Regarded as one of the best all-rounders available, these horses are bred for speed, athleticism and temperament, and are used in a variety of sports disciplines.
If you’re thinking about buying an Irish Sport Horse, or just want to learn more about them, read on!
Irish Sport Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Irish Sport horse:
| Height (size) | 15.3 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Black, gray, chestnut, brown, and roan, but cremello and perlino coats are also seen |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Common Uses | Showjumping, eventing, dressage, general riding, hunting |
Irish Sport Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
A fairly new breed, the Irish Sport Horse is also known as the Irish Hunter.
After years of crossbreeding the Thoroughbred with the Irish Draft Horse, the breed was formally established in the 1920s.
At the top levels of competition, horses with around three-quarters of Thoroughbred blood are the most sought-after.
Even though the Irish Draft Horse and the Thoroughbred are the primary composite breeds used in the development of the Irish Sport Horse, continental warmblood (WB) breeds have been introduced in recent generations.
However, classic Irish Sport Horses are still being bred today.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Irish Hunter”
Temperament/Personality
Easy to work with, brave, quick learner
Physical Characteristics
The profile is slightly convex, and the ears are large.
The neck is somewhat arched and long. The chest is deep, the shoulders are sloped, and the back is strong.
Their robust croup and powerful hindquarters, which are inherited from the Irish Draft, are considered the contributing factor to their jumping abilities.
Their excellent jumping skill and natural athleticism make them a top performer in the show jumping arena and at the highest levels of eventing.
Irish Sport Horses are consistently among the top choices for Olympic and FEI eventing teams.
Colors
Black, gray, chestnut, brown, and roan, but cremello and perlino coats are also seen
Height (size)
15.3 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
Around 1,300 lbs (600 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Showjumping, eventing, dressage, general riding, hunting
Health
No known health issues
Popular Traits
Great jumping ability
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Ireland
Ancestors
Irish Draft Horse, Thoroughbred