Irish Sport Horse

Looks how to spot one

hair

The Irish Sport Horse is a muscular, well-proportioned horse with a long neck, a slightly convex face, large ears, a deep chest, sloping shoulders, strong loins and powerful hindquarters. It stands 15 to 17 hands high and has a sturdy, athletic build.21

Personality what they are like

The Irish Sport Horse is known for its good nature, courage and willingness to work. It is generally easy to handle and makes a wonderful family horse, even for young riders. Horses with more Thoroughbred blood can be more spirited and are better suited to experienced riders.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This breed needs plenty of exercise and training. Calmer individuals may require slightly less activity, but all owners should ensure they have enough time or staff to give the horse the exercise it needs.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine hoof care is essential; a farrier should trim the hooves every six to eight weeks to prevent issues like hoof cracks, thrush and laminitis.3

Home where they are happiest

Irish Sport Horses are not difficult to keep. They need a safe, clean stable or paddock with shelter, and access to fresh water at all times. The biggest concern is matching the horse's energy level and training needs with the owner's ability and commitment.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A conventional diet of hay and grass, with a small amount of grain, is sufficient for most. Horses in hard training may need high-energy feed. All horses should eat at least 1% of their body weight in roughage daily.23

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and the Irish Sport Horse benefits from companionship, whether from other horses or regular, kind human interaction. They are known to be friendly and look after their rider.4

The story where it all began

The Irish Sport Horse, also called the Irish Hunter, was developed in Ireland in the 1920s by crossing Irish Draught horses with Thoroughbreds. The aim was to create a versatile, athletic horse for show jumping and eventing. In the 1990s, continental Warmblood bloodlines were introduced to produce horses that mature faster and are ready for competition earlier. The breed studbook was established in 1974 and is now the largest sport horse studbook in Ireland, with around 5,000 foals registered each year.1245

Recognised by the official bits

Horse Sport Ireland

Maintains the Irish Sport Horse Studbook, approved as a breed society by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine6