HORSE BREED: IRISH SPORT HORSE

The intelligent and versatile Irish Sport Horse

From an amiable general riding companion to international show jumping and eventing star, it turns out that the multi-talented Irish Sport Horse can do it all, writes AMANDA MAC.

The Irish Sport Horse – sometimes known as the Irish Hunter due to its early popularity as a fox hunting horse – is one of the finest sport horses in the world. It’s not unusual to find them topping world class championships in dressage, as well as in show jumping and eventing.

Standing on average between 15 and 17hh, this breed is renowned for its strong, athletic build and surprising agility. Coupled with a gentle disposition and an even, kind temperament, the Irish Sport Horse is as well-suited to an amateur rider as they are to the international show ring, where they do very well indeed.

A composite breed

The Irish Sport Horse is traditionally a mix of Irish Draught and Thoroughbred bloodlines – and in order to better understand its unique characteristics, it’s not a bad idea to take a closer look at its forebears. Used in both battle and on the land, the profile of the Irish Draught Horse (already possessed of a sturdy confirmation with energy to burn) first underwent a change in the 12th century when its blood lines were mixed with the mighty war horses brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Then in the 16th century, several Spanish breeds were added to the mix during a period of trade between southern Ireland and Spain.

Times were changing

However, changes in agriculture in Ireland meant that there was less need for the sheer strength of the heavy draught horse, and greater demand for a horse that yes, would work the land, but could also pull a dog cart, as well as take the farmer fox hunting, successfully jumping any obstacle along the way. No pressure! So the Irish Draught was next bred with a focus on developing an ability to effortlessly gallop and jump crosscountry, and to have the stamina to keep on the move all day if required.

The result was an extremely hardy horse, valued for its jumping ability, soundness and versatility. They also had the endurance to easily handle a tough day over rugged terrain, and yet were gentle and calm enough for a child to ride.

But it wasn’t until the early 1920s that it occurred to someone that introducing Thoroughbred into the Irish Draught equation might prove interesting. As it turned out, the idea was much more than that. When the characteristics of the Thoroughbred, known for its speed, endurance, athleticism and heart, were combined with the strength and jumping prowess of the Irish Draught Horse, the end product was nothing short of spectacular.

Half and half

As a general rule, horses that are half Irish Draught and half Thoroughbred tend to be quiet all-rounders suitable for amateur riders and for low-level eventing, while those that are closer to or greater than three quarters Thoroughbred are sought-after by top class riders from around the world as eventers and show jumpers. In addition to their exceptional jumping ability, these horses have beautiful, elevated movement, which

Main image: An Irish Sport Horse showing style in the show jumping arena.

Right: A high-level eventer (Photo © Peter Nixon).

Below: Irish Sport Horse mare and foal.

goes a long way to explaining their success in the dressage arena.

In recent times there has been an infusion of European warmbloods into the breeding program, apparently with the idea of producing more internationally competitive showjumpers that reach maturity at a younger age. However, given the breed’s already renowned ability in the show jumping arena, the wisdom of this is questionable – and more than one expert has expressed grave concerns that with fewer true Irish Sport Horses being bred, the bloodline is in real danger of being lost completely.

International reputation

With a strong head and well-conformed legs, the breed is characterised by its sculpted, well-muscled structure. Sure footed and well-balanced with an even, comfortable gait, the Irish Sport Horse is a late bloomer and doesn’t reach maturity until around five years of age.

Considered a top class all-round competitor, these horses have certainly made their mark and are held in very high regard amongst elite equestrians. Show jumping success stories include outstanding results at the Olympic Games, Show Jumping World Championships, European Show Jumping Championships, the Show Jumping World Cup and the Pan-American Games.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples is the Irish Sport Horse stallion Cruising. Standing at 16.2hh, Cruising partnered Ireland’s Trevor Coyle to notch up wins, placings, and appearances in numerous nation cup teams, competing at some of the most prestigious Grand Prix events in the world, including Aachen, Dortmund, Lucerne, San Marino and Wolfsburg.

Sadly, Cruising passed away in 2014 at the age of 29. But while the stallion achieved many successes in the arena, his contribution to both show jumping and eventing didn’t end there. His legacy continues with progeny that have gone on to great victories in their own right, firmly establishing the reputation of the Irish Sport Horse as a competitor to be reckoned with.

Top left: Top dressage horse Peninsula Top Man and Canada’s David Ziegler (Image by Terri Miller Photography). Bottom left: Chippison, a beautiful example of the breed. Main image: Irish Sport Horse stallion Brandenburg’s Windstar.

Giving the best care

Irish Sport Horses are generally robust, healthy and hardy. Usually easy to feed, their Thoroughbred metabolism may require a more concentrated food source to meet their energy needs if they are involved in training and competing. As with any horse, high-quality hay should form the basis of the feeding program, while concentrates and nutritional supplements can be added as needed to match each individual’s requirements.

Because the Irish Sport Horse is athletic by nature – and let’s not forget that famous abundance of energy – they require plenty of regular exercise, either through access to outdoor areas, or by being ridden. In fact, the need for these horses to release their energy is so great that it’s essential to their overall health and wellbeing.

They also enjoy spending time with people, so make sure you dedicate sufficient time to grooming and riding your Irish Sport Horse to strengthen your bond with this truly exceptional equine companion.