Draft Horse Dressage Training
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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. |
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Professionals Choice SMX Dressage Girth $55.95 Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesnt have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only. |
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Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey. |
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Gift Corral Thermometer Horse Training $11.95 Thermometer Horse Training |
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(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with Flock $1377.1 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 |
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Abetta Draft Horse Nylon Headstall – Black – Draft Horse $21.95 1 Nylon headstall with Chicago screw bit ends.Color: BlackSize: Draft Horse |
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(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $1377.1 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 |
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4D Draft Horse Puzzle $8 25 piece puzzle makes a 3 7/8 horse. Assorted colors. |
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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. |
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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. |
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(2011 Model) Wintec Pro Dressage with Countourbloc Saddle with Flock $947.8 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 |
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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. |
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Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size |
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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. |
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(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 |
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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. |
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(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 |
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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. |
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(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 |
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(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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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(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 |
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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. |
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Abetta Draft Horse Halter $21.5 Heavy 2 double ply nylon with adjustable chin, throat snap and brass plaited hardware. |
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(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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather. Color: BlackSize: Horse |
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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. |
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ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Flash Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores! |
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ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Plain Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores! |
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What Every Horse Should Know Book $20 In Cherry Hill’s groundbreaking bestseller, How To Think Like a Horse, she took an in-depth look at how horses think, learn, respond to stimuli, and interpret human behavior. In this fascinating follow-up, What Every Horse Should Know, Hill continues her exploration of how horses learn with a focus on the key skills every horse needs to live safely, confidently, and at ease in interactions with humans. Mastering these skills is critical to bringing out the full potential of the horse-rider partnership. As Hill states in her introduction, Wild horses know everything they need to survive. They are complete. It’s when we domesticate a horse and bring him into our world that he needs to learn new things in order to adapt. What Every Horse Should Know examines the lessons that are vital for every domesticated horse, whether a trail horse, dressage or jumper, rodeo or ranch horse. The book features sections on how to train without fear, how to teach a horse to be respectful and patient, and how to do the actual work a horse needs to do. Written in clear, accessible language, accompanied by photographs, illustrations, and infographics, What Every Horse Should Know addresses all stages of a horse’s life, from foalhood to old age. Readers can choose to follow a sequential training plan for the life of their animal or start at any point in a horses’s life. There are tests for assessing the level of a horse’s knowledge, and a plan to develop individualized tests. The final section of the book provides comprehensive training program checklists showing what knowledge should be expected of a horse at any particular age. For anyone intrigued by the workings of the equine mind and seeking insights into how to enrich and strengthen the horse-human relationship, What Every Horse Should Know is a fascinating and useful reference. |
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King Series Draft Horse Show Bridle $74.6 Crafted of 1 premium leather throughout. Designed to fit draft or large horses. Double stitching throughout complete with 6 solid mouth snaffle. Includes 7′ chain lead. On largest setting it measures approx. 46 bit to bit, 21 brow, 16 chin. (Smallest bit-to-bit is 40). |
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Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Para Dressage – BH9122 $4.5 Palomino Para Dressage Horse. This authentically sculpted Stablemate horse represents, in miniature (1:32 scale), one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games. Some of the bravest and most determined equestrian competitors are the riders. Often competing on borrowed horses, they overcome a variety of obstacles posed by their disabilities to compete in the Para Dressage event of the World Equestrian Games. |
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Abetta Draft Horse Trail Saddle $551.99 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, with long leather strings, coachman loops & rings, 2 bell stirrups with no-slip treads, and fleece lined skirts. |
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Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth $30.6 The award winning Easy-Care Airform girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Hypo-allergenic. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place. |
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Kingsland Ladies’ Classic Long Sleeve Dressage Show Shirt $99 Made in Technical fabric that is functional for training, the Classic Ladies’ Long Sleeves Dressage Show Shirt Comes with Long sleeves and loops on the collar. |
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TuffRider Dressage Shadbelly $180 Elegance made affordable. Properly tailored for a superb look, made in 100% polyester with antique silver horse head buttons. Complete with vest points. |
Today, people love, admire, and depend upon Arabian horses for their superior versatility and athleticism, just as the ancient Bedouin tribesmen of the Middle East did so many centuries ago. The Bedouin put their loyal mounts to the ultimate athletic tests as beasts of burden and a means of transportation.
