than his breed mix. I had a TB/Perch mare who was about 15.2 hands and not very heavy. I evented her through Training level before she unexpectedly died at age 9.
For dressage, the breeding of the horse is less important than his movement. Does he have good gaits and seem to flow over the ground? If he does, then he might be a good candidate for training. You also have to look at his build, as if he takes more after the parent that was the draft, he may be too big and bulky for dressage. Still, the training will be good for him.
Whehter or not he will be suitable for riding in competative riding isn’t something that can be determined until the horse has finished growing, filling out and has a few years of training under his belt. Even if he isn’t a suitable horse for competative dressage, he will likely be a perfectly good riding horse. If have your heart set on riding your new horse in competition, I would consider looking for a horse from more convetional dressage-type breeds.