Popular Olympic Jumper Horse Breeds
Some breeds are better suited to jumping competition than others, here I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular breeds used in olympics equestrian jumping this year.
For more information about the equestrian games in Hong Kong see the 2008 cheatsheet.
The Belgians have long been known for their draft horses, however the Belgian Warmblood sport horse has become increasingly popular due to their affinity for big fences and charming personality.
The Dutch Warmblood was bred specifically for looks and action in competition. This is done through a rigorous selection process using science and technology alongside traditional breeding practices to create a superior animal.
300 years of organized breeding has created an bloodline that not only excels in equestrian sports but has influenced many of the other breeds used in sport competitions today. The World Breed Federation for Sport Horses has named the Hanoverian the “Best of All” award every year since they opened their doors.
Their rangy frame and a sensible intellect is not an accident, the Holsteiner horse has been moulded by centuries of breeding. The result is an animal notable for their bright, elastic movement; lean, athletic build; and intelligent, bold personality.
The Oldenburg horse holds one of the largest studbooks in Germany, a country known for their their eventing horses. Each autumn in Vechta, Oldenberg “Stallion Days” licensing evaluation is held which includes an auction and parades.
Also called the French Saddle Horse, this is a modern warmblood and a proven sport horse. There were more Selle Français horses competiting in the 2002 olympics than any other breed and they helped to win 5 of the 7 medals won by the French equestrians that year.
Traces of domesticated horse ancestry in Sweden dates back as far as 4,000 BC, and since then the development of the Swedish Warmblood has been shaped by difficult conditions and the conflicts of war into a strong and reliable animal with a ground-eating gait.
Originally bred as working and farm animals, the Westphalian horse was created to improve German horse stocks in the 18th century. Many records of the bloodlines were destroyed throughout the turmoil in Germany during the early 20th century, however the breed persisted as a popular sporting horse anyway.
Note the similarities in their confirmation and which breeds are versatile enough to cross competition lines and work well in eventing and dressage too.
Take a moment to meet the horses of the US olympic teams, jumpers, eventing, and dressage.
Interested in learning about more equine breeds? Be sure to checkout our horse breeds section.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:37 am
What about the Swiss warm bloods arent they good jumpers!!!! I have one myself and came first place last year in a dutch organised jumping show!!
October 14th, 2008 at 5:40 am
I love jumping this year im going to italy to compete with some of the best jumpers wel i hope evryone wishes me luck lol
October 14th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Swiss warmbloods seem to be more popular at the olympics as eventing horses.
Good luck in Italy!