Equine Encyclopedia

Dressage Horses

Dressage horses include breeds especially valued for their balance, suppleness, impulsion and ability to perform precise movements with lightness. They hold an important place both in equestrian sport and in the history of classical riding.

Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton
Turkmenistan Horse

The Akhal-Teke, a 3,000-year-old breed from Turkmenistan, captivates with its unique golden coat and legendary endurance. Discover one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.

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Alter Real horse from the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, in 2023 - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Tsaag Valren
Portugal Horse

Discover the Alter Real, an elegant and powerful Portuguese baroque horse, descendant of the Lusitano, admired in classical dressage and haute école.

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American Paint Horse - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Karakal
United States Horse

The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.

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Chestnut Quarter Horse gelding in Texas. The highly developed hindquarters are characteristic. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Betty Wills (Atsme)
United States Horse

The Quarter Horse is the ultimate American horse, famous for its power, sprinting speed, and exceptional versatility.

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American Saddlebred practicing the rack. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton
United States Horse

Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.

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Anglo-Arab Gray - Public domain - Wikikoko
France Horse

The Anglo-Arab is an elegant and athletic horse, renowned for its versatility in competition and its noble origins.

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Understanding Dressage Horses

Dressage horses are generally sought after for the quality of their gaits, their natural balance, willingness and ability to collect. Depending on the breed, they may show a sportier, more elegant or more powerful model, but what they share is the aptitude to perform precise exercises with harmony.

Their selection has been shaped by the history of classical, military and later sport riding. Some breeds were developed to offer more elasticity, greater engagement from behind and more regular movement, all of which are highly valued in dressage.

Today, dressage horses are found both in top-level competition and in demanding leisure riding, technical instruction and the development of flatwork. They hold a central place in many equestrian disciplines where movement quality matters.

All Dressage Horse Breeds

88 results

Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton

Akhal-Teke

Country: Turkmenistan

Category: Horse

The Akhal-Teke, a 3,000-year-old breed from Turkmenistan, captivates with its unique golden coat and legendary endurance. Discover one of the oldest h…

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Alter Real horse from the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, in 2023 - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Tsaag Valren

Alter Real

Country: Portugal

Category: Horse

Discover the Alter Real, an elegant and powerful Portuguese baroque horse, descendant of the Lusitano, admired in classical dressage and haute école.

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American Paint Horse - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Karakal

American Paint Horse

Country: United States

Category: Horse

The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.

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Chestnut Quarter Horse gelding in Texas. The highly developed hindquarters are characteristic. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Betty Wills (Atsme)

American Quarter Horse

Country: United States

Category: Horse

The Quarter Horse is the ultimate American horse, famous for its power, sprinting speed, and exceptional versatility.

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American Saddlebred practicing the rack. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton

American Saddlebred

Country: United States

Category: Horse

Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.

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Anglo-Arab Gray - Public domain - Wikikoko

Anglo-Arab

Country: France

Category: Horse

The Anglo-Arab is an elegant and athletic horse, renowned for its versatility in competition and its noble origins.

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Appaloosa stallion - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Karakal

Appaloosa

Country: United States

Category: Horse

Discover the Appaloosa, an American horse breed known for its unique spotted coat and versatility in western riding, trail riding, and competition.

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Grey Persian Arabian horse at a parade in Nishapur - CC0 - Sonia Sevilla

Arabe Persan - Pur-sang Arabe d’Iran

Country: Iran

Category: Horse

Discover the Persian Arabian horse, a living treasure of Iran: unique beauty, exceptional resilience, and a major influence on the world’s greatest br…

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No image available for Australian Riding Pony

Australian Riding Pony

Country: Australia

Category: Pony

Discover the Australian Riding Pony, an elegant pony standing 127 to 147 cm and around 275 kg, prized in Australia for leisure riding and competition …

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Australian Stock Horse - CC BY 3.0 - Cgoodwin

Australian Stock Horse

Country: Australia

Category: Horse

Discover the Australian Stock Horse, a versatile Australian breed. Size, weight, build, and key traits of this exceptional horse.

