Irish Sport Horse

The Irish Sport Horse is a versatile competition breed combining strength, jumping ability, endurance, a stable mind and high trainability.

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Breed information

Country: Ireland
Height: 160–170 cm
Weight: 500–650 kg
Coat: smooth coat; bay, chestnut and grey are common
Suitable for: show jumping, eventing, dressage, field hunting, sport and leisure riding

Tags

horse riding sport horse jumper Ireland

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 9/10

Trainability 9/10

Good with children 8/10

Shedding 4/10

Guarding 3/10

Care 7/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Irish Sport Horse is a strong, well-balanced sport type with a powerful chest, durable limbs and good coordination. Petsi lists a height of 160–170 cm and a weight of 500–650 kg.

History

The modern type developed in Ireland in the second half of the twentieth century, combining Irish working and hunter horses with Thoroughbred blood to bring together strength, steadiness, speed and refinement.

Use

The breed is widely used in show jumping, eventing and dressage and remains connected with field hunting and leisure riding.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Irish Sport Horses are generally steady, good-natured and cooperative. High trainability and courage are particularly valuable over complex courses.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

With athletic work, muscle recovery, joints, tendons and hooves should be monitored closely. Good forage and water form the dietary base, with energy and minerals adjusted to training demands.