Yes, it’s true that most horses can jump, but why are some more adept at it than others? A horse’s bloodline is one factor. You might suspect size has a lot to do with it as well, although smaller horses have been known to out-jump their bigger rivals. However, a horse must also be healthy, and in good physical and mental condition. Years of training are then required to take a horse to the higher levels. Along the way, a grand prix horse will differentiate itself by its willingness to jump bigger fences at faster speeds.

What do the terms Cold/Hot/Warmblood refer to?
Although horse breeds are classified by their relative blood warmth, there is no correlation to actual blood temperature. Rather, this categorization alludes to the region of origin and the associated temperaments.

Trakehner
Standing an average of 16 to 17 hands high, the Trakehner is a large horse, usually with solid colors, chestnut, bay, black or grey. With its powerful hindquarters, joints and muscles, the Trakehner is an excellent jumper. Yet for all their size and strength, Trakehners display a surprisingly refined temperament. They are regarded as keen, alert and intelligent, yet very stable and accepting, and anxious to please. Originally, any horse born at Trakehnen, in Germany, was called a “Trakehner” to distinguish it from the “East Prussians” produced by private breeders. Since the end of World War II, all horses with Trakehnen or East Prussian bloodlines have been called “Trakehners.”

Oldenburg
Despite its size, the modern Oldenburg is a compact horse with relatively short legs, brawny hindquarters, and a long but powerful neck inherited from its days as a carriage horse. Other physical characteristics include its deep chest; and large hooves able to bear its massive weight. Oldenburgs come in many colors, but most often are black, brown or gray. Their appearance is accentuated by kind eyes that reflect a calm, obedient disposition. The Oldenburg belongs to one of Europe’s oldest warmblood breeds. The horse’s namesake is Herzog Anton Günther von Oldenburg, who developed the breed in the 16th century in the far northern part of Germany.

Selle Francais
The Selle Francais is an inherently athletic horse with a willing attitude and friendliness toward people. It is strong and elegant, with a sturdy back, an expressive head set on a long neck, and robust legs. It averages 16 to 17 hands high and comes in many colors, but chestnut is most common. The Selle Français is an amagalmation of breeds, with 33 percent from Thoroughbred sires, 20 percent by Anglo-Arab, two percent by French Trotters and 45 percent by Selle Français stallions. During the nineteenth century, Norman breeders crossed their native stock with English Thoroughbreds and Norfolk Trotters. The resulting saddle type of breed became the prototype for the modern Selle Français.

Hanoverian
The Hanoverian horse is a warmblood, bred to compete in a variety of equestrian disciplines including showjumping, dressage, eventing and driving. The breed originated the former kingdom of Hannover, in northern Germany, where a flourishing horse-breeding industry has existed for 400 years. The Hanoverian was initially bred to serve as a robust carriage and military horse. Today, the breed retains the considerable sturdiness and stamina of its heritage.

Holsteiner
The Holsteiner is a well-balanced horse, characterized by a lovely head atop a nicely arched neck, and large, kind eyes. It is typically bay in color, and averages between 16 and 17 hands. Its physical characteristics contribute to its elegance, lightness and self-carriage. The Holsteiner has a relaxed and willing personality, with good character and an eagerness for work. The breed originated in Germany’s northernmost province, Schleswig-Holstein, and is one of the country’s oldest warmbloods. Originally German farmers depended on the Holsteiner for its strength, steadiness and reliability, and by the German cavalry for its courage and ability.

Swedish Warmblood
The Swedish Warmblood was bred from the beginning as a riding horse for the cavalry, which makes it unlike most other European warmblood breeds. Four centuries of breeding has resulted in a versatile horse with a very good temperament. Sweden, perhaps best known for its dressage horses, also produces international top class showjumpers. Due to the Swedish Warmblood’s trainability and intelligence, the breed is popular with competitors in many equestrian disciplines, including carriage driving.

Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood averages just over 16 hands and is usually chestnut, bay, black or gray, often with white markings on the face and legs. The head features a straight profile, and the neck is arched and amply muscled, merging neatly into its prominent withers. The breed is characterized by its eagerness, reliability and intelligence. Bred to be a top-competing sport horse, the Dutch Warmblood derives from the selective combination of native Dutch stock with German, French, and English horses.

Thoroughbred
Although the Thoroughbred is the most popular racing breed in the world, it is also commonly used for showjumping. Standing a little over 16 hands on average, the Thoroughbred’s Arabian ancestry is evident in its appearance. Horses from this breed are known to have a refined head atop a long, graceful neck. Legs tend to be long and narrow with muscular hindquarters, and deep, well-muscled shoulders lead to a relatively narrow heart girth. Thoroughbreds are bay, chestnut, black or gray in color, often with white markings on the face and legs. The Thoroughbred was originally developed as a race horse in England in the 17th century by crossing the fastest native breeds with imported Arabians. All modern Thoroughbreds descend from three founding stallions: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian; these were bred to English mares.