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Austrian Warmblood - C BY-SA 4.0 - Wald1siedel

Austrian Warmblood

Country: Austria

Category: Horse

The Austrian Warmblood blends Nonius, Shagya and Trakehner bloodlines from the imperial Austro-Hungarian studs. Selectively bred since 1964 for show j…

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Barock Pinto - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Terezahnykova

Barock Pinto

Country: Netherlands

Category: Horse

The Barock Pinto is a horse bred from the crossing of the Friesian and piebald horses. Elegant, powerful and colorful, it excels in driving, dressage …

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Marcus Ehning and Noltes Küchengirl at CHI Geneva 2013 - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

Bavarian Warmblood

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

The Bavarian Warmblood, descended from the near-extinct Rottaler, excels in show jumping, dressage and eventing. A top Olympic sport horse bred in Bav…

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Budyonny horse - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Fefa Koroleva

Budyonny horse - Boudionnovskaïa lochad

Country: Russia

Category: Horse

Discover the Budyonny horse, a strong and elegant Russian breed born from the cross between the English Thoroughbred and local Don mares.

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No image available for Calabrese horse

Calabrese horse

Country: Italy

Category: Horse

Discover the Calabrese horse, an Italian breed from Calabria, admired for its elegance, agility, and qualities in sport and traditional riding.

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12 year old national champion Campolina stallion - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Amazona01

Campolina

Country: Brazil

Category: Horse

Discover the Campolina, a refined and comfortable Brazilian horse, valued for leisure riding, farm work, and gaited competitions.

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Judging a Canadian horse at Expo Québec, in 2009. - CC BY 3.0 - busand2003

Canadian Horse

Country: Canada

Category: Horse

An iconic breed from Quebec, the Canadian Horse combines endurance, strength, and a calm temperament. A living symbol of North American equine heritag…

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Canadian sport horse Pikardi and his rider Bonny Bonnello at the 2010 Kentucky Cup. - CC BY 2.0 - Jean

Canadian Sport Horse

Country: Canada

Category: Horse

Developed from European bloodlines, the Canadian Sport Horse combines strength, agility and balance, ideal for show jumping, dressage and eventing.

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Grey Chartreux at piaffe - CC BY 2.0 - Nordlicht8

Cartujano - Carthusian Spanish horse

Country: Spain

Category: Horse

Discover the Cartujano horse, a prestigious lineage of the Pure Spanish Breed. History, morphology, temperament, and role in classical equestrian arts…

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One of the first thoroughbred stallions Colorado Ranger - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Seerig

Colorado Ranger

Country: United States

Category: Horse

Discover the Colorado Ranger, an American horse known for its versatility, strength, and the refined elegance inherited from its Arabian and Quarter H…

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Gentle Dancer, Connemara stallion, in Ireland. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Sophiesl

Connemara Pony

Country: Ireland

Category: Pony

The Connemara, Ireland's only native breed, descends from Viking ponies and Andalusian horses from the 1588 Spanish Armada shipwreck. Olympic medallis…

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No image available for Czech Sport Pony – Český sportovní pony

Czech Sport Pony – Český sportovní pony

Country: Czech Republic

Category: Pony

Discover the Czech Sport Pony, a versatile and athletic breed, ideal for children’s riding and pony sport competitions.

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Danish warmblood, bay-brown coat, model - CC BY-SA 4.0 -Nicole Slanařová

Danish Warmblood – Dansk Varmblod

Country: Denmark

Category: Horse

The Danish Warmblood is an athletic sport horse, renowned in dressage and show jumping, and originally bred in Denmark.

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History of the Danube breed presented at the Kabiuk Stud Horse Museum - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Izvora

Danubian

Country: Bulgaria

Category: Horse

Danubian horse: a light Bulgarian draft breed known for its strength, docility, and use in traction and driving. History, build, temperament, and futu…

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Eastern Bulgarian mare and foal - Public domain - Izvora

East Bulgarian

Country: Bulgaria

Category: Horse

Learn about the East Bulgarian Horse, a rare sport breed from the Balkans, with its history, traits, and uses in equestrian sports.

