The Hidden Attributes of Great Horses

In the last two decades, there has been world-wide focus on sport horse breeding, dressage bloodlines, and breeding indexes. I too am interested in watching out for exciting new bloodlines and the next great stallion.

But as a former FEI rider and trainer, and as someone who has helped buyers find more dressage horses than most, I understand that these young-horse beauty contests are, to a certain degree, superficial. The greatest attributes of our equine partners and the ones that are life-changing aren't the focus of this young horse pageantry.

If you're among the fortunate dressage riders who have ever own a truly rare and special horse, you understand what I mean. While our systems make horses into physical beings to score objectively, our memories of how certain special horses have changed us are stored in our hearts, not on score sheets.

If you've ever owned a truly one-in-a-million horse you understand. It's difficult to find words to explain the experience to others who haven't been as fortunate as you. When you spend time with this animal, you feel an unexpected delight and joy. Your time riding this horse will be some of your happiest moments, and you'll be forever changed.

This horse surprises you with an abundance of generosity, especially when you need it most. You become its grateful servant, accommodating its special needs and insisting that others do the same. When the time comes to say goodbye, you cry real tears.

Margit Otto Crepin was one of the lucky ones. She described her special horse, Corlandus, with such passion:

"He is the horse of an era. To own such a horse is the most wonderful thing. He is like riding nothing else. I feel so dissatisfied when I am on other horses. Yet the feel he gives to me helps me to make the other horses better. He is an inspiration." - Margit Otto Crepin

(Credit: Horse Magazine)

I too have been fortunate, having owned and ridden some truly great horses and helped clients discover their once-in-a-lifetime partners. While it's hard to put into words what makes those horses so special, I can try to describe the hidden attributes that separate rare and exceptional horses from the rest of the herd.

Like Great Human Athletes, Great Horses Have Resilience

Even after a tough ride with sore muscles or a hard show schedule, they still meet you at the stall door when you come for them the next day. In their second year at Grand Prix, when they know exactly the point where they have to piaffe or pirouette, they do their best even knowing how hard it is. They're tough. They like to work. Doing dressage and being out in public excites and motivates them.

It's a great experience to own such a horse, but only after they're gone do we look back and fully appreciate the depth of their generosity and exceptional work ethic; great horses change us.

They Are Brave, Especially If You're There for Them

They trust you and will go through fire with you. Sure, they might spook or need patience while they're afraid of the judge's box. But in the end, they do so much for you, against their instincts, because they trust you.

Great Horses Have Equine Self-Esteem

When a dressage horse knows it's good at the movements, they seem to take joy in performing. It's a sort of hotness, like a jumper attacking a line of fences. When you turn onto the diagonal, you only ask once for the extension. Coming into the piaffe, you feel the horse starting to boil in anticipation. A great horse is good at its job and knows it.

The Lasting Impact

If you're ever fortunate enough to experience such a special horse, you're forever changed. You'll watch the horses your peers are riding and wonder why they've settled for less than what they could have—that nearly intoxicating feeling a special horse gives to a deserving rider. Every horse you ride afterward will be better because of your time with that special horse.

While many horses have nice gaits, those truly special horses with these hidden attributes are rare. They're worth seeking out, because the reward is indescribable.

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Coaching Corner:

1. Did this article cause you to stop and think about anything in particular?

   
   

2. Do you have at least one great horse in your life right now?

3. Does your business have adequate sources for finding great horses for your clients and for you? Or, is it hit-and-miss?

   
   

4. To what degree could you benefit from having a business coach who understands your heart for horses?

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Choices:

1. Read next article: The Economics of Excellence
   

2. Take the free Business Assessment
   

3. Schedule a free 20-minute call with a dressage business coach
   

   
   

Copyright 2026 Steven Wolgemuth, All rights reserved.