PROMOTING IRISH HORSE - Defence Forces

SOurCING Of hOrSES
The mission of The Army Equitation School is to advertise the Irish Sport Horse through
participation in international competition at the highest level. The demands of the modern
sport of Showjumping and Three Day Eventing require the Irish Sport Horse to possess
certain qualities. The type of horse sought by The Army Equitation School will possess the
following qualities;
General Qualities
• A desire and ability to jump fences CAREFULLY.
• Confirmation that will allow the horse to maximise its’ competition life. The horse should
be in proportion with a sloping shoulder, good length of neck that is NOT inverted, normal
to short back and strong hindquarters. It is of course true that if a horse cannot jump, these
qualities are wasted. Nevertheless, care needs to be taken when breeding to ensure the
breeding stock chosen are not pre-ordained to pass on serious confirmation deficiencies.
• The horse must be sound and is subject to a veterinary examination.
• In most cases a horse with size, at least 16.1 hh is desirable.
• Length of stride is important but equally as important is the horses ability to shorten when
required (this is directly related to age, experience and stage of horses training).
• A good temperament and amenable to training and control.
• A good jumping TECHNIQUE. The horse should be able to fold its’ knees, bascule over
the fence and bend its’ hocks.
• A horse with SCOPE is a very important asset to a jumper.
• Three good PACES are important for the Eventing horse and an ability to lengthen and
shorten within all three paces.
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