Equestrian jumping is an exciting competitive sport that requires talent, athleticism and seamless coordination between horse and rider. While all horses can perform this skillful discipline, certain breeds have been specifically developed for it.
These horses are well-mannered and easy to train. Perfect for novice riders, these horses do not spook easily and remain calm natured.
1. Thoroughbred
Finding the ideal horse breed to jump is essential if one hopes to compete in competitive equestrian events. Jumping is a difficult skill that requires both horse and rider working together towards clearing multiple obstacles quickly.
Even the finest jumping horses face new challenges when entering a competitive arena. Their agility and quickness must remain unchanged amidst an unfamiliar setting that presents new sights, sounds, and distractions that can cause stress or fear in them.
The Akhal-Teke is one of the fastest horse breeds worldwide, but is considered unsuitable for novice equestrians due to its fiery temperament and high energy levels. Furthermore, when feeling angry or upset it often turns violent and becomes viscous – biting or kicking humans who come too close.
2. Arabian
Jumping is a challenging sport that tests both horse and rider for athleticism and agility. While all horses may possess potential as jumpers, certain breeds are specifically developed for this discipline.
One such breed is the Arabian. An Arabian is known to be a hardworking, intelligent horse who’s quick to learn new tricks and enjoy competing. They’re stable with calm temperaments – making them perfect for novice riders – while some Arabians may be stubborn or hot-tempered, proving difficult to train. Still, this is an excellent breed choice if anyone looking to compete in jumping events.
3. Friesian
Friesians are highly intelligent, obedient horses that learn quickly – which makes them ideal candidates for hunter-jumper training. Additionally, these horses tend to be calm and friendly toward humans which helps build strong bonds between horse and owner (2).
Friesians may not possess the lightweight warmblood build that typically dominates hunter-jumper shows, but they can still compete when trained and ridden appropriately. Friesians possess all of the physical capabilities necessary for this sport but require someone with patience who will guide their movements and hold steady hands to succeed at it.
Friesians can be identified by their heavy manes and tails, thick feathering around their feet and large heads. Bred for various uses ranging from pulling carts to farm work, recently their use has decreased due to crossbreeding but many purebred Friesians have been saved thanks to Het Friesch Paard (The Purebred Friesian Society). Their distinct looks make them popular movie and television stars alike.
4. Morgan
Morgan horses are known for their agility, strength and versatility – qualities which make them perfect for all kinds of equestrian events. Easy to train and often great with children as well, Morgans form deep bonds with humans while remaining gentle creatures. Morgan horses compete successfully in show jumping competitions as well as hunter/cross country events and three day eventing events.
The ideal Morgan horse will possess a calm demeanor and be eager to please its rider. These horses typically live longer than most equine breeds and experience few health issues; making them suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders alike. Furthermore, Morgans require less upkeep and care than many other breeds which makes them cost-effective options for those with limited financial resources. Morgans usually stand between 14.1 to 15.2 hands tall and come in colors such as bay, black, chestnut, dun, palomino or buckskin depending on colour preference.
5. Quarter Horse
Quarter Horses are fast, agile breeds with plenty of strength – characteristics which make them suitable for lower level cross country jumping competitions as well as novice equestrians looking to gain experience. Their speed, agility, and strength makes them suitable companions in this way – ideal for novice riders just starting out!
Jumping is a difficult sport that demands agility, strength, and an unruffled temperament from its participants. Not all horse breeds make great jumping horses so it is crucial that you find one suitable to meet your specific requirements.
The best jumping horses are purpose-bred for this activity, possessing the ideal build, agility, temperament and power needed to excel at the highest levels of competition. Irish Sport Horse, Westphalian Warmblood and Trakehner horses excel at both show jumping and hunter jumping; coldblooded Thoroughbreds may also make excellent jumping horses.
6. Irish Sport Horse
Irish Sport Horses are an increasingly rare breed used for jumping events. Due to their natural athleticism and obedience, training them is relatively straightforward. Their natural stamina means they make excellent natural jumpers but still need extensive training. Irish Sport Horses require high quality diets of grass with occasional grains for proper nourishment.
These horses have long necks that lead to broad shoulders with well-defined muscles and short ears, and come in all colors including black, white, gray, champagne palomino cremello dun and chestnut. Some have gone on to compete at the FEI level; Flexible won the 2012 SmartPak Grand Prix as an example. Nonetheless, beginners can ride them as these horses are brave, steadfast learners.
7. Trakehner
The Trakehner is a German breed commonly used in dressage, show jumping and eventing. Established by King Frederick Wilhelm I in 1732 at Trakehnen Stud in East Prussia using local mares crossed with imported English Thoroughbred and Arabian stallions, this historic warmblood breed remains one of the oldest warmblood breeds today.
Trakehner horses were developed from stocky but refined horses with enough endurance for both wartime mounts and farm duties during peacetime. While their numbers nearly vanished during World War II, their numbers have since recovered. Today, Trakehners can be found in bay, gray or chestnut hues with pinto pins; their typical height stands 16.2 hands. These horses typically exhibit calm temperaments without behavioral problems but may suffer from various health issues including Cerebellar Abiotrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency.
8. Hanoverian
Hanoverians are well-known warmblood horses known for their beauty, athleticism and temperament. These horses often compete in equestrian competitions where they serve both show jumping and dressage disciplines; their ease of training makes them successful participants at both events.
Hanoverians make ideal beginners horses because they are calm and eager to learn, as well as courageous enough for any sport they participate in – winning Olympic medals over time as a testament to this fact! These horses remain some of the most beloved sports horses worldwide.
Hanoverians are a German breed developed nearly 300 years ago to serve as coach and cavalry horses. Created at Celle State Stud and refined over time using Trakehner, Arabian, and Thoroughbred bloodlines in order to increase athleticism, Hanoverians remain popular today as coach and cavalry mounts.
9. Connemara
Connemara Ponies are known for their gentle nature and responsiveness, making them excellent riding partners for beginners. Rarely spook, Connemara Ponies reach full maturity at around five years of age and may live into their 30s!
Connemara Ponies are Ireland’s only native breed and hail from Connemara in western Ireland – an area famous for its rugged terrain of peat bogs and moors. Bred as working horses to pull plows and haul heavy loads over rough roads or through boggy terrain; families would ride these ponies to church on Sunday morning.
Crossbreeding was introduced into Connemara Pony breeding during the 1800s, compromising their hardiness and vitality. To remedy this situation, enthusiasts established the Connemara Pony Breeders Society in 1923 and created a Studbook for this breed; today they can be found across Ireland as well as worldwide.
10. Mule
The mule is a cross between male donkey and female horse breeds, often used for jumping competitions due to its strength and agility. Learning quickly while remaining calm under pressure.
A mule’s body resembles that of a horse, with smoother muscles. He or she gets their athleticism and intelligence from both parents; though occasionally stubborn or disobedient, most mules tend to be eager and willing to please their owners.
The Hanoverian has established itself as one of the premier jumping breeds and made waves at Olympic competition. It boasts power, grace, and jumps of all sizes effortlessly; plus training them is easy for riders of any experience level – with potential growth reaching 16-17 hands tall as an innate jumper!