The 11 Best Jumping Horse Breeds
The Top 11 Horse Breeds Ranked For Jumping
Most horses can jump naturally, but only specific horses are specifically bred for their jumping abilities!
Read on to find out about the top 11 best jumping horse breeds - including Oldenburg, Thoroughbred, Selle Francais and more.
An Arabian horse showjumping
Equestrian jumping disciplines are an exciting and competitive form of sport that demands talent, athleticism, agility and excellent coordination between horse and rider - and some of the greatest equestrians are showjumping athletes.
Although all horses are prone to jumping, not all have the highly skilled requirements necessary to be used for sporting success. Therefore, only the best are specifically bred and trained for their jumping abilities.
Horse jumping can be categorised into three types:
Stadium or Show Jumping
In showjumping, horses have to cross obstacles in record time with minimal errors.
Cross-Country Jumping
In cross-country jumping, horses are led to forests to navigate natural obstacles.
Hunter Jumping
In hunter jumping, horses are judged on the perfection of their jump over obstacles.
Each event is unique and requires a different set of skills to master.
Regardless of the type, these 11 horse breeds are the best for jumping events due to their distinct characteristics and skill.
Horse Racing
Steeplechase, Hurdles and other types of jump races. In the UK these races are known as ‘National Hunt’ races.
Then there is the jumps style races in Thoroughbred Horse racing, famous races such as The Grand National, The Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Irish Grand National
The 11 Best Jumping Horse Breeds
Dutch Warmblood
Key Facts
A popular and easy-to-handle breed
These horses are often seen at Olympic competitions, dressage and show jumping events
Muscular horses with long necks and large chests
Dutch Warmbloods are one of the most popular breeds for jumping.
They are a common occurrence at Olympic competitions and high-level shows like dressage and show jumping.
Dutch Warmbloods are well-mannered, easy-to-handle horses.
Apart from their obedience and athleticism, they are also muscular, with long necks and large chests, giving them an elegant appearance.
While this breed is ranked first position in show jumping, they are incredibly expensive to own.
Hanoverian
Key Facts
These horses are often seen in Olympic jumping contests
Secured many Olympic gold medals in the past
These horses are a more expensive choice
Hanoverians are warm-blooded brave jumpers used in Olympic jumping contests.
They are heavily muscular, good learners and athletic horses, known for their competitive yet calm nature.
According to the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses, they are the top breed for eventing and have secured many gold medals in past Olympic Games.
Unfortunately, a well-trained Hanoverian is often too expensive for many riders and horse enthusiasts.
Oldenburg
Key Facts
A cross of different breeds
Calm and obedient in nature
Strong and muscular with powerful legs
Many good jumpers, racers and other worthier breeds were crossed to develop Oldenburg Warmbloods.
The quality of the horse matters the most with this breed, and Oldenburgs have strong muscular bodies and powerful legs.
These horses are usually calm in nature and obedient. An Oldenburg with a Thoroughbred bloodline is suitable for jumping, and it is nearly perfect for the long jump.
The jump of an Oldenburg is not something you want to miss!
Trakehner
Key Facts
Cross of Thoroughbred and American bloodlines
Athletic build with a midsize neck
A beautiful breed of horse
These horses are a cross of Thoroughbred and American bloodlines. Trakehner's stamina, athleticism and physical features are incomparable.
They are not aggressive, they pick things up quickly and they are well-disciplined.
Being a cross of Thoroughbreds, these horses are not too muscular and they possess a lean, bony physique. They have an athletic build with a midsize neck.
Trakehner's eyes can capture your attention, as they are very expressive. This intensifies their beauty.
Holsteiner
Key Facts
Holsteiner horses are perfect for hunter-ring and long jumping
Sporty build with a high stamina
These horses are calm with accurate balance
Holsteiner is purposely bred for jumping, making it a perfect fit for hunter-ring and long jumping. They are strong, athletic, elegant and brave.
Their number proves their incredible jumping ability, and they have often won competitions for their owners.
Holsteiner has an excellent sporty build with high stamina. Their large neck, powerful hindlimb and strong hooves allow them to jump beautifully and high, securing first place in rankings.
Their calm demeanour and accurate balance make them the perfect ride for beginners.
Irish Sport Horse
Key Facts
Sporty stamina and sense of athleticism
Calm temperament and quick learners
A rare horse breed
An Irish Sport Horse is a cross of Draughts and Thoroughbreds. They have sporty stamina and a great sense of athleticism both in their physique and nature.
Moreover, their extensive gallops and strong hindlimbs are the reason they can jump so quickly. They also have a calm temperament and are quick learners.
An Irish Sport Horse is a unique find and a pricey one, too. They are much fewer in number, which makes them a rare horse breed.
Selle Francais
Key Facts
Selle Francais horses love to learn from their owners
Muscular legs, open chests and powerful hooves
These horses are built for high jumping
Selle Francais is one of the most loyal horse breeds, they love to learn from their owner and they enjoy competitions.
Most people prefer them for horse jumping as they are obedient, easy to handle and quick learners.
Selle Francais horses have solid muscular legs, open chests and powerful hooves. Their stamina and build for high jumping are unmatchable as they are natural jumpers.
Moreover, their beautiful body and high jumps make them worthy and expensive.
Thoroughbred
Key Facts
Bred for Horse Racing involving jumps - e.g. the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Thoroughbreds are used to breed Warmbloods
These horses are quick learners, easily trained for high jumping
Thoroughbreds have won many jumping competitions in the past. Naturally, these horses have big footsteps, making them more suitable for jumping.
Thoroughbred horses have been used for breeding Warmbloods, which are the best horse jumpers.
Most commonly, Thoroughbreds are used in racing. However, if they are quick learners, they can also be trained for high jumping - and they will respond appropriately to the audience's cheers since they are used to it.
Quarter Horse
Key Facts
American breed of horse, used for racing and jumping
Muscular build with an open chest and strong circular hindlimbs
Calm temperament and willing nature
Quarter Horse is an American breed that is very popular for racing and jumping. They are known for their versatility and undeniable good looks.
They are available in many colours, and all are equally attractive. For a Quarter Horse, training is more important than superior quality genetics. They jump longer if trained to do so.
Most importantly, they are geniuses - and obedient.
Quarter Horses have a muscular build with an open chest and strong circular hindlimbs. These flexible hindlimbs support them during long jumps.
Its robust and pliable body, calm temperament and willing nature make this breed a tough participant to compete with.
Westphalian
Key Facts
German warmblood horse
Flexible and strong body
These horses have a calm nature that works well with trainers
Westphalian is a German warmblood horse. They are good jumpers as they have the perfect flexible, strong body needed for high jumps and the calm nature to receive the necessary training to win competitions.
Possessing a great combination of powerful bodies and great stamina, these horses are suitable for dressage and jumping.
The Westphalian breed comes in numerous colours. However, black, chestnut and grey horses are common.
Arabians
Key Facts
The oldest breed - and one of the most popular among riders
Strong, muscular and energetic horses with a large neck and silky coat
Arabians are excellent jumpers
Arabian performances are undeniably the greatest part of jumping shows. They are the oldest breed and are still very popular among riders.
They are strong, muscular, energetic breeds suitable for athletic purposes. They have smaller bodies than the other breed but still have a large neck and silky coat.
However, they are naturally excellent jumpers—still, training matters.
Which Horse Breed Would You Choose For Jumping?
Jumping is a challenging sport testing endurance, strength, precision and agility. Not every horse breed can fit the criteria or endure different training programmes.
These 11 breeds have proven to be the best in various jumping events given their rich origin and suitable characteristics.
Read more racing insights on our horse racing blog
