Comments for Horse Facts Guide

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by aaron

aaron — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:40:59 +0000

I like percheronXs best myself. But Warmbloods are the hands down favorite. Irish sport horses are very nice. Then there are some you wouldn’t expect that I’ve seen do great! Arabians , TWH and I even Have a Missouri Fox Trotter who is a Killer jumper.

For you as a new jumper I’d worry more about a safe , experienced , Honest horse who’s a good match for you then the breed.
References :

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by hjholsd

hjholsd — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:17:59 +0000

When I was a kid, Thoroughbreds were the most popular jumping breed. They remain a good show jumping choice, but many athletes and breeders are trying to improve the show jumping stock. In about the mid 1980’s, as I recall, more and more Warmblood breeds were entering the US show circuit. Warmbloods were originally cross breed horses between heavy and strong draft horses, and lighter and more athletic hot breed horses such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians. Current breeding efforts have created several warmblood registries in Europe and the US, with the breeding goal generally being sport horses.

Warmbloods tend to be less fragile emotionally and physically than their hot blooded counterparts. They are stronger and hold up better in general, while being less spooky and flighty. They mature more slowly, but may have a longer show life than hot blooded horses. Most top show jumpers are warmbloods these days.

Remember, however, that at their core these warmblood horses are cross bred. Even now, purebred horses from other breeds, such as Arabian or Thoroughbred horses, are bred into warmblood lines to improve them. And horses sold as warmblood in the US may have very little true registered warmblood lineage!

Different breeders have different goals. For a beginner, you will want to find a horse not bred specifically for pure jumping ability, but rather an honest horse with a good mind and a good heart. This horse will be able to carry you for years as you progress through crossrail hunters and perhaps up to the 3′ level. At this later date, you may want to consider purchasing a sport horse breed for the 3′6" level and beyond. Most horses (not all) who are able to jump these big fences are a bit spunky for the beginner.

So, my advice is to worry less about breeding and more about the mind and experience of the horse you are looking to buy. Check its show record on horseshowtime.com (or your local equivalent) if possible. Find a horse that can teach you–not a baby or "green" horse for starting out, even though they are less expensive. Quarter horses can be good athletes and are generally prized for their quiet and forgiving temperaments–a great quality to show you the ropes. However, a horse with years of successful show experience at the beginner rider levels–regardless of breed–may show the aptitude to be your initial guide. Try to find a horse who "fits" you in personality and size, as well.

There are some great web sites for photos, videos and research on horses for sale. Try dreamhorse.com to look at sale horses.

The best hunter I’ve seen in recent years is Rumba. He won the 2009 $100,000 International Hunter Derby Finals with rider John French. I’ve put a link below to a youtube video of his ride. He’s smooth, athletic, elegant and has perfect form over the jumps, with a beautiful bascule and tight, even limbs. You can’t do much better than that.

Good luck in your search. I have found riding and jumping to be an incredible, fulfilling, and challenging experience which provides a lifetime of learning.
References :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKaLwvIOCg

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by Showw Jumperr.

Showw Jumperr. — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:30:59 +0000

Any horse has the potential to be fantastic jumpers, it dosn’t depend on the breeding.
Just on the horses spirit and willingness,
I mean take my mare for an example, she was abandoned and beaten, nobody wanted her. Till i rescued her and now iam competeing all over my country and could make it into the Dublin horse show(the oldest show jumping show in the world).
She actually jumps higher than her height. And shes not a pure bred, shes a welsh cross.
Another good example was a horse called poppy, a skebald my friend got for nothing, she jumps amazing heighst and has been know on the yard to have lept the yard fence and field gates on a couple of occasions! In fact she jumps so well, when my friend goes to jumping events, top breeders see the horse and actually try to buy her! They also ask where they got,she got her from a travller!
All the horses featured above are PONYS jumping higher than horses and are not even purebreeds!
References :

