Today there are many breeds of sport 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. His temperament and ability to work with people are of no small importance. To keep the animal in optimal shape, it is recommended to provide it with high-quality nutrition and proper care.
What is show jumping?
Show jumping is a widespread area of equestrian sport. In this case, the horse and rider go through a route with various obstacles. The judges give marks for the speed of covering the distance. They also evaluate the jumping technique, the animal’s movement style, and the rider’s ability to cooperate with the horse. Jumping competitions originally appeared in the mid-nineteenth century in France. In 1900 they were included in the program of the Olympic Games.
Criteria for selecting horses for show jumping
To achieve success in competitions, you should be careful when choosing horses. It is recommended to pay attention to the appearance, physical condition, and temperament of the animal.
Exterior
When choosing a breed, you should focus on the massiveness index. The main requirement for a horse is considered to be excellent jumping ability. The more massive the horse, the more difficult it is for him to lift his body. The massiveness index is calculated as the ratio of height to weight. The ideal parameter is 3-3.7.
When choosing a horse, you should give preference to animals with slight saber legs, which are distinguished by a more powerful push during a jump.
Temperament
Experienced athletes claim that animals with a hot temperament are more likely to win. However, working with them is quite difficult. It is best to choose a horse with minor physical disadvantages, but an easy-going 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 sports.
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 Perfect for show jumping, dressage and eventing.
Belgian Warmblood
This breed is considered to be the result of crossing Gelderlanders and Belgian horses. At first it was actively used in agriculture. However, the animals were subsequently improved and began to be used in equestrian sports. The horses are excellent for dressage and show jumping.
Budennovskaya
This breed was developed in the thirties of the last century. Its representatives are distinguished by strength and endurance. The 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 distinguished by light bones and well-developed muscles. Its representatives jump well and are characterized by excellent maneuverability. Thanks to this, they were able to win many awards in show jumping competitions.
Dutch Warmblood
This breed was developed in the twentieth century from the Gelderland, Groningen and Thoroughbred horses. Today it is the most successful sporting 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 developed back in the nineteenth century in Normandy. Currently, French Sels are considered one of the best representatives of jumping breeds. They are considered fast, resilient and maneuverable. These animals are characterized by a powerful jump.
Oldenburgskaya
This show jumping breed was developed back in the seventeenth century in the province of Oldenburg. It gradually improved, which endowed the animals with many advantages. They are characterized by a massive elongated body. Moreover, the animals have strong hind limbs and durable joints.
Westphalian
This breed has come a long way. Initially, its representatives were used for heavy agricultural work, but today they have become high-quality riding animals. The characteristics of these animals made it possible to actively use them in various competitions.
On average, the height of a stallion of this breed reaches 1.65-1.7 meters. The most common colors are bay, gray, black and red. Animals are characterized by excellent parameters of dedication 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 traveling over rough terrain. Animals are also used for dressage and show jumping. Representatives of this breed reach 1.63-1.73 meters in height.
Content Features
To maintain normal health and physical parameters of sports horses, it is recommended to combine the features of a hygienic regime with feeding and rational training. Animals require stables with stalls measuring at least 12 square meters. It is recommended to keep the premises clean and dry.They need to be thoroughly cleaned every day. The premises should be disinfected and ventilated periodically.
To improve the performance of animals, it is worth carrying out important hygiene procedures. Proper skin and limb care is of no small importance. Horses should be bathed periodically.
The diet of animals is selected individually. It is worth using high-quality products for feeding. It is recommended to give them to animals at the same time in small portions.
Training should be selected depending on the breed. The ratio of work and rest of the animal is of no small importance. It is imperative to ensure the recovery of animals after competitions. 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 systematicity. Long breaks in classes provoke a deterioration in conditioned reflex connections and a decrease in performance. This negatively affects the animal’s performance and worsens its results in competitions.
Sporting horse breeds have different personalities, behavior and temperaments. Therefore, each of them needs an individual approach. In any case, animals require gentle treatment. Otherwise, they develop aggression and distrust.