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Horse bred at Einsiedeln Abbey - CC BY-SA 3.0 - © Roland Fischer, Zurich (Switzerland)

Einsiedler

Country: Switzerland

Category: Horse

Discover the Einsiedeln horse, a Swiss breed from the monastery stud, valued for its robustness, versatility, and centuries-old history.

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Finnish bay warmblood trotting - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Sini Merikallio

Finnish Warmblood – Suomenpuoliverinen – FWB

Country: Finland

Category: Horse

Discover the Finnish Warmblood (FWB), an elegant and athletic sport horse breed from Finland, ideal for dressage and show jumping.

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Fjord Pony at model - CC BY 2.0 - Nordlicht8

Fjord

Country: Norway

Category: Pony

Fjord horse, a hardy breed from Norway, known for its strength, calm nature, and distinctive two-tone mane.

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Frederiksborg horse - CC BY 2.0 - Pia Gaarslev (uploaded by Ane Jensen)

Frederiksborg

Country: Denmark

Category: Horse

The Frederiksborg, founded in 1562, holds the world's oldest studbook for any domestic animal. Ancestor of the Lipizzaner, this rare Danish royal bree…

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Nepal, Franches-Montagnes stallion owned by the Swiss National Stud (SNS). - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Swiss National Stud (SNS)

Freiberger | Franches-Montagnes

Country: Switzerland

Category: Horse

Discover the Franches-Montagnes horse, a versatile Swiss breed, ideal for driving, trekking, and leisure riding.

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Trotting Friesian. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - B0rder

Friesian

Country: Netherlands

Category: Horse

The Friesian, an iconic breed from the Netherlands, stuns with its jet-black coat, flowing mane, and remarkable talent in driving and dressage. Discov…

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Furioso at the model, in Poland - GFDL - JoRe

Furioso-North Star

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Furioso-North Star horse, a Hungarian warmblood breed from 19th-century English lines, renowned for carriage driving, sport riding, and H…

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Pair of harnessed Gelderland - Public domain - Xocolatl

Gelderlander

Country: Netherlands

Category: Horse

Discover the Gelderland horse, descended from the Guelders horse: a Dutch breed both elegant and powerful, renowned for driving and sport.

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Typical Gidran horse - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Siheder

Gidran

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Gidran horse, a rare Hungarian half-bred with oriental and Arabian roots. Medium size 155–170 cm, weight 450–600 kg. Noble, versatile, an…

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Groningen mare and her foal. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Baykedevries

Groningen

Country: Netherlands

Category: Horse

The Groningen horse is a Dutch breed known for its strength, elegance, and versatility in driving, dressage, and leisure riding.

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A model of a piebald Irish Cob with its characteristic abundant mane, at a show in Prague, Czech Republic. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Karakal

Gypsy Cob – Irish Cob – Gypsy Vanner (Tinker)

Country: Ireland

Category: Horse

The Irish Cob, horse of the Irish Travellers, passed down its pedigrees orally for generations. Nicknamed the "dog-horse" for its gentleness, it was o…

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Haflinger pair in carriage driving competition. - CC BY 3.0 - Haflingermaus

Haflinger

Country: Austria

Category: Horse

The Haflinger is a golden Tyrolean horse with flaxen mane, descending from the stallion Folie. Hardy, gentle and versatile, ideal for leisure riding a…

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Henrik von Eckermann and Hanoverian Gotha FRH in a show jumping competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

Hanoverian

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

Discover the Hanoverian, a German warmblood renowned for its strength, elegance, and excellence in dressage, jumping, and eventing.

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Sergio Álvarez Moya with Carlo 273, Holsteiner, during the 2018 Paris Eiffel Jumping. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Amélie Tsaag Valren

Holsteiner

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

Discover the Holsteiner horse, a German breed known for its strength, elegance, and outstanding abilities in show jumping.

