Sport horses: the best breeds for show jumping and content features

Today there are many breeds of sports horses. Each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages. To choose the best option, it is worth considering the exterior and physical characteristics of the horse. Equally important are his temperament and ability to work with a person. To keep the animal in optimal shape, it is recommended to provide quality nutrition and good care.

What is show jumping?

Showjumping is a common equestrian sport. In this case, the horse with the rider passes the route with different obstacles.Judges give marks for the speed of overcoming the distance. They also evaluate the jumping technique, the style of movement of the animal, the ability of the rider to cooperate with the horse. Initially show jumping appeared in the middle of the nineteenth century in France. In 1900, they were included in the program of the Olympic Games.

Criteria for selecting horses for show jumping

To be successful in the competition, you should carefully consider the choice of horses. It is recommended to pay attention to the appearance, physical condition, temperament of the animal.

Exterior

When choosing a breed, you should focus on the massiveness index. The main requirement for a horse is excellent jumping ability. The more massive the horse, the more difficult it is for him to lift the body. The massiveness index is calculated as the ratio of height to weight. The ideal setting is 3-3.7.

When choosing a horse, you should give preference to animals with a slight saber legs, which are distinguished by a more powerful push during the jump.

Temperament

Experienced athletes claim that animals with a hot temperament win more often. However, working with them is quite difficult. It is best to choose a mount with slight physical disadvantages, but an accommodating character, rather than vice versa.

Interaction between rider and horse

When choosing a horse for competition, athletes understand that it will be able to reach its full potential after 1-2 years of constant training. During this period, partners have time to adapt to each other. This is of great importance for the sport.

Popular breeds

Today there are many varieties of sport horses. The best of them can consistently win competitions.

Trakehner

This is an old breed that was bred back in the thirteenth century. Initially, it was a carriage horse.However, the breed was subsequently improved with the help of Arabian and Thoroughbred riding horses. Today, Trakehner horses are great for show jumping, dressage, triathlon.

Belgian Warmblood

This breed is considered the result of crossing Gelderlanders and Belgian horses. At first, it was actively used in agriculture. However, later the animals were improved and began to be used in equestrian sports. The horses are excellent for dressage and show jumping.

Budennovskaya

This breed was obtained in the thirties of the last century. Its representatives are distinguished by strength and endurance. Animals have a beautiful appearance and look very graceful. They are distinguished by their red color and reach a height of 1.65 meters.

Irish Warmblood

This riding breed is characterized by light bones and developed muscles. Its representatives jump well and are characterized by excellent maneuverability. Thanks to this, they have managed to win many awards in show jumping competitions.

Dutch Warmblood

This breed was developed in the twentieth century from the Gelderlander, Groningen and Thoroughbred. Today it is the most successful sports breed. Its representatives are considered strong and energetic. At the same time, they have an obedient disposition and reach a height of 1.6-1.7 meters.

French village

This breed was obtained in the nineteenth century in Normandy. Currently, French villages are considered one of the best representatives of show jumping breeds. They are considered fast, hardy and agile. These animals are characterized by a powerful jump.

Oldenburg

This jumping breed was bred in the seventeenth century in the province of Oldenburg. Gradually, it improved, which endowed the animals with many virtues. They are characterized by a massive elongated body. At the same time, animals have strong hind limbs and strong joints.

Westphalian

This breed has come a long way. Initially, its representatives were used for heavy agricultural work, but today they have become high-class mounts. The characteristics of these animals allowed them to be actively used in various competitions.

On average, the height of a stallion of this breed reaches 1.65-1.7 meters. Most often there are bay, gray, black and red colors. Animals are characterized by excellent dedication parameters in training and competitions. They are characterized by endurance and perseverance.

Hanoverian

This breed was developed in the eighteenth century. Initially, animals were used in agriculture. However, over time they were improved and began to be used in dressage. Representatives of this breed reach a height of 1.63-1.73 meters.

Holstein

In the 17th-19th centuries, these animals were used to transport carriages. However, gradually the breed became riding. It is suitable for cross-country travel. Also, animals are used for dressage and show jumping. In height, representatives of this breed reach 1.63-1.73 meters.

Content Features

To maintain the he alth and physical parameters of sports horses in the normal range, it is recommended to combine the features of a hygienic regimen with feeding and rational training. Animals require stables with stalls of at least 12 square meters. It is recommended to keep the premises clean and dry. They need to be cleaned every day. Rooms should be disinfected and ventilated periodically.

To improve the performance of animals, it is worth carrying out important hygiene procedures. Equally important is the full care of the skin and limbs. Horses should be bathed periodically.

The diet of animals is selected individually. For feeding it is worth using high-quality products. They are recommended to be given to animals at the same time in small portions.

Training should be selected depending on the breed. Equally important is the ratio of work and rest of the animal. It is imperative to ensure the recovery of animals after the competition. The duration of active recreation per year is 1-1.5 months.

It is recommended to train sports horses taking into account the principles of purposefulness and systematic. Long breaks in classes provoke a deterioration in conditioned reflex connections and a decrease in working capacity. This negatively affects the performance of the animal and worsens its results in competitions.

Sport horse breeds have different character, behavior and temperament. Therefore, each of them needs an individual approach. In any case, animals require affectionate handling. Otherwise, they become aggressive and distrustful.