The 25 Best Horse Breeds To Use For Dressage

Dressage is both a method of schooling and an equestrian sport. Derived from the French word meaning “training,” the purpose is to be an exhibition of horse and rider’s artistry and mastery as a team. It dates back to 350 B.C. but wasn’t officially recognized as a discipline until 1912 at its Olympic debut. While the sport favors some breeds more than others, the best horses to use for dressage all share a few common traits — willingness, athleticism, and a good temperament.

Characteristics of the Best Dressage Horses

When looking for a good dressage horse to compete with, pay attention to their conformation, attitude, and quality of movement. The discipline is all about progressive training and the mastery of movements, which requires a horse that’s willing to put in the time with their rider required to grow together. The horse also needs to be a light enough breed to be capable of the level of skill and artistry required at the sport’s top levels. This is why you don’t see many draft horses in upper-level dressage rings!

Levels of Dressage

There are nine progressive levels in modern dressage beginning with the Introductory level and ending with the Grand Prix or Advanced level tests. Each one is judged differently based on the quality of movements and technical skills performed.

At lower levels, you can use pretty much any horse for dressage since there are no breed restrictions. It’s when you reach the top levels of the sport that you become more aware of the best breeds to use to be successful.

The Best Horse Breeds to Use For Dressage

The best horse breeds to use for dressage share a combination of characteristics:

• A calm temperament
• Keen to please
• Supple
• Athletic
• Good movement
• Confident

Let’s discuss the 25 horse breeds that share these traits, making them some of the most sought-after in the dazzling world of dressage.

1. Andalusian

One of the most popular horse breeds used in classic dressage is the Andalusian. The Spanish-bred horse is kind and cooperative. This lends well to a great foundation to teach the proper form and movement required to excel at the upper levels.

2. Lusitano

The Lusitano is a brave breed, keen to learn and form a close bond with their riders. This made them one of the best horse breeds to use for classic dressage and is why they are still used in modern dressage today.

3. Lipizzaner

Another popular horse breed used for classic dressage is the Lipizzaner. They are highly trainable, athletic, and the breed’s conformation is ideal for success in this discipline. They are so excellent at the art and skill of the sport that the Spanish Riding School in Vienna — famous for training their horses to perform three classic dressage maneuvers — only allows Lippizaners in their stables.

4. Westphalian

One of the first (of many) warmbloods on our list, the Westphalian horse is a kind-tempered, athletic, and big-bodied horse with a generous stride. Their sweeping movements are desirable in modern dressage, making them one of the best horse breeds to use for the sport today.

5. Friesian

Willing to learn, calm, and intelligent, Friesians are an excellent mount for a novice or intermediate dressage rider. They’re as steadfast as they are stunning, which helps add to the artistry required for the discipline.

6. Gypsy Vanner

Draft horses aren’t common to use for dressage, but Gypsy Vanners are an exception. Called a “people-sized” draft horse, this breed is engaging and unflappable. It’s a great mount for a beginner or intermediate-level rider wanting to break into the sport.

7. Welsh Cob

In recent years, the Welsh Cob has gained popularity in the dressage world for their flashy, dynamic personality and willing attitude. A Welsh Cob named Llanarth Magestic even won the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships in 2023!

8. Percheron

The Percheron is another draft horse that is surprisingly adept at dressage. This breed has great movement and a calm demeanor, making it a perfect mount for a dressage rider at any level.

9. Hanoverian

Hanovarians are another one of the best breeds to use for dressage because they are performance horses. Hanovarians are desirable due to their near-perfect conformation, athletic ability, disposition, and trainability.

10. Trakehner

Trakehners are a type of warmblood well-suited to the performance and artistry dressage required. However, only two Trakehers have won at international shows in the past 20 years. This is likely due to the accessibility of other, more popular horse breeds like the Dutch Warmblood.

11. Selle Français

Known for their docile nature, a good temperament is a solid foundation for any good dressage horse. The Selle Français is also a versatile mount, making it a great choice to get you far in the sport.

12. Oldenburg

Supple, fine-moving with fantastic conformation, the Oldenburg feels like a breed made for dressage. It’s hard not to stare when the German-bred horse enters the ring and starts the show. That’s why there are many famous Oldenburg dressage upper-level champions like Donnerhall and Bonfire.

13. Holsteiner

Like any good warmblood, the Holsteiner is a great mover, athletic, and extremely rideable. They are one of the best horse breeds to use for dressage for these reasons!

14. Irish Sport Horse

Irish Sports Horses are prized around the world for their mastery of the sport. At the highest levels of dressage, the most desirable Irish Sport Horses have a larger percentage of Thoroughbred blood —about three-fourths.

15. Thoroughbred

What makes a Thoroughbred so good for dressage? They have all the physical and mental characteristics of an athlete — eager to please, intelligent, and light on their feet. Once you train them to shift their weight to their hindquarters rather than lean on the bit, you have a balanced horse ready to win in the ring.

16. American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is a well-rounded breed suitable for any rider, discipline, or level. They are quick on their feet and have a smart mind. They’re great mounts to use for dressage at the beginner levels because of their calm demeanor.

17. Appaloosa

Appaloosa’s aren’t commonly used for dressage. But as recently as 2022, this breed made it to the top 10 at the United States Dressage Federation National Horse Show. Like Quarter Horses, they are versatile and eager to please.

18. Paint Horse

The balanced conformation of a Paint horse is what makes this breed so sought-after in the dressage world. Coupled with their athleticism and versatility, what’s not to love?

19. Paso Fino

Paso Finos may not be the most common dressage horse breed, but they can be one of the best if properly trained. They are incredibly versatile and willing to learn, which makes them fun to compete with in any sport!

20. Arabian Horse

Arabian horses are incredibly intelligent, which makes them easy to train in any discipline. If trained in dressage, they tend to excel because of their beautiful movements and athleticism.

21. Morgan Horse

Morgan horses have strong, muscular hindquarters… the making of a great dressage horse! It’s no wonder that this breed is reaching the upper levels of the sport quickly. As of 2023, 20 Morgans have successfully competed at the Grand Prix level.

22. Swedish Warmblood

Swedish Warmbloods are performance horses with fluid gaits, a positive attitude, and a willingness to please, especially in the dressage ring.

23. Belgian Warmblood

Belgian Warmbloods are horses best suited for disciplines like dressage and jumping. Their capacity for training makes them excellent at any sport they compete in.

24. Danish Warmblood

Danish Warmbloods are just bigger-bodied Thoroughbreds. They have the same athleticism and courage in them but with a more substantial frame. They are excellent movers, which is why you see this horse breed at the upper levels of the sport often.

25. Dutch Warmblood

Out of all the horse breeds in the world, the best to use for modern dressage is the Dutch Warmblood. Their near-perfect conformation is what allows them to not only compete at the upper levels but also to win. The most famous Dutch Warmblood is Valegro — he won individual gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, team gold in 2012, and is a double World Champion in dressage.