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Hungarian Half-Blood - Félvér Magyar - CC BY-SA 4.0 - A fényképezőgépem memóriakártyájáról

Hungarian Half-bred – Magyar félvér

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Hungarian Half-bred, or Magyar félvér, a versatile, elegant and robust Hungarian horse breed, used in sport and leisure riding.

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Icelandic horse at the tölt. - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Dagur Brynjólfsson

Icelandic

Country: Iceland

Category: Horse

Discover the Icelandic Horse, Iceland’s iconic breed, renowned for its unique gaits (tölt and pace), hardiness, and gentle temperament. Complete infor…

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Irish Draft Stallion - CC BY 2.5 - Losmurfs

Irish Draught

Country: Ireland

Category: Horse

Ireland's national horse, the Irish Draught plowed fields by week and hunted on Saturdays. Father of the Irish Sport Horse, it is now listed as endang…

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Paul Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse, ISH mare - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

Irish Sport Horse - Hunter Irlandais

Country: Ireland

Category: Horse

Discover the Irish Hunter, a sport horse from Ireland. Height 1.60–1.70 m, weight 500–600 kg. Athletic and versatile, it excels in eventing, jumping, …

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A group of chestnut Karabakh horses at Yashar Guluzade's stud farm in Shaki. - CC0 - Sefer azeri

Karabakh

Country: Azerbaijan

Category: Horse

Discover the Karabakh horse, Azerbaijan’s emblematic breed, famed for its golden coat, endurance, speed, and unique cultural heritage.

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A picture of Whiskey, who is a "Kisbéri félvér" gelding. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - A fényképezőgépem memóriakártyájáról

Kisber Felver

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Kisber Felver horse, an elegant and versatile Hungarian breed from the Kisbér stud. History, uses, physical traits, and breeding areas.

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Black Kladruber model. - Public domain

Kladruber

Country: Czech Republic

Category: Horse

Discover the Kladruber, a Czech baroque carriage horse, renowned for its power, elegance, and distinctive gray and black coats.

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Knabstrup horse - dressage. Stallion "Hamlet Frydenlund". -CC BY-SA 4.0

Knabstrup

Country: Denmark

Category: Horse

Discover the Knabstrup (Knabstrupper), a unique Danish horse breed with a spotted coat: standard, temperament, breeding areas & official association.

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Ace of Bask, a typical example of a Koheilan-lined stallion. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Kuhailan

Koheilan - Lineage

Country: Saudi Arabia

Category: Horse

Koheilan lineage, an Arabian horse from Nejd known for its strength, genetic purity, and influence on European horse breeds.

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KWPN horse during a dressage competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Chefsna

KWPN

Country: Netherlands

Category: Horse

The KWPN, a renowned Dutch warmblood, excels in show jumping, dressage and driving. Carefully selected for performance and sporting elegance.

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Landais pony in her meadow. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Eponimm

Landais pony

Country: France

Category: Pony

Discover the Landais Pony, a rare and versatile French breed, ideal for driving, trekking, and children's riding.

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Latvian bay sport horse - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Tuxer2002

Latvian horse

Country: Latvia

Category: Horse

Discover the Latvian Horse, a versatile breed from Latvia, robust and elegant, used for driving, equestrian sports, and agricultural work.

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Lipizzaner performing a high aria - CC BY 2.0 - Tom Hammer

Lipizzan

Country: Slovenia

Category: Horse

The Lipizzan fascinates with its white coat, natural grace and mastery of classical dressage. The legendary horse of the Spanish Riding School of Vien…

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Lusitano horse in traditional riding. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Lbpetersen

Lusitano (Purebred)

Country: Portugal

Category: Horse

Discover the Lusitano horse, a Portuguese purebred known for its elegance, nobility, and versatility in dressage, performance, and cattle work.

