Draft Horse World All Horse SuppliesWorld wide horse supplies

Draft Horse Dressage Saddles

Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth $47.3 This girth has all the advantages of the original elastic girth but with the addition of a curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse’s elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse’s skin. The equisuede surface of the Pro Elastic Girth looks and performs stunningly when used to complement the Wintec Pro Dressage or Wintec Isabell saddles.

Puff Pad Dressage Style $24 Puff Pad Pillow Pads. Authentic Pillow Pad. Soft, pillow pad, top and bottom 100% cotton with thick poly fiber filler. A Puff Pad disperses pressure points, preventing many back problems. All horses benefit from the cushioning effect of a Puff Pad because the fiber filling acts as a shock absorber, breathes absorbing and evaporating moisture, molds to every horse and saddle. No straps. Dressage Pillow Pad. Larger 25 x 40 size for longer flap dressage saddles.

Gold Medal Piaffe Dressage Saddle $2319.95 GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Saddlery has taken the similar design of the popular COUNTY COMPETITOR and Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddles and improved and refined the saddle to a superior high level dressage saddle. The Piaffe is made on a deep seat beechwood laminated spring-tree with narrow twist to put the rider into the seat and give close contact with the horse. A genuine pigskin seat is used because of its durability over grained leather seats which stretch and wear through, thus distorting the rider’s seat. French panels are wool flocked to allow the saddle to mold to the natural conformation of the horses back for the ultimate in fit and a correct seat position. Flap and panel have been designed to promote greater closeness and contact. Long chrome leather saddle billets require a short dressage girth. Saddle flap is looped on backside for billets to restrain flap. Made in England of the finest quality oiled saddle leather.

Regent Lonsdale Dressage Girth $51.95 REGENT Lonsdale Dressage Girth Short girth for long billet dressage saddles. Imported quality with buckle chafe ends.

EquiRoyal Dressage Girth $23.6 Dressage style girth made of soft choice leather in black. Designed for long billet saddles.

Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.

Tekna S Line Dressage Saddle $562.5 Developed for the serious rider, the new Tekna S Line Saddles offer the ultimate in adjustability. The latex/wool flocking eliminates lumps and bumps, and can still be reflocked in the traditional manner for a customized fit to your horse. Features the new QUIK-CHANGE(TM) Gullet System, changing the width of the tree is only two fasteners away! Comes with a medium gullet plate installed and gullet plate sizes Narrow, Medium, Medium/Wide, Wide, and Extra Wide are available for purchase (item# 468277). Made of anti-mold and abrasion resistant QUICK-CLEAN(TM) material which keeps the saddle looking new with minimal care.

Abetta Draft Horse Nylon Headstall – Black – Draft Horse $21.95 1 Nylon headstall with Chicago screw bit ends.Color: BlackSize:  Draft Horse

(NEW 2012 Model) New Bates Dressage Flocked Saddle $1637.85 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! Crafted In the finest quality European leather, this saddle provides the ultimate connection with the horse through a seamless, ultra-narrow transition from the seat through the length of the leg. The saddle offers tremendous support for the dressage horse through the anatomic shaping of the tree, generous panel design and world leading performance systems. With flocked panels.

Gold Medal Covered Buckle Dressage Girth $79.95 Gold Medal Dressage Girth Made in England for long billet dressage saddles. Flaps snap over buckles.

4D Draft Horse Puzzle $8 25 piece puzzle makes a 3 7/8 horse. Assorted colors.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $1299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

