Thoroughbred's Claim to Fame |
| The History of Show Jumping and the Thoroughbred |
| As a result of war, the Thoroughbred bloodline was created. Exhibitions were formed as a spectator sport to display the military horses' abilities to the public. Then by public demand, fox hunting became arena bound combined with military displays as a spectator sport, which evolved into eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Equestrian Events, Inc quotes. "In Germany, this equestrian sport (Eventing - show jumping) is still called the "Militaire," under which name it was first introduced at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. The tests of this newly organized equestrian competition were patterned after the training and testing of military chargers — precision, elegance, and obedience on the parade ground; stamina, versatility and courage on marches and in battle; cross-country jumping ability and endurance in traveling great distances over difficult terrain and formidable obstacles in the relaying of important dispatches; and jumping ability in the arena to prove the horse's fitness to remain in service." |
| The Thoroughbred was the original sport horse, but was built for speed on the flat. They are still a large part of the show world, however, the emergence of the warmblood line has dominated the field. The Thoroughbred Roots of the Modern Show Jumper, Thoroughbred Heritage by Andreas Haberbeck©2001-2002, reports. "There still are plenty of thoroughbreds who sire decent show jumpers. Thirteen of the 100 leading show jumping sires of the 1990s were thoroughbreds, which is not at all bad by comparison with other studbooks. However, the majority of these earned their place in the rankings due to one or two offspring, rather than the steady production of reliable jumpers which has made the reputation of the great sport horse sires. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify a thoroughbred who can be deemed a show jumping progenitor in the manner of Furioso or Cottage Son. |
| Show Jumping Unfolded Any combination of horse and rider is a form of art whether it is Show Jumping, the Grand Prix, Dressage, or Eventing. However, show jumping goes beyond the bounds of thrills and guts. It is a partnership; the most unique experience between animal and rider. It is bonding and trust. It is power and speed. It is equal to flying a plane while staying on the ground. However, this plane on four hooves is also making decisions; where and when to take off, and propelling themselves over the top of an obstacle.. |
| From ABC News Online, "In the modern era, show jumping was part of the 1900 Games, but the full program of dressage, show jumping and three day eventing was introduced in 1912 and in all three disciplines, individual and team medals are awarded." ""Each of these disciplines has its own unique history. Dressage has its origins in the French military. It began as a method of training for military horses. Only commissioned officers were allowed to compete in equestrian events until 1952 when the sport was opened to civilians, including women for the first time." |
 |
| Reported by the New York Times, "To U.S. Rider, a Horse is a Horse". The 2004 Olympics, and Amy Tryon's mount, Poggio II, an inexpensive Thoroughbred, brought back the phrase, "hard work and perseverance." |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| This has nothing to do with an inherent lack of jumping ability in thoroughbreds, but, rather, that most thoroughbred entires are bred to race on the flat. The concentrated breeding of thoroughbred show jumping sires does not make sense economically in the same way as it does in sport horse breeding, because the money which can be made in flat racing is much more attractive than what is offered in equestrian sports. Even in steeplechasing, the jumping element tends to be only half of the equation, since the speed and stamina infused by sires who were bred for the flat does matter a great deal. However, that a thoroughbred jumping dynasty can be established was clearly demonstrated by the descendants of Bonne Nuit (1934) by Royal Canopy out of Bonne Cause, by Elf II, one of the great show jumping progenitors of the past. His sons Night Owl (1949) and Riviera Wonder (1950) and his grandson Good Twist (1960) were among the best show jumpers of the 1950s and '60s. Good Twist in turn sired Gem Twist (1979), with whom Greg Best won the individual Silver medal and team Silver at the 1998 Olympics, and who was the best horse in the 1990 World Championship finals. Whether such a bloodline emerges in the future remains to be seen." |
| The Thoroughbred's Role in Show Jumping |