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No image available for Luxembourg Warmblood

Luxembourg Warmblood

Country: Luxembourg

Category: Horse

The Luxembourg Warmblood, developed from Hanoverian and Holsteiner bloodlines, stands out for its performance-based studbook selection. A versatile sp…

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Júpiter Quitumba, Brazilian national champion in 2002 - CC BY-SA 2.5 - Fábio Vidigal

Mangalarga Marchador

Country: Brazil

Category: Horse

Discover the Mangalarga Marchador, a Brazilian horse renowned for its smooth gaits, elegance, and exceptional endurance.

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Maremmien ridden by a buttero, model, side view. Equitana Show 2005. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - BS Thurner Hof

Maremmano

Country: Italy

Category: Horse

Discover the Maremmano horse, an emblematic breed of Tuscany and Lazio. Height 1.55–1.70 m, weight 500–650 kg. Robust, elegant, and enduring, used for…

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Humayun, Marwari stallion - Public domain - Virendra.kankariya

Marwari

Country: India

Category: Horse

Marwari, a saddle horse from India known for its inward-curving ears, endurance, and graceful appearance.

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A bay Morab under saddle - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton

Morab

Country: United States

Category: Horse

The Morab, a harmonious cross between the Morgan and the Arabian, combines elegance, power, and endurance with a balanced temperament.

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Morgan mounted during a show - CC BY 2.0 - Just chaos

Morgan

Country: United States

Category: Horse

Discover the Morgan horse, an American breed renowned for its elegance, strength, and versatility, descended from the legendary stallion Figure.

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A Murgese horse presented at the Equitana show in 2005. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - BS Thurner Hof

Murgese

Country: Italy

Category: Horse

The Murgese, black Apulian horse descended from Barb and Andalusian bloodlines since the 15th century, is an ancestor of the Lipizzaner. Raised semi-w…

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Ponies roaming freely in the New Forest National Park - CC BY 2.0 - Paul Albertella

New Forest

Country: United Kingdom

Category: Pony

Discover the New Forest Pony, a versatile British breed from Hampshire, standing 122–148 cm and weighing 300–450 kg. Origin, uses, colors, and semi-wi…

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Black Nonius at Mezőhegyes National Stud in Hungary, 2007. - Public domain - Tommy lieven

Nonius

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Nonius horse, a robust and elegant Hungarian breed from the Mezőhegyes stud. Valued for versatility, endurance, and a docile nature, it r…

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Curly horse in palomino dress. - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Ron Manke

North American Curly Horse

Country: United States

Category: Horse

Discover the North American Curly Horse, a hardy and hypoallergenic breed known for its unique curly coat, intelligence, and gentle temperament.

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Modern Oldenburg mare with a sooty bay coat - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Martin Bahmann

Oldenburg

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

The Oldenburg is a German sport horse renowned for its talent in show jumping, dressage, and driving.

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No image available for Orlov-Rostopchin

Orlov-Rostopchin

Country: Russia

Category: Horse

Discover the Orlov-Rostopchin, a Russian riding horse born from prestigious crosses. Elegant, powerful and enduring, it excels in sport and dressage.

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Pleven at Kabiuk stud, chestnut, model - CC BY 2.0 - Plamen Ivanov

Pleven (Horse of)

Country: Bulgaria

Category: Horse

Learn all about the Pleven: standards, history, behavior, breeding, and future of this Bulgarian warmblood horse recognized for equestrian sport.

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Pottok on the loose in the Basque Country. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Lankide Gorritxiki

Pottok

Country: France

Category: Pony

The Pottok is a hardy pony from the Basque Country, known for its freedom, strength, and use in trekking and riding schools.