(NEW 2012 Model) New Bates Dressage Cair Saddle $1637.85 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The New Bates Isabell dressage Saddle is crafted In the finest quality European leather, this saddle provides the ultimate connection with the horse through a seamless, ultra-narrow transition from the seat through the length of the leg. The saddle offers tremendous support for the dressage horse through the anatomic shaping of the tree, generous panel design and world leading performance systems. And, the CAIR Cushion system allows for complete freedom of movement.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Bates Innova Dressage Saddle $2299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! From the original BATES, AUSTRALIA. The Bates Innova is the most innovative dressage saddle in the world. Groundbreaking innovations include the Contourbloc, anatomically contoured to the rider’s leg making it distinctly unique. Ride with confidence enjoying unprecedented security, as your leg effortlessly rides in and behind the bloc with no restriction. Contourblocs function in partnership with a deep, yet surprisingly open seat, providing instantaneous comfort, and a seamless transition for total engagement through effective communication. Innova features the ultimate performance panel with the CAIR Panel System for even weight distribution and the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System for unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit.ENGAGE INNOVATION AND RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE.The Bates Innova features the revolutionary CAIR Panel System to facilitate greater communication, offering the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and you achieve unsurpassed flexibility for an optimal fit for your horse, giving them the freedom to perform at their natural best. Click here for more information.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle Classic Flock $2699 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle. Effortlessly aligns rider position for superior performance. A deep and ultra close contact seat ensures improved communication. Maximizes freedom of movement and comfort for your horse. Innovations include uniquely positioned Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $2699 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle. Effortlessly aligns rider position for superior performance. A deep and ultra close contact seat ensures improved communication. Maximizes freedom of movement and comfort for your horse. Innovations include uniquely positioned Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Pro Dressage Saddle with Cair $799 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The new Wintec Pro Dressage achieves unprecedented comfort while supporting a correct and secure dressage position. Feature an ultra narrow waist enabling greater communication and contact between you and your horse.A cutting edge dressage saddle that includes top performance featuresIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingFacilitates a well balanced position and contact between horse and riderPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include adjustable Y girthing system and flexibloc systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Weaver Leather Draft Horse Headstall $53 Sized to give draft horses a perfect fit, this doubled and stitched 1 harness leather headstall features a single-ply throat latch. Double cheek roller buckles offer a great fit and easy adjustment. Chicago screw bit ends. Durable nickel plated hardware. Draft horse size.

Weaver Leather Draft Horse Halter $68 Leather Draft Horse HalterDoubled and stitched 1-1/4 harness leather halters have an adjustable chin and a handy throat snap for easy on and offBlack or russetBrass plated hardwareSIZES :Large Draft = 1,700 – 2,300 lbs.Regular Draft = 1,400 – 1,700 lbs.2-Year-Old Draft = 1,100 – 1,600 lbs.Yearling Drafts = 800 – 1,100 lbs.Weanling Draft = 500 – 800 lbs.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Pro Dressage with Countourbloc Saddle with Cair $889 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The new Wintec Pro Dressage with Contourbloc achieves unprecedented comfort while supporting a correct and secure dressage position. The saddle features an ultra narrow waist enabling greater communication and contact. The Contourbloc further enhances confidence and security.A cutting edge, dressage saddle that includes top performance featuresRevolutionary Contourbloc, offers exceptional support and stabilityIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingFacilitates a well balanced position and contact between horse and riderPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include adjustable Y girthing systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Mountain Horse Victoria Dressage Boot $287.1 Exceptional craftsmanship makes the Victoria Dressage Boot stand out from the rest. Designed specifically for the serious dressage rider, the zipper is thoughtfully positioned forward of center on the inside of the boot, allowing seamless contact between your leg and your horse, while still maintaining a streamlined silhouette. An elegant dress boot with classic features and made in supple, full grain leather.THE LEG: Moderate Spanish cut topSoft pigskin napa liningStrong and durable full length YKK Vislon zipper on front, inside calfCovered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fitTHE FOOT: Spur restErgonomically-designed removable EVA insoleTHE SOLE: Built-in steel shank for increased stabilityDurable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and provides an enhanced grip in the ironMaterial: Full grain leather.Lining: Pigskin napa.

Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle with Cair $539 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The new Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle sets new standards in comfort and performance helping position the rider correctly. New and improved Equileather provides a super soft and grippy seat for greater security in the saddle.Features: A modern, stylish dressage saddle with performance featuresThe perfect saddle for riders progressing in their Dressage careerExtremely comfortable seat that facilitates a well balanced positionPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include Y-girthing, ergonomic stirrup bar, and flexibloc systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGEGullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Isabell Flocked Dressage Saddle $1299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! TheWintec Isabell Dressage Saddleis an updated model designed in conjunction with World Dressage Champion, Isabell Werth. Designed exactly as the Bates Isabell, but made with Wintec’s Easy-Care, Super-Grip Equisuede.The Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle features include:Traditional flocked panelsDeep seat with an ultra narrow and low waist to support a correct dressage positionRecessed stirrup channcel to eliminate interference with rider’s legEquisuede Seat is extremely comfortable with a surface softer than leather with the perfect level of gripAdjustable Flexibloc System enables the rider to individually tailor their own knee supportAdjustable Y-Girthing System secures the front and back of the saddle with equal pressure. Position of the Y-Girth Points can be adjusted to individually suit the horse’s shape.Ergonomic stirrup bars facilitate closer contactNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System provides a custom fit for many different horses so you can change your gullet and not your saddleWeatherproof, durable, and easy care to save time and hassle!

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with Flock $1299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFeatures the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Pro Dressage Saddle with Flock $749 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The new Wintec Pro Dressage achieves unprecedented comfort while supporting a correct and secure dressage position. Feature an ultra narrow waist enabling greater communication and contact between you and your horse.A cutting edge dressage saddle that includes top performance featuresIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingFacilitates a well balanced position and contact between horse and riderPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include adjustable Y girthing system and flexibloc systemFeatures the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Union Jack 3 Buckle Paded Dressage Girth $21.95 Three Buckle Padded Dressage Girth Padded fabric girth made with three buckles for dressage saddles with flap billet. Nylon web overlay and reinforced. Never-rust buckles.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Wintec Pro Dressage with Countourbloc Saddle with Flock $839 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! The new Wintec Pro Dressage with Contourbloc achieves unprecedented comfort while supporting a correct and secure dressage position. The saddle features an ultra narrow waist enabling greater communication and contact. The Contourbloc further enhances confidence and security.A cutting edge, dressage saddle that includes top performance featuresRevolutionary Contourbloc, offers exceptional support and stabilityIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingFacilitates a well balanced position and contact between horse and riderPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include adjustable Y girthing systemFeatures the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Kincade Dressage Girth $72 Economical Leather Girth With Roller Buckles, Suitable For Use On Long-Billet Saddles.

Royal King Draft Horse Stable Halter $49.4 Finely crafted draft horse halter at an affordable price. Hand made of quality grain 1 1/4 leather. Adjustable nose and crown with convenient snap throat.

Veredus Piaffe Shield Dressage Horse Boot $204.2 Revolutionary overreach boot designed for protection of the whole heel area. Designed specifically for Dressage. The particular anatomic shape and protective material gurantees a perfect fit on the horse’s heel to give total protection.Anatomically designed protection in an elastic material that conforms perfectly to the horse’s foot, therefore eliminating rotation of the overreach boot itself.Extra carbon protection on heel area, which is at particular risk of injury and bruising.Double point fastening to ensure perfect fitting.Quick-release tips in non-deformable FLEXTAN on stainless-steel hooks.

Passier PSL-D Dressage $4719.95 PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle: Classic dressage saddle featuring long stretch leather knee panels on flaps and stretch leather seat. This unique stretch leather expands and molds to the rider’s seat and knee providing extra comfort and a self-conforming fit not available in any other saddle. The flexible cutback PASSIER PS tree fits perfectly on the dressage horse. Long billets prepunched for conversion to short billets for long girth if required. Smooth grain German leather. Regular tree width. Fittings not included with Saddle.

Sorrano Dressage Saddle $1519.95 SORRANO Dressage Saddle Every SORRANO Saddle is designed and styled in the tradition of the world’s leading saddlemakers’ most popular models for Show Jumping, Eventing or Dressage riding. All SORRANO Saddles are made in Argentina from the finest European and South American curried and tanned saddle leathers selected for their beauty, srength and wearablility. The highest quality saddle materials and workmanship of a master saddlemaker give you a saddle of enduring quality and performance. SORRANO Dressage Saddle: World class dressage saddle developed by professional world champion and medalist dressage riders. Deep and correctly positioned super soft seat, large padded knee rolls on large and deep flaps provide the rider with all of the aids to ride correctly. Nylon web V billet system removes bulk under rider’s leg for closer contact. Long chrome leather billets for short dressage girth. Gusseted wool flocked saddle panel. French curried and finished Black smooth grain leather. Fittings Not Included with Saddle.

