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What is a Sport Horse?
A sport horse is term used to describe a "type of horse" not a particular breed. A Sport Horse is used for the English-styled equestrian disciplines. These disciplines include Dressage, Eventing, Hunter competitions (as in Fox hunting or Point to Point), Endurance , Show Jumping, Combined Driving, etc .
Of the eight FEI disciplines (which are Endurance Riding, Show Jumping, Eventing, Combined Driving, Vaulting, Para Equestrian and Reining) some would say that Vaulting and especially Reining are not "Sport Horse" disciplines. The American Saddlebred is an appropriate mount for all sport horse disciplines, but especially Dressage, Jumping, and Combined Driving.
Sport Horses are bred for specific qualities in their Conformation, Movement, and Temperament.
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Conformation: most sport horses have similarities in their conformation. These include a sloping shoulder, and uphill build. Conformation has direct effects on the animal's movement and jumping ability.
- Movement: although movement may vary between disciplines, most sport horses are bred for a long, athletic stride and movement that uses the whole body. The gaits should have good suspension and reach, and whose hind legs can stride under the body. This movement makes it easier for the rider to teach the horse to engage, collect, and extend his stride, which are necessary qualities in all sport horse disciplines.
- Temperament: because of the great deal of training needed to produce a successful sport horse, they are generally bred for trainability and willingness to work.
A Saddlebred with the physical attributes mentioned above, with the tractable and affectionate personality they posess, and the athleticism they are bred for, makes them a perfect candidate for use as a Sport Horse.
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