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Pura Raza Española (PRE) - Andalusian horse. - CC BY 3.0 - Julia Moll

Pura Raza Española (PRE) - Andalusian horse

Country: Spain

Category: Horse

Discover the Pura Raza Española (PRE), a noble horse from Andalusia, renowned for its elegance, docility, elevated movements and strong baroque herita…

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Chestnut Rhenish Warmblood a snowy meadow. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Animal photography

Rhenish Warmblood

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

The Rhenish Warmblood, a modern German sport horse from the 1970s, captivates with its long elastic gaits. Bred at Warendorf State Stud, it excels in …

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Chestnut Don horse with a glossy sheen. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Fefa Koroleva

Russian Don

Country: Russia

Category: Horse

Discover the Don horse, a Russian breed renowned for its endurance, versatility, and historical heritage linked to the Cossacks.

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Salernitano mounted at the Fieracavalli 2014 - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Justlettersandnumbers

Salernitano

Country: Italy

Category: Horse

Discover the Salernitano horse, an elegant and athletic Italian breed from Campania. Height, weight, traits, history, uses, studbook, and breeding pro…

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Hello Sanctos, famous sBs gelding, ridden by Scott Brash at the CHI Geneva in 2014 - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

SBS – Belgian Sport Horse

Country: Belgium

Category: Horse

The SBS, founded in 1920 as a cavalry horse, nearly vanished during World War II. Awarded Royal status in 1967, it now dominates international show ju…

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Italian eventing rider Luisa Palli and Lalia della Nave at the 2011 European Eventing Championship in Luhmühlen (show jumping phase). - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Steinfurth (Nordlicht8)

Sella Italiano

Country: Italy

Category: Horse

Discover the Italian Warmblood, an elegant and athletic sport horse, valued for show jumping, dressage, and eventing.

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Presentation of a Selle Français stallion at the Cluny National Stud Farm. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Eponimm

Selle Français

Country: France

Category: Horse

The Selle Français, France's premier sport horse, excels in show jumping and dressage at the highest level. Discover the origins, morphology and chara…

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Shagyas presented at the Topoľčianky stud farm in Slovakia. - CC0 - EU2016 SK — FIELD TRIP 2016-09-12

Shagya

Country: Hungary

Category: Horse

Discover the Shagya horse, a Hungarian breed of Arabian origin, renowned for its elegance, versatility, endurance and genetic importance.

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Silesian bay working on a lunge line - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Katrina Swinnley

Silesian Warmblood - Slaski

Country: Poland

Category: Horse

Discover the Silesian horse, a Polish improved draft breed, renowned for its strength, elegance, and versatility in driving and agricultural work.

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Slovak Warmblood – Slovenský teplokrevník Regional Police Department in Bratislava - CC BY 3.0 - Martin Baran

Slovak Warmblood – Slovenský teplokrevník

Country: Slovakia

Category: Horse

Discover the Slovak Warmblood, a sport horse from Slovakia, renowned for its elegance, strength, and versatility in equestrian competitions.

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Slovenian Warmblood – Slovenski Toplokrvni Konj - - CC BY 3.0 - Michal Jakubský

Slovenian Warmblood – Slovenski Toplokrvni Konj

Country: Slovenia

Category: Horse

Discover the Slovenian Warmblood, a Slovenian warmblood horse combining hardiness and athletic ability, excelling in dressage, driving and show jumpin…

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The Swedish Warmblood – Svenskt Varmblod mare Fibonacci at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. - CC BY 3.0 br - Fernando Frazão/Agence Brésil -

Swedish Warmblood – Svenskt Varmblod

Country: Sweden

Category: Horse

Discover the Swedish Warmblood, a versatile sport horse from Sweden, renowned for its abilities in show jumping, dressage, and eventing.

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Swiss Warmblood horse, Pénélope Leprevost and Cayman Athletic CH - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

Swiss Warmblood - Schweizer Warmblut

Country: Switzerland

Category: Horse

Discover the Swiss Warmblood, a versatile sport horse combining power, elegance and reliability, excelling in dressage, jumping and eventing.

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A thoroughbred horse gallops at Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Jeff Kubina

Thoroughbred

Country: United Kingdom

Category: Horse

Discover the Thoroughbred horse, renowned for its speed, elegance, and key role in flat racing worldwide.