As encampments moved, Arabian horses carried heavy loads over miles of hot desert sand with little food or water. Often quieter than stallions, mares served as war horses, allowing their masters to sneak up on the enemy during tribal raids. These animals were cherished, honored, and loved. Arabians were so crucial to the Bedouin way of life, that they often slept in the family tent on chilly nights. The horses returned the love to their masters, developing an intense protective loyalty and willingness to please. Centuries of close interdependence with man helped this equine evolve into a horse with sensitivity, intelligence, and an ability to bond with humans.
The Arabian has the distinction of being the oldest living breed of horse. Equus Agilis, one of the four original species of horse has been identified in modern times as the Arabian horse. While other breeds disappeared or were mixed with different breeds, the Arabian horse has remain virtually unchanged. Although the first recorded history of the horse was from 3,000 years ago, some archaeologists believe the breed existed as long as 40,000 years ago.
Beauty Meets Athleticism
The purebred Arabian is known for its elegant features. Its dished head, large eyes, arched neck, and high tail carriage precede its reputation as the most beautiful of all breeds. An old Arab expression was used to describe this look: “A neck curved like a crescent moon and a nose that could fit into a teacup”. This refinement, however, is more than just cosmetic.
The Arabian’s natural physical characteristics have helped it perform exceptionally well in today’s equine activities. The short, dished head and wide, flaring nostrils allow for maximum oxygen intake. The arched neck keeps the windpipe defined and clear to carry air to the lungs. There’s plenty of room for lung expansion because of well-sprung ribs and a deep chest cavity. Through careful breeding, strong, resilient legs are free of most lameness problems that are common in other horse breeds. Some scientists believe the Arabian horse has one less vertebra in its back, allowing it to carry greater weight. It is qualities like this that give the Arabian horse superior athleticism and versatility. Basically, Arabian horses can excel in any activity that people enjoy doing with horses.
Genetic Strength That Lasts
The amazing beauty, intelligence, strength, and endurance of Arabian horses, still endures today. This is greatly due to the Bedouins careful breeding and recording of bloodlines. Since the bloodlines have remained so pure and have been carefully cultivated over the years, a strong genetic stability, known as prepotency has resulted. This ability to pass on traits allows Arabian qualities such as beauty, intelligence, endurance, and temperament to become quite evident in crosses with other breeds. For thousands of years, people bred Arabian horses to their own stock to pick up the famous Arabian qualities. In fact, the Arabian horse is the genetic predecessor of every light horse breed in existence today.
The Horse For All Uses
The Arabian is considered one of the best breeds for distance. This is due to their superior endurance and stamina which enable him to consistently win competitive trail and endurance rides. Arabians are known to excel in many facets including:
o Recreational riding – the most popular activity with all horse owners.
o A perfect family horse – they have a loyal and willing nature
o A great horse for children – they have very affectionate personalities
o Driving and reining events – a combined high intelligence and skillful footwork make them more than capable in these events.
o Any events that require speed, agility, and gracefulness
It is also noteworthy that the Arabian horse was the original racehorse. Arabian horses race distances that are similar to Thoroughbreds, with more than 700 all-Arabian races held throughout the U.S. annually.
The Arabian is not just another pretty horse. These beautiful animals are an all-around family horse, show horse, competitive sport horse, and work horse. They are loyal and have such a peaceful nature that you might even call them a friend. How’s that for versatility.
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.
First time horse breed?
I’m interested in buying a Shire gelding ( or possibly a Shire cross ) as my first horse. I already know how to care for / train / ride so that wouldn’t be an issue for me. I was just wandering if Shires would make good all-around horses. I wouldn’t compete much but I would take lessons on it. We do western, english, hunter, jumper, in hand, cross country, equitation, and dressage. I know Arabians, Quarter horses, and Thoroughbred crosses would be good for all of those but I like the draft breeds better. Thanks in advance !!!
Shires, in my experience, are not great all-around horses. They are a draft breed and were not really bred for “all-around” use. I doubt, from what I have seen of their movement and jumping ability, that they would go very far as a jumper, cross country horse, equitation horse, or dressage horse (I’ve never seen one go western so I’m not sure about that).
Consider a draft cross, they usually have a bit better movement. Lighter weight draft horses as well can be very successful.