The Irish Sport Horse

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Once known as the Irish Hunter, the Irish Sport Horse is, traditionally,  a cross between the Irish Draught and the Thoroughbred. It is world renown for its toughness and athletic ability. Currently the Irish Sport Horse is first in the world for Eventing and fifth in the world for Jumping (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses). This is a remarkable achievement given that the Irish Sport Horse Register is one of the smallest in terms of registrations, averaging 5,000 per annum.

Ever since show jumping had its birth in Ireland and went on to become an international sport at the end of the 19th century, the Irish Draught Horse has played a major role. The even temperament, durability and power of the Irish Draught, lightened with crosses with the Thoroughbred, has created a potent mix which is well up to the demands of modern day competition. World famous for its jumping and cross-country ability, increasingly we are seeing the Irish Sport Horse compete in the dressage arena as well.

 Flo Jo
Horton Point


Many of the leading Eventers are Irish Sport Horses including; Custom Made, Giltedge, Horton Point, Murphy Himself and King William. The Irish Sport Horse is also well able to boost the confidence of a novice at the lower levels.
The Irish Sport Horse's hardiness and inherent soundness make them the ideal choice for the sport.

There are numerous examples of Irish Sport Horses sired by Registered Irish Draught stallions. These include Hopes Are High, by Flagmount Diamond (RID) . He was the second highest money earner in North America in1998. 

 Hopes Are High
Special Envoy ....Special Envoy (ISH) for Brazil....
....... Cruising (ISH) for Ireland... Cruising
Mill Pearl and Mill Pearl , for the United States Equestrian Team.

The gelding, Clearly Canadian, represented Canada at the Volvo World Cup for dressage in 1998.

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