17/07/2025
Love this so much! There's no cutting corners for correct training and riding - a flash horse only gets you so far without it 💕
There’s no denying the spectacle of a big, fancy-moving warmblood. They turn heads.
But after nearly three decades in this sport, I’ll tell you honestly: I’d rather watch a beautifully ridden palomino pony than a poorly trained, imported superstar any day.
Here’s why: Dressage is about training, not just talent. It’s about how a rider brings out straightness, balance, and clarity in every transition—not about how high the knees fly or how flashy the trot looks. The best moments I’ve seen weren’t on the most expensive horses, but on those where the rider’s skill and system shone through: thoughtful lines, quiet corrections, and a horse that’s truly listening and responding.
The real magic? Every correction puts the horse in a place where the rider can be quiet again.
That’s harmony.
That’s the art.
Breeding and movement can open doors, but it’s the training and partnership that take you to the top. If you’re shopping for your next horse, don’t get swept up in the hype. Look for a horse you can truly train—a willing mind over fancy movement, every time.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, listen to the full conversation on The Parbery Podcast, find us on your favourite podcast app or comment PODCAST and we'll send you the links to listen.
Let’s celebrate skill, not spectacle. The future of dressage is in the quality of our riding, not just the genetics of our horses.
