If the horse is still a stallion, which many are (due to their docile temperaments), I take into consideration how thick his neck is, especially through the throat latch area and along his topline. If a horse is too thick through the throat latch, it can make it difficult for the horse to be comfortable when on the bit and for the rider to have a correct connection.
Unlike other breeds, Spanish horses, especially stallions, often have a large crest, which can hinder dressage performance and can even fall to one side if it becomes too large.
Kristina Harrison is a U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver and gold medalist. In 2003 she won a Pan American Games team gold medal. She has ridden the PRE Rociero XV to numerous Grand Prix successes. Based in Burbank, Calif., she operates Angele Farms.
