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.
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
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Akhal-Teké
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Alter Real
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Anglo-Arabe
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Appaloosa
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Arabe Persan - Pur-sang Arabe d’Iran
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Australian Riding Pony
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Australian Stock Horse
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Baden‑Württemberger
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Barock Pinto
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Bavarois
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Boudienny - Boudionnovskaïa lochad
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Bulgare Oriental
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Calabrais cheval
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Campolina
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Canadien
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Cartujano - Chartreux
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Cheval de Sport Canadien
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Cheval de sport suisse - Schweizer Warmblut
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Colorado Ranger
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Connemara Pony
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Danois Sang-chaud - Dansk Varmblod
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Danubien
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Don (Cheval)
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Einsiedeln
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Finlandais sang-chaud - Suomenpuoliverinen - FWB
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Fjord
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Franches-Montagnes | Freiberger
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Frederiksborg
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Frison
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Furioso-North Star
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Gelderland
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Gidran
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Groningen
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Haflinger
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Hanovrien
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Holsteiner
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Hongrois Demi-Sang - Magyar félvér
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Irish Cob - Gypsy Cob - Tinker
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Irish Sport Horse - Hunter Irlandais
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Islandais
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Karabakh
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Kisber Felver
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Kladruber
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Knabstrup
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Koheilan - Lignée
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KWPN
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Letton
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Lipizzan
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Lusitanien (Pur-Sang)
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Mangalarga Marchador
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Maremmano
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Marwari
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Morab
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Morgan
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Murgese
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New Forest
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Nonius
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North American Curly Horse
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Oldenbourg
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Orlov-Rostopchine | Selle Russe
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Paint Horse
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Pleven (Cheval de)
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Poney de sport tchèque - Ceskýš sportovní pony
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Poney Landais
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Pottok
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Pur-Sang
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Pure race espagnole (PRE) - Andalou
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Quarter Horse
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Rhénan Sang-chaud
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Saddlebred
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Salernitano
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SBS - Cheval de sport belge
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Selle Autrichien
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Selle Francais
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Selle Italien
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Selle Luxembourgeois
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Selle Slovaque - Slovenský teplokrevník
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Selle Slovène - Slovenski Toplokrvni Konj
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Selle Suédois - Svenskt Varmblod
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Selle Ukrainien
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Shagya
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Silésien - Slaski
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Trait Irlandais
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Trakehner
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Welsh Cob
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Welsh Pony Section B
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Westphalien
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Wielkopolski
View breedFAQ — 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.