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by Jorjor

Jorjor — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:01:59 +0000

Warmbloods(hanovarians,dutch warmbloods, trakheners, oldenburgs, etc), and thoroughbreds are pretty much the top jumper choices. There are also draft/TB crosses that kind of mimic the warmblood stature that are used. And quarter horses are suitable for lower level jumping.
References :

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by Caroline

Caroline — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:29:59 +0000

I love Hanoverians, and Quarter Horses. Most Warmblood breeds.
References :

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by Jennifer O

Jennifer O — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:22:59 +0000

There are individuals in most breeds that are excellent jumpers. Many mixed breed horses are great jumpers too. In general any of the warm-blood breeds and crosses, thoroughbreds and thoroughbred crosses, arabians and arabian crosses. Some of the more thoroughbred looking quarter horses, paints, and appy horses can do well also. No matter what the breed try to find a horse with good bone, not overly heavy and definitely not toothpick legs either. Also make sure the overall conformation is good. I recommend taking riding lessons in a barn that specializes in jumpers for a minimum of 6 months and then having them help you to choose a horse based on your needs, price range, and what is available. P.S. If a horse has a great attitude and loves to be ridden and go over jumps it can be a great horse for you no matter what it looks like. Still be aware or potential soundness problems that are common with certain conformation faults though.
References :

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by Marianne

Marianne — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:56:59 +0000

Although the Warmbloods (REAL Warmbloods, not some backyard TB-Draft) and TBs dominate at Jumping, no one breed is "perfect". Rule #1 of horse shopping is that you have to take it horse by horse- Search for what the individual is, not by what his breed is. Search for those with a competition history, not just a pedigree. Past that- Decide on a price range, and look for something with good, sound conformation, especially in the legs. Poor legs in a jumper are death- They'll be lame in five seconds flat. They should have good movement with lots of suspension, and should be tidy jumpers with a nice bascule. Make sure that, when you do choose one, you do a couple test-rides and get a FULL pre-purchase exams done before you seal the deal.
References :

Comment on What level of riding/horsemanship am I (pics and videos of me riding)? by Jade

Jade — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:48:59 +0000

Well i would say your intermediate but you should be proud of what you have achieved. An its good to know people are still willing to learn more a bit like myself. With the riding videos your very good altho i think if you worked on a few things it would be a BIG improvement to how you ride like loosening up a bit more in your upper body as you were very stiff , bending your elbows more , sitting back and deeper in your seat which no stirrups is a very good way to help balance but also your seat and core stability. And i agree with a few people who have said you should put your stirrups up a bit more for jumping and maybe if it was just me that if that is the length you ride on the flat or if there longer you will bbenefitby popping them up a few more holes. An you deffoo know a horses stride , and strengthening your legs will also help you be more secure in your jump ppositionand your leg wont go so far back. But other that that your really good , i always enjoy teaching people who are willing to learn more and like you said you like to give advise on riding , well why not get some experience and have a go at teaching , its would be something new for you to try and i think you would love it. Ohh and your horse is beautiful
References :
Riding instructor , over 11yrs experience working with horses

Comment on what horse breeds are excellent jumpers? by tvtjumper

tvtjumper — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:16:59 +0000

most any breed, although I wouldn’t recomend a TB if you are just starting, nor an arab. they are sweet horses but their nature is to run and their bodies aren’t built to jump very gracefully…
References :

Comment on What level of riding/horsemanship am I (pics and videos of me riding)? by gallianomom2001

gallianomom2001 — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:15:59 +0000

I would consider you an intermediate rider. You appear comfortable at all gaits on your horse (who is a nice, steady gem by the way). I think some of your heel problems would be solved if you shortened your stirrups a bit. They are very long, especially for jumping. The length causes you to try to stand up on your toes to clear your horse’s back and as a result, you end up ahead of your horse. You also might try jumping while holding your arms out to the side straight out at shoulder level. This forces your shoulder’s back and allow your back to arch a little more so you don’t roach it so much. Your horse is steady enough over fences that you could easily do this without a problem. Sounds like you have a lot of skills though and you are aware of what you need to work on.
References :
Owner/trainer/riding instructor for 30 years