The Canadian Sport Horse is a studbook of sport horses managed in Canada. These horses are crossbred between Thoroughbred stallions and local, Canadian-bred mares. It was formerly known as the Canadian Hunter; a breed society was formed in 1926. The breed name was changed in 1984.

The Canadian Sport Horse is intended for equestrian sport competitions, especially show jumping and dressage. It is a distinct and separate breed from both the Canadian and the Canadian Warmblood. ^[1]

History

The English lieutenant Dan Lysons mentioning the jumping ability of Canadian horses in 1893. ^{[2] [3]}

The Canadian Hunter was the result of half-blood crosses between local Canadian mares and Thoroughbred stallions, ^[1] including 16 imported from England to Ontario by the Canadian Racing Association. ^{[2] [4]} In 1926, the Canadian Hunter, Saddle and Light Horse Improvement Society was founded. ^{[5] [4]} A studbook was opened in 1928 to register the founding mares. In 1933, the Canadian Hunter Society was amalgamated, and the Canadian Hunter studbook was maintained. ^[4]

At the beginning of the twentieth century many of these horses were sold to the United States, where they were used for show jumping and hunter seat. ^{[2] [4]} Others were sent to Europe as part of the World War II. ^{[2] [4]} In 1920, the Canadian federal government became involved in horse breeding, with the aim of obtaining a uniform type of horse weighing around 550 kg. ^[6]

The studbook was renamed in 1984 to include the designation 'Sport Horse'. ^{[4] [7]} The name change was registered the following year in the Official Trademark Journal. ^[8] The breed was renamed Canadian Sport Horse in 1987. ^{[9] [4]}

Many of the horses are in Ontario. ^{[2] [10]} Numbers were growing in 2014. ^[9]

Characteristics

Height at the withers must be no less than 1.62 m for registered in the studbook. ^{[1] [11]}

This horse is close to English and Irish Hunters, ^[9] showing a clear Thoroughbred influence, with a solid build and fluid movements. ^{[2] [12]} The eyes are large, the neck length proportional to the body. ^[7] The chest is broad and the shoulder sloping. ^[7]

Its nutritional requirements are greater than those of the Canadian horse. ^[13]

The coat is plain, generally bay (including bay-brown), chestnut, black or gray. ^{[7] [9]} pinto and cream are possible, as are palomino and cremello. ^{[7] [12]}

Selection

Selection is managed by the Canadian Sport Horse Association, which describes the Canadian Sport Horse as an "evolving" breed, whose existence is closely linked to selection objectives. ^[14] Horses are registered by inspection. ^{[5] [1]} Young horses are shown at model and gait competitions, including the prestigious Royal Horse Show, where an expert (e.g., a veterinarian) is appointed to evaluate them. ^[15] The association looks for powerful horses with good jumping ability, ^[9] suitable for all three Olympic equestrian sports. ^[14] Particular attention is paid to gaits, which must show balance and drive. ^[7] Stallion selection is particularly rigorous. ^[7]

The studbook association, Canadian National Live Stock Records, is based in Ottawa, Ontario. ^[4] Mares that do not belong to the Canadian Sport Horse registry can be registered on an appendix list. ^[7]

Use

This is a sport horse, used under saddle and in equestrian sports. ^[3] It is ridden in show jumping, dressage, eventing and hunter competitions; ^[4] it is also used for foxhunting and carriage driving. ^[2]

References

Bibliography

• Bennett, K.; Davidson, John (2015). Canadian "The Little Iron Horse" For Kids. Mendon Cottage Books. ISBN  9781311563675.
• Cabrera, Ángel (2004). Chevaux d'Amérique (in French). Translated by Bellec, Christine. Éditions du Rocher. ISBN  2-268-05129-3.
• Dutson, Judith (2005). "Canadian Sport Horse". Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America. Storey publishing. ISBN  1-58017-613-5.
• Dutson, Judith (2012). Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America (2nd ed.). Storey Publishing. ISBN  978-1-60342-918-4.
• Dutson, Judith (2012b). Horse Breeds of North America The Pocket Guide to 96 Essential Breeds. Storey Publishing. ISBN  978-1-61212-210-6. OCLC  820723081.
• Hendricks, Bonnie (2007). "Canadian Sport Horse". International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds (2nd ed.). University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN  978-0-8061-3884-8.
• O'Dea, Joseph (1996). Olympic Vet: A Didactic Memoir. Castlerea Press.
• Porter, Valerie; Alderson, Lawrence; Hall, Stephen; Sponenberg, Dan (2016). "Canadian Sport Horse". Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding (6th ed.). CAB International. ISBN  978-1-84593-466-8.
• Porter, Valerie (2002). Mason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. CABI. ISBN  978-0-85199-430-7.
• Porter, Valerie (2020). Mason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties (6th ed.). CAB International. ISBN  978-1-78924-153-2.
• Rousseau, Élise Rousseau (2014). "Cheval de sport canadien