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Draft Horse Dressage

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Roma Kool Dressage Whip $9 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Warendorfer Dressage Whip $15.15 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Ovation Pro Dressage Girth $40.5 Keep your horse extremely comfortable. Easy to clean removable no-slip hook & loop backing. Stainless steel roller buckles and double elastic at both ends.

Equi-Prene Three Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth $35.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene 3-Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Classic dressage girth with third buckle set for flap girth.

Equi-Bette Grand Prix Dressage Girth $103.95 EQUI-BETTE Grand Prix Dressage Girth. Patent Pending. The finest girth made for the highest level of dressage competition. Made from full grain English tannage leather, padded and lined over saddler’s felt that conforms with the girth to the horse. Stainless steel roller buckles. Double elastic end.

TuffRider Ladies Dressage Show Coat Plus $89.95 Our Popular Ladies Dressage Show Coat Is Now Available In Plus Sizes! It 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.

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Dressage – BH9117 $4.5 This Stablemates horse represents, in miniature, one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dressage requires a specific type of equine athlete with the capacity to perform demanding movements, like the piaffe and the passage. This WEG line was released spring of 2010, then retired at the end of 2010.

Dressage Loverz Stocking $25 Santa’s Holiday Horse Stockin’ Kits. One-stop shoppping for your equine friends and family. Includes 1 of each of the following:Christmas Stockings – Dapple GreyHorse Head Hand Warmers, Red Arena Board with pen, RedClear Rain PonchoBlue Plush Horse CharmHand Warmers – 1pkToe Warmers – 1pkSuggested Retail – $49.95

Weaver Draft Horse Felt Lined Deluxe Super Cinch $29 Draft Horse Felt Lined Deluxe Super CinchBacked with 1/2 black, 100% felt liningDees for tie down and back cinch attachmentMachine washable for easy careNickel plated hardwareBlack

Ovation Dressage Tee – Sweet Mint with Storm Cloud – Ladies Large $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.Color: Sweet Mint with Storm CloudSize:  Ladies Large

Tekna Contour Dressage Girth $65.7 Shaped to fit your horse, this sculpted girth allows freedom of the elbow and distributes pressure across a greater area for more comfort. It features elastic on both ends, stainless steel roller buckles, center D-ring and soft waffle weave padding for the utmost comfort. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material.

Weaver Nylon Adjustable Draft Halter $32 Nylon Draft HalterDoubled and stitched 1-1/2 nylon draft horse halters offer years of dependable useFeature an adjustable chin, a throat snap and a flat throat designBlack, red, blue or hunter greenBrass plated hardware (except snap is solid brass)SIZES :Large Draft = 1,700 – 2,300 lbs.Regular Draft = 1,400 – 1,700 lbs.2-Tear-Old Draft = 1,100 – 1,600 lbs.Yearling Drafts = 800 – 1,100 lbs.Weanling Draft = 500 – 800 lbs.

(2011 Model) Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle with Cair $623.8 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

Gatsby Nylon Draft Halter $16.95 Made by Gatsby, a reputable company that has been making quality goods for over 30 years, this is a heavy-duty nylon halter for a draft-sized horse. This amazing halter features: Double ply, durable nylon that is 1 wide Single buckle crown with pre-punched holes with grommets to make adjustments and removal much easier Fixed chin Durable nickel-plated hardware This halter is great for those draft horses that are so hard to buy for. Just to give you a rough idea how big it is here are some basic measurements. The nose measures about 16 around, the crown is about 28 at the lowest hole and throat is about 18 from ring to ring. Try it and see why more people are switching to quality Gatsby items for their horses.

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Flocked Dressage Saddle $1377.1 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!

(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

ThinLine Dressage Girth $189 This girth has elastic in the middle with roller buckles on both ends. Girths are in stock in black and sizes (20 inches to 34 inches). Due to metric conversions, the girths actually measure 1inch shorter than listed. If your current size is a close fit, order the next size up. Breathable Anti-microbial No-slip/no-rub ThinLine lining makes this the best girth to keep your horse comfortable and your saddle in place. Easy to clean and very durable!

Ovation Acugel Dressage Square Pad $126 At last, a pad that conforms to both your saddle and your horse, and takes the shocks out of your ride! ,The natual latex rubber Ovation Acugel pad is loaded with features:-Quick Sweat Evaporation to keep the horse’s back cool and dry. -Messagio Technology to relax the most sensitive areas of the horse’s back.-Total Shock Absorbing System to protect the spines of both the horse and the rider from shocks and jerks.-E-Pressure distributes pressure evenly, reducing hot spots and pressure points.

(2011 Model) Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $2916.1 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.

Equi-Prene Pro-Thane Lonsdale Dressage Girth $31.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Nylon web facing, 3 1/4 wide.