Union Jack Two Buckle Padded Fabric Dressage Girth $23.95 Padded Dressage Girth. Padded fabric girth made for two long billet dressage saddles. Nylon web overlay and reinforced. Never-rust buckles.

Weaver Leather Draft Horse Riding Bridle – Dark Chocolate – Regular Draft $75 Draft Horse Riding BridleThis 1 doubled and stitched dark chocolate skirting leather browband bridle features 7′ reins and a snaffle bitSingle-ply throat latchFeatures double cheek buckles and chicago screw bit endsNickel plated hardwareColor: Dark ChocolateSize:  Regular Draft

101 Dressage Exercises Book $30 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider features a full arena diagram and step-by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up the levels. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful.

Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth $41.25 Two inches of elastic in the center of the this high performance dressage girth allow it to stretch with the horse as you work. Pressure is evenly transferred over the whole surface of the girth with no pressure points or ridges. Elimination of pressure points combined with soft anti galling material makes the Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth one of the most comfortable girths on the market. Girth has stainless steel roller buckles.

KING SERIES Draft Horse Saddle $416 This saddle was designed to fit the draft horse trail rider. Built on a 5 year guaranteed tree.Features:Hand tooled borderPadded leather seatNeoprene in skirtsLaced stirrupsClip & Ds for attachmentsBack crupper D ringBack cinchSaddle stringsBlevins style quick change bucklesMeasurements:TREE: 5 yearHORN: 3 1/4 HCANTLE: 5/Pencil RollSWELL: 14RIGGING: In-SkirtWEIGHT: 26 lbs.GULLET: 8 1/2

Abetta Draft Horse Saddle $521.99 This Abetta saddle features a Fiber-Tough tree with an 8 gullet, 4 high back cantle, 2 1/2 leather covered horn, 7/8 Nylon-leather half breed rigging with Stainless steel dees, tough scratch resistant nylon outer shell over a shock-absorbing foam, 2 bell stirrups with no-slip treads, and fleece lined skirts.

Abetta Draft Horse Halter $21.5 Heavy 2 double ply nylon with adjustable chin, throat snap and brass plaited hardware.

TuffRider Dressage Show Coat Ladies $86 Your ladies Dressage show coat will keep you looking polished in the arena with 4 silver, antique horse head front buttons and a rear, two-button vent. Dry clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

KINCADE Dressage Saddle $448.95 From the original Kincade Leather Saddles. Classically styled. With rich, full grain leather, sewn-in knee rolls and self-padded AirFlo flaps. Narrow twist and seat usually found on saddles costing 3x as much. Deep seat and flocked panels.

Bates Wide Dressage Cair Saddle $1845 The Bates Wide Dressage Saddle is acutting edge dressage saddle specially designed for the wider horse that supports an optimal dressage position for the rider with unparalleled comfort. It achives unprecedented comfort for the rider, supporting and optimal dressage position.Features include uniquely positioned stirrup bar, utilisation of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.CAIR Cushion system distributes weight across the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points for better performance and freer movement of horseNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Wide helps customize saddle fit to your horse’s wither

COLLEGIATE Convertible Intellect Dressage Saddle $1097.95 Great quality craftsmanship made from a great company. This dressage saddle will make you and your horse feel at home in both style and comfort. Elegantly designed saddle suitable for all levels of dressage. Features a deep seat, large flaps, large knee rolls, plus the Easy-Change Gullet System (sold separatly) to provide the best fit for your horse.

Equi-Bette PTD Dressage Saddle $715.95 EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle: A classic saddle. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle style has been a favorite of world renowned professionals and competitors for generations. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle features a cutback head to fit every type of horse. The deep EQUI-BETTE PTD tree fits both horse and rider to perfection, keeping the rider deep in the seat for correct balance and perfect control. Long extended flaps are molded over modest knee rolls on the French panels. Made of premium quality German bridle leather in a dark Brown color with a hand waxed finish.

