The best breeds of sport horses for show jumping and maintenance features
Many breeds of sports horses are known today. Each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages. To choose the best option, you should take into account the exterior and physical characteristics of the horse. His temperament and ability to work with a person are of no small importance. In order to keep the animal in optimal shape, it is recommended to provide it with quality nutrition and proper care.
What is show jumping?
Show jumping is a common area of equestrian sports. In this case, a horse with a rider goes through a route with different obstacles. The judges give marks for the speed of covering the distance. They also evaluate the technique of jumping, the style of movement of the animal, the ability of the rider to cooperate with the horse. Jumping competitions originally appeared in the middle of the nineteenth century in France. In 1900, they were included in the program of the Olympic Games.
Criteria for the selection of horses for show jumping
To be successful in competition, you should be careful with your horse selection. 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 parameter is 3-3.7.
When choosing a horse, you should give preference to animals with a slight saber leg, which are distinguished by a more powerful push during the jump.
Temperament
Experienced athletes say 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 small physical disadvantages, but an agreeable character, rather than the other way around.
Interaction between rider and horse
When choosing a horse for a 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
There are many varieties of sport horses known today. The best of them can consistently win competitions.
Trakehner
It is an old breed that dates back to the thirteenth century. It was originally a carriage horse.However, the breed was subsequently improved with the help of Arab and thoroughbred riding horses. Today Trakehner horses are perfect for show jumping, dressage, triathlon.
Belgian warm-blooded
This breed is considered to be a cross between Helderlander and Belgian horses. At first, it was actively used in agriculture. However, the animals were subsequently improved and used in equestrian sports. The horses are great for dressage and show jumping.
Budennovskaya
This breed was obtained in the thirties of the last century. Its representatives are distinguished by their strength and endurance. The animals have a wonderful appearance and look very graceful. They are distinguished by a red color and reach 1.65 meters in height.
Irish warm blooded
This horse breed is distinguished by light bones and developed muscles. Its representatives jump well and are characterized by excellent maneuverability. Thanks to this, they managed to win many awards in show jumping competitions.
Dutch warm-blooded
This breed was obtained in the twentieth century from the Gelderland, Groningen and thoroughbred horses. Today she is the most successful sporting breed. Its representatives are considered to be strong and energetic. Moreover, they have an obedient disposition and reach a height of 1.6-1.7 meters.
French sel
This breed was obtained in the nineteenth century in Normandy. Currently, French mudflows are considered one of the best representatives of jumping breeds. They are considered to be fast, tough and agile. A powerful jump is characteristic of these animals.
Oldenburgskaya
This show jumping breed was bred in the seventeenth century in the province of Oldenburg. Gradually, it improved, which endowed the animals with many advantages. They are characterized by a massive elongated body. Moreover, 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 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 are bay, gray, black and red suits. Animals are characterized by excellent parameters of dedication in training and competition. They are characterized by endurance and tenacity.
Hanover
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 1.63-1.73 meters in height.
Holstein
In the 17th and 19th centuries, these animals were used to transport carriages. However, gradually the breed became a horse. It is suitable for traveling over rough terrain. Also, animals are used for dressage and show jumping. In height, representatives of this breed reach 1.63-1.73 meters.
Features of the content
In order to maintain the health and physical parameters of sport horses, it is recommended to combine hygiene considerations 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. The premises should be disinfected and ventilated periodically.
To improve the performance of animals, it is worth carrying out important hygiene procedures. Complete skin and limb care is also important. Horses should be bathed periodically.
The diet of animals is selected on an individual basis. Use high quality food 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. 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 sport horses with a focus on purposefulness and consistency. 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.
Sports horse breeds have different character, behavior and temperament. Therefore, each of them needs an individual approach. In any case, the animals require gentle treatment. Otherwise, they develop aggression and distrust.