(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

Braiding Manes and Tails: A Visual Guide to 30 Basic Braids $13.03 Next to riding, there’s nothing horse people love more than to pamper and groom their horses. Particularly satisfying among grooming tasks, braiding manes and tails is a calming, centering routine, enjoyed equally by horse and rider. And, of course, handsome braids are a requirement for showing in many riding disciplines. Horse trainer and instructor Charni Lewis brings the wonderful process of br…

Horse Illustrated – November 2009: Cross-Country, Snow Days, Draft Horses, and More! The magazine for hands-on owners and riders! This issue features an interview with Courtney King-Dye, preparing for snow days, getting started in cross-country, western pleasure basics for any horse, the draft horse, plus vet advice, horse rescuing, and much more!…

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…

Draft Horse Bridle Set, includes bit and reins! $89.99 Draft Horse riding bridle is ready to go. Perfectly sized for your draft horse, this is the complete deal….

The Clydesdale horse is a draft horse bred and “developed” in Scotland.

Dail Chluaidh – Gaelic for Clydesdale is said to be the origin of this heavy horse breed. It is a district in the Strathclyde region in Southern Scotland.

This breed has been on the edge of extinction in the 1960 – 70, but thanks to dedicated horse breeders, its population is slowly and steadily increasing in numbers. It is classified as a rare breed. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust considers it as a “vulnerable” breed.

The Clydesdale horse in his modern appearance is slightly different compared to his ancestors from the 19th century: through well-planned and cautious use of new blood lines the hair coat contains now more white hair.

Clydesdale and Shire horse have been used to mutually improve some of each others breed characteristics:

The big Scott increased in size and got white hair on the whole length of the leg;

The Shire breed became finer, improved skin health of the fetlocks and would develop a silkier feathering.

The modern “Gentle Giant” has increased in height and his body is still well proportioned, showing quality.

Beside all this he preserves a kind and gentle temperament, which makes him a reliable and easy to handle horse.

These versatile horses are bred by farmers and horse enthusiasts who have to invest heavily into this kind of hobby and to ensure the survival of the breed.

The horse does not have to “earn” its living any more with hard farm work.

Exports of horses in the late 19th century to North America and strict breeding programs to maintain quality of the breed helped to increase the population considerably with now annually over 600 new registrations.

The Clydesdale Breeders of the USA are a respectable association with the sole aim to preserve and grow this breed of horses.

Modern use is for showing and advertising of breweries and other, various businesses by pulling brewery wagons and various and colorful types of tradesmen carts.

Also it gains more and more friends amongst horse back riders: show jumping, dressage, endurance rides, recreational riding and driving etc. Crossbreeds perform very well in various equestrian disciplines.

Some Scottish City Councils help to preserve the breed whilst using Clydesdale horses for PR reasons and for work within urban council departments.

This horse breed is gaining more and more interest from companies offering wedding carriage hire services to provide weddings with an impressive framework.

Like in continental Europe, where working horses in the forest industry have been re-established for a long time, the Clydesdale pays also its contribution to the protection of our environment: it is used during wood harvesting for pulling logs out of woods.

It has been proved that a horse does not cause devastating damage to trees and forest grounds.

Dr.med.vet. Ellen Schmidt
She is a veterinary surgeon living and working in Scotland, United Kingdom. Her passion are horses and horse driving for recreation. Visit her website and sign up for the free e-zine “The Cart Wheel” on http://www.discover-horse-carriage-driving.com. This is an “Infoport” for hobby drivers and horse lovers who would like to get expert information about most aspects of equine driving, horse care and horse health issues.

Can any horse breed be trained for dressage?

I think dressage is such a beautiful sport and I takes so much work. I think one day learning dressage would be incredible and would be very useful for both me and my horse. The thing is, I have a mustang and usually when I hear about dressage horses they’re Thoroughbreds, Drafts, Warmbloods, and horses like that. But what about a mustang? Can any horse breed, with the right training, be taught dressage?
I would be just fine competing in lower levels of dressage. I don’t want to go to the olympics or anything, but simply enhance my horse’s training and take part in one of the most incredible and challenging horse sports there is.

There is no reason at all that your mustang can’t do dressage. Don’t think of dressage as the over-primped, snobby sport it is today and instead a series of levels designed to enhance the suppleness, obedience, balance, and health of the horse. Dressage is good for any horse, even western horses, because all dressage is, literally, is training the horse. When trained correctly and classically dressage starts on the ground and the long-reins and moves up onto the horses back. There is so much to be gained from proper dressage training, if nothing else a deeper understanding between horse and rider.

The best dressage is not done in a ring, but when you really need it. There is little more impressive than a horse half-passing down a trail to avoid trees or doing a one tempis through an open field. You see what I mean? How many “Dressage” thoroughbreds, warmblood, and draft crosses can do that? None that are competing.

To conclude, never take no for an answer if someone says your horse can’t do something. No, a mustang will not be successful in the upper levels simply because he is not built as pretty as the other horses. However, your mustang can still be much more sane and easy to ride than all those horses and you can be satisfied knowing your horse is the most beautiful because he is happy and obedient. That’s how I feel when I even my walker anyways, we get so many compliments because my 3 year old is so well behaved when the 15-year eventers freak out in the cross country start box.

Horses are all that you want them to be, I’d rather have a good relationship than lots of ribbons.