Simco Supreme Draft Horse Special Saddle $2672.8 Smoothout in Show Walnut finish on a Fiber-wrapped Draft Horse tree with a top grain seat. 7/8 In-skirt rigging with stainless steel ‘C’ plates and a 4 cheyenne roll cantle. 2 1/2 leather covered horn sits atop a 8 wide gullet. 2 leather covered Bell stirrups, silver flank slots and conchos accent the saddle. Weight approx. 35 lbs.

Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather.           Color: BlackSize:  Horse

Draft Horse Black English Bridle and Reins $74.95 Brand new black leather draft horse size English bridle with white padded flash and white padded brow. The bridle is draft horse size with extra long European style rubber grip reins. A very high quality draft bridle from Ascot International. Measurements as follows: bit to bit over the top – 48 inches to 57 inches brow – 18 inches noseband – 24.5 inches to 29 inches…

The Spanish Arabian horse, like so many Arabian horses, has a history that is defined by its usefulness as a war machine. From earliest times, the breeding of horses in Spain has been a rigid affair conducted by the Department of Defense.

THE IBERIAN WARHORSE

Thousands of years ago, the Iberian cavalry was already well established as a redoubtable foe in possession of fine mounts– horses that could charge, stop, retreat and charge again with great agility. With the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by Muslims in 711 A.D. came the influence of Arabian and Barb horses on the Iberian stock. By the middle ages, the Iberian War Horse had been crossed with heavier draft lines and had become a cumbersome horse with a thick neck and massive hindquarters.

FROM WAR HORSE, TO PLEASURE HORSE, AND BACK AGAIN

In the mid 1800′s, a 16 year old queen was responsible for altering the genetic make-up of the Iberian war horse and developing the type known as the Spanish Arabian horse. In her quest for an agile and good-tempered riding horse, Queen Isabel II took an interest in purebred Arabians. An expedition was dispatched to the desert with orders to bring back the best bloodstock to be found. She kept meticulous records of her horses. So it was that in 1847, the Spanish Registry was begun, with the express purpose of documenting the Spanish Arabian horse. The “Golden Books” are kept in the Madrid Archives and include hand written pedigrees in Arabic. The Spanish Registry is the oldest registry of Arabians in existence. Isabel’s son, King Alfonso XII, inherited his mother’s love of Arabian horses, importing them from France. An 1893 Royal Order established the Yeguada Militar, with the mission of improving the Iberian Warhorse by crossing it with the Arabians.

In the early 1900′s, the mission of the Yeguada Militar evolved into a breeding program of a purebred Spanish Arabian horse. Buying expeditions were sent far and wide, from the Arabian desert to Poland to obtain founding stock. The description of what the Spaniards were looking for was precise: refined horses, at least 15 hands in height, and possessing proven stamina. In the Arabian desert, the buyers found those characteristics in two predominant strains:

o Hamdani Simri

Hamdani horses were athletic, large boned and tall. They lacked the refined beauty of other strains, and the common colors were grey, or sometimes chestnut.

o Seglawi

Seglawi horses are finer of bone, have longer and more refined faces than other strains, are shorter, and are also known for their speed. The Seglawi colors are mostly chestnut and bay.

From Poland came the get of a Dahman stallion: the polish stallion Ursus and the mare Damietta.

o Dahman, sub-strain of Keheilan

Keheilans are the fastest Arabians, most closely related to thoroughbreds, and the coloration is usually bay.

Between 1926 and 1936, the fifteenth Duque de Veragua stocked the Veragua Stud with Crabbet bloodstock that included five daughters of Skowronek, and the mares from the Marques de Domecq Stud. The Duque died during the Spanish Civil War and the Veragua Stud was destroyed, along with some of the horses and all of the papers. The military collected the surviving horses in order to preserve the renowned bloodstock. The branded mares could be positively identified and their heredity traced, but the older fillies were renamed with the prefix “Vera,” and kept by the military. The Marquesa de Avella, the Duque’s niece, bought the younger fillies, and created a still-thriving breeding program of Spanish Arabian horses.

