I am researching buying an arabian (have one now that is semi retired out of Khemosabi line) and would like to know if this line is suitable for dressage.

Everytime I see one from that line they are doing western pleasure. At the risk of sounding competely stupid, would a young Khemo decendent be suitable to train for at least 2nd level dressage?

My current Khemo baby seems like he would have been fantastic in this with his lovely gaits and stunning looks if only I had found him earlier in life.

A barn mate pointed out that sometimes certain breeds are good for certain things. (think pug in agility) Please forgive my lack of Arab knowledge.

ARTESAN VS++++// - AHR*549543 Khemo son - sport horse, dressage, hunter, - many championships - arabian and open shows as well. Other Khemo kids have done well also in many different divisions. Depends on the horse not just the breeding. Good luck with your search and have fun. Find one that matches the style you want and makes your heart go THUMP everytime you look at him or her, then go for it. A matched set works everytime.

Mike

This is in no way a stupid question!!! Kudo's to you for coming here to get information. In my opinion, ability for any discipline doesn't lie within the bloodlines (though, some are bred for a specific discipline), but in their conformation & temperament. I think that the first place to start is with the conformation that will allow a horse to do 2nd level dressage. I am by far not a dressage guru, but if you are looking to do 2nd level dressage, find a horse that will be at least able to school at 3rd level - that way, you can be competitive at the level you wish to be.

So, if we look at 3rd level dressage - you need a horse that can collect and extend and show a diffinitive difference in their 'working' gait and the collected & extended version. They need to be well enough put together to do 10m circles. I would look for a horse that is very relaxed in the poll, having a clean throatlatch that will allow for the movement in the neck to be able to collect into the bridle. Another conformation trait I would look for is a nice, short back, one that will allow for relaxed, soft movement and a powerful hind end that will give impulsion and cadence. Well set hocks that are not cow-hocked (meaning they point into each other when standing straight) is a must. Now, most Arabians will have a bit of a cow hock, but the extent is what will be the deciding factor in this. Front legs should be nice and straight, short cannons with a good angle of the pastern - too straight and you loose cadence & extension. Try to stay away from a horse that paddles when moving on a straight line with the front legs, as this will interfere with their purity of gait - which dressage performance is judged on.

There are plenty of dressage riders on this forum - Chris Krowchuk & TwnkleToes - Jen as well as TamCam, are a few that come to mind at this time - perhaps they could add some information to this thread!!

Congrats on doing your research and trying to make an educated decision about your next horse!! Good luck and we must see PICS of your final choice!!!

Libby

Check out HG Esquires thread in the stallions at stud section - Khemo breeding and a definite sport horse. I am sure his owner would be happy to help you find the right horse!

Mystic Rose, thank you for the thumbs up We would be quite happy to help Lora in her search for a good minded Khemo bred horse that can/is/will happily do dressage and other Sport disciplines. Have a few in mind actually

Lora ~ Please feel free to email me directly and I will help in anyway I can. If we do not have what you are looking for I am sure I know someone who does! My direct email addy is: gaineyarabian@aol.com and the direct link to our Khemo bred stallion that includes several photos of his non-explosive, level-headed and beautiful foals: HG Esquire+, Khemo bred Sport Horse Stallion

Enjoy! And again thanks Mystic for thinking of Esquire+! He appreciates it

Denise Gainey

I've seen a great deal of nice Khemo-bred dressage arabs. What other lines are in your horse's pedigree??

GG, MR, graus....you folks are just quality acts, each and every one! Proud to know you all! sighs...SOMETIMES, one gets to know SUPERB folks, yah!


Cyclone

HRH MLB

I attended Hilda Gurney's SH Seminar where she said "*Bask horses make great dressage horses."

There are a great many families of Arabians that have done well or could do well in dressage.

With any dressage horse

1. Three good gaits. Each gait pure, rhythmical, free. Walk is 4 beats. Trot is two distinct beats. Canter is 3 distinct beats. It is very hard to improve a walk. Pretty hard to improve a canter. Fairly easy to improve a trot. If you want to do higher levels, buy a great canter.

2. Balanced conformation with great legs

3. GREAT mind. Generous, willing, kind.

A great attitude will get you through just about any physical limitations you and your horse might have.

MaryJo and Shade (who has the greatest attitude on the planet)