In this space, Yolanda— founder of Gallery Horse and a leading figure in classical dressage—shares her experience, recommendations, and reflections to help you choose your next horse and accompany you every step of the way in the world of high-level equestrianism.
Dressage, jumping, hacking — no matter the discipline, everything begins with the back. It’s more than where the saddle rests. The back is the bridge between power and balance, comfort and longevity. When neglected, it’s often the silent cause behind injuries, tension, or resistance under saddle.
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The Most Overlooked Question in Dressage Horse Buying: When buying a dressage horse, most riders ask about movements — flying changes, pirouettes, or show results. But rarely do they ask the one thing that truly defines long-term success: Where is this horse on the training scale? At Gallery Horse, we believe understanding rhythm, relaxation, contact, and impulsion is essential — not optional. Because in the end, you’re not just buying a performer. You’re buying an athlete in training.
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We often focus on when to start riding a young horse — but what about when to stop? Age is just a number. A 12-year-old with a weak topline may be more at risk than a well-conditioned 6-year-old. Riding longevity depends on muscle, balance, conformation, previous injuries, and honest observation. A horse can be ridden as long as they can carry us without pain — not based on age, but on function.
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In this post, we explore the real bottlenecks of modern dressage: from the physical and mental demands of a 10-year journey, to the pressure from competitions and market expectations. We question whether today’s system — including breeding priorities, test design, and progression structure — is truly sustainable for horse welfare and long-term success. Maybe it’s time to rethink the way we measure excellence.
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True dressage mastery lies not only in technique, but in the ability to observe, feel, and adapt. Horses don’t speak with words, but they communicate everything — through tension, stillness, movement. The best riders are those who listen when the horse “says” something’s not right. At Gallery Horse, we believe that building a deep relationship, based on respect and awareness, is what transforms a rider from good to exceptional.
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The story of Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus reminds us that behind every gold medal lies quiet years of belief, patience, and connection. Success in dressage isn’t about shortcuts or price tags. It’s about sensing what’s inside a horse — and helping it shine. Because in the end, dressage is about turning passion into movement… and movement into emotion.
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Carl Hester reminds us: “Buy the horse you can afford and train it. Even if it’s not spectacular… train it. That’s what makes you a good rider.” In a world chasing flashy movement and elite pedigrees, the truth is simple: not every rider needs a Grand Prix superstar — but every rider needs a horse they can grow with. Success comes from building strength, balance, connection, and trust over time. The right horse isn’t the most expensive one, but the one with a kind heart, a willing mind, a sound body — and a rider ready to learn.
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In dressage, it’s increasingly common to see exceptional horses that never reach their full potential — not because of a lack of talent, but due to how they’re managed. Many riders, breeders, and trainers overlook the horse’s true nature: a social herd animal designed to move, graze, and interact for most of the day. Instead, horses are often confined, isolated, and subjected to unsuitable routines, leading to stress, health issues, and wasted potential. At Gallery Horse, we’ve seen remarkable transformations when horses are given space, fair training, social contact, and consistency. True horsemanship starts with deep knowledge, empathy, and respect for the horse’s physical, emotional, and mental needs.
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Competition results can be impressive — but they’re only a snapshot of a specific horse-rider partnership, on a specific day, under specific conditions. Change the rider, trainer, facilities, or support team, and performance can shift dramatically. At Gallery Horse, we’ve seen top-performing horses lose progress when their environment changes, not because their talent disappeared, but because the conditions that supported their success were gone. Choosing the right horse means looking beyond scores and medals, and considering your own experience, resources, and ability to maintain the horse’s needs long-term. True success lies in what you and your horse can build together.
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