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Trakehner bay, model - Public domain - Lena

Trakehner

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

The Trakehner, world's oldest warmblood breed, survived the 1000 km Great Trek in WW2. An Olympic champion since 1924, excelling in dressage, jumping …

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Ukrainian Riding Horse - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Shr3000

Ukrainian Riding Horse

Country: Ukraine

Category: Horse

Discover the Ukrainian Riding Horse, a sport breed from Ukraine known for its power, elegance, and excellent performance in dressage and show jumping.

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Three-year-old Welsh cob pony, chestnut with washed mane, model. - CC BY-SA 3.0

Welsh Cob

Country: United Kingdom

Category: Pony

Discover the Welsh Cob, a robust and elegant Welsh pony, ideal for driving, riding, and leisure. Originating from Wales, it combines strength and char…

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Welsh B in CSO - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Elevage de maika

Welsh Pony Section B

Country: United Kingdom

Category: Pony

The Welsh Section B, an elegant and athletic Welsh pony, nearly faced extinction under a 16th-century Tudor law. Gentle and versatile, it is today the…

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The gray Westphalian Murtajiz Al Hawajer in 2013. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Olaf Kosinsky

Westphalian

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

The Westphalian is a German sport horse breed known for its talent in dressage and show jumping, closely related to the Hanoverian.

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Wielkopolski bay - Public domain - Siedlar

Wielkopolski

Country: Poland

Category: Horse

Discover the Wielkopolski, an elegant and robust Polish horse, valued for its versatility in equestrian sports, driving, and leisure riding.

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Württembergers - Public Domain - Xocolatl

Wurttemberger

Country: Germany

Category: Horse

Württemberg – Elegant and sporty breed, ideal for dressage, jumping and driving.

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FAQ — Dressage Horses

What is a dressage horse?
A dressage horse is a horse especially suited to flatwork, valued for its balance, suppleness, regularity and ability to perform precise movements with harmony.
What qualities are looked for in a dressage horse?
The main qualities sought are good gaits, engagement from behind, balance, suppleness, willingness, concentration and an aptitude for collection.
What are the main dressage horse breeds?
Breeds often associated with dressage include the Hanoverian, KWPN, Oldenburg, Lusitano, Andalusian (PRE), and some Selle Français lines.
Is dressage limited to certain breeds?
No. Many breeds can practice dressage, but some have been more specifically selected for natural qualities that suit this discipline.
Can dressage horses do other disciplines?
Yes. Many dressage horses can also be used for leisure riding, eventing, working equitation or other disciplines depending on their profile.
What is the difference between a dressage horse and a jumping horse?
A dressage horse is mainly valued for gait quality, balance and precision, while a jumping horse is selected more for power, scope and jumping technique.
Are Iberian horses good for dressage?
Yes. Iberian horses such as the Lusitano and the PRE are often appreciated for their balance, mobility and ease in certain dressage exercises.
Does a dressage horse need big movement?
Big movement can be an advantage, but it is not enough on its own. Balance, regularity, willingness and the ability to collect are just as important.
Are dressage horses suitable for amateurs?
Yes, some are very suitable for amateurs, provided their temperament, level of training and sensitivity match the rider.
What is the usual temperament of a dressage horse?
People often look for a horse that is attentive, willing, sensitive without being difficult, able to cooperate and stay mentally available in work.
What is dressage useful for in a horse?
Dressage helps improve balance, suppleness, coordination, responsiveness to aids and the overall quality of the horse’s movement.
Can a dressage horse be used for leisure riding?
Yes. Many horses bred or trained for dressage can also suit leisure riding, light hacking or everyday work, depending on their temperament and training.
What is the price of a dressage horse?
The price varies greatly depending on breed, age, pedigree, level of training and competition record. It can range from a few thousand euros to much higher amounts for highly valued horses.
Is dressage useful outside competition?
Yes. Dressage provides an important foundation for improving communication, balance and the overall quality of the horse’s work, even outside competition.