Romanian Sporthorse

The Romanian Sporthorse is a breed of horse that is known for its athleticism, versatility, and good temperament.

This versatile breed can be used for many disciplines, including show jumping, eventing, and dressage.

So if you’re ready to saddle up and explore this wonderful breed, keep reading!

Romanian Sporthorse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Romanian Sporthorse:

Height (size) 15.2 – 16.0 hands high
Colors Chestnut, gray, bay, black; white markings on the head and legs are common
Country of Origin Romania
Common Uses General riding, equestrian sports

Romanian Sporthorse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The development of the Romanian Sporthorse began in 1962 at the Sâmbăta de Jos stud, and it was mostly developed for sport. 

Because the success of the breed was considered to be a matter of national pride, the Ministry of Agriculture was responsible for the initial coordination of the whole project.

Both Dr. Teodor Suciu and Dr. Ion Apahidean, who were already well-known names in the field of Romanian zootechny at the time, were crucial in launching the project.

In order to develop the Romanian Sporthorse, researchers evaluated and crossed numerous breeds, including the Arabian, English Thoroughbred, Furioso North-Star, Nonius, Standardbred, Shagya Arabian, and the Orlov Trotter.

In the beginning, they employed 37 mares that had been handpicked, and over the course of the subsequent years, they worked to progressively improve the breed in an effort to bring out some of its most athletic characteristics.

In 1969 all operations at Sâmbăta de Jos were transferred over to Jegalia Stud, and thus Jegalia became an official specialized center for this breed. 

Ilie Georgescu was the person in charge of the project from 1969 to 1982. 

The horses were bred in an entirely natural manner, and the selection process for them was very rigorous.

At home, the Romanian Warmblood enjoyed enormous levels of popularity. 

From 1974 through 1977, it was in high demand by state agencies such as the police. 

However, other nations like Germany, France, England, and Italy, also showed interest in the breed.

Every year at the Jegălia stud, local government officials in Romania hold a national competition for the Romanian Sporthorse. 

This reinforces the development of the breed and sustains a lively interest in this gorgeous, strong, and unique horse breed.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Romanian Warmblood”, “Romanian Saddle Horse”

Temperament/Personality

Mild temperament

Physical Characteristics

The head is small and refined, and the neck is short.

The chest is wide, and the body is short and muscular.

Legs are long and slender with strong strong tendons, and powerful joints allowing the horses to compete at the highest levels.

Colors

Chestnut, gray, bay, black; white markings on the head and legs are common

Height (size)

15.2 – 16.0 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

1,100 lbs (500 kg)

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

General riding, show-jumping

Health

n/a

Popular Traits

n/a

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Romania

Ancestors

Local mares, Arabian, Furioso-North Star, Gidran, Romanian Trotter, Thoroughbred, later: Selle Français