A CLOSELY GUARDED GENE POOL

Then as now, the Yeguada Militar maintains tight control of the Spanish Arabian bloodlines. About thirty broodmares are kept and the surplus is sold to private Spanish breeders. The military keep one hundred stallions, which are made available for Spanish breeders wishing to improve the local stock. Horses in private hands may be requisitioned during a national emergency by the military. Therefore, the Yeguada Militar sets the standard for purebred Spanish Arabian horses.

Purebred get must be qualified by a military commission to be included in the foal registry. The Registro Matricula is the Spanish Stud Book that records purebreds at the age of four. The Military Commission’s Cria Caballar must certify all stallions of breeding age in order for them to be used at stud, and determines whether they are for public or private use.

CLASSICAL SPANISH

Spanish Arabians whose lineage can be traced to entries in the Registro Matricula before 1970 are referred to as Classical Spanish. Due to heavy line breeding and a closed gene pool, the Classical Spanish have remained distinctive in type, and breed true.

OPENING THE BARN DOORS

In the new millennium, importations of new bloodlines to Spain began once more, due to the passing of many of the older imported horses.

With the 1975 recognition of the Veragua horses in the studbook, exportations of Spanish Arabians also increased dramatically. Although the Yeguada Militar does not sell stallions, some slipped by in utero, including *Barich di Washoe, a leading sire.

The exports have been used primarily for outcross breeding, and very successfully. Although Spanish Arabians still represent a small percentage of the total Arabian population in the United States, when they are presented in events, they take a disproportionately high percentage of wins.

SELECTIVE BREEDING PAYS OFF

The strict standards of the Yeguada Militar and Spain’s private breeders have created an athletic and good-tempered horse, noted for its smoothness of line and trainability. Worldwide, there are many dedicated owners and admirers of the Spanish Arabian horse.

Randy Meyer, along with his family, are well-respected breeders of high-quality, beautiful purebred Arabian horses on their farm, Red Oak Arabians. They usually have fine quality Arabian horses for sale at all times.

what is the best breed of horse for a dressage beginner?

I want to start dressage. ive been riding for a couple years but since im just starting dressage i would like a beginner safe horse. any breeds would be good. please none that you have to ride saddle seat. my favorites are…
arabians by FAR
appendix
appy
paint
any draft horse
friesians
that shoud give you a good idea of what im looking for, if not, let me know.

An Appendix would be a good option… often adding Thoroughbred blood to the QH will give the horse a bit more of a dressage-y type without sacrificing the quieter QH temperament. I’ve seen several Appendix QH’s that did very well in lower-level dressage. The same would go for any Paints or Appy’s with Thoroughbred blood.

Arabians are wonderful horses but not all of them are cut out for competitive dressage… it depends on how they’re bred. Some do quite well but in general you don’t see too many in the dressage ring. Of course the same could be said about almost any breed but some breeds are just better suited to certain disciplines. I have seen some nice Arabian sporthorses though. The other problem with the Arabian however is it’s a very misunderstood and sometimes mishandled breed, and finding one that’s suitable for a beginner isn’t always easy. They have a hotter temperament to start with and they think differently than a lot of other horses; I’ve seen too many that end up more spooky and nervous than they should be just because their handler didn’t know how to deal with them correctly.

Draft horses aren’t really built for dressage. Yeah they can certainly do it, any horse can do dressage at the very lowest levels at least, but asking most draft horses to perform maneuvers that require more collection would probably be like asking a linebacker to do ballet. It wouldn’t be something that’d be easy for them. A draft cross would be a good option though, you may find a nice draft x thoroughbred that would be suitable.

Friesians are gorgeous and amazing but good luck finding one for anywhere near as low a price as you’d be able to find a horse of any of those other breeds. Plus they have HUGE gaits which would be very difficult for someone of your level to try to ride.

A Thoroughbred cross of some sort would most likely end up being your best choice. There isn’t a “best” breed for your situation though, you just need to look for a horse with experience and talent for your discipline. You might find your perfect horse ends up being something totally unexpected or it might be just a plain old quarter horse (my old trainer had one who kicked butt in the dressage ring). If you have a big enough budget you might be able to find a nice older schoolmaster warmblood that’s been through the levels and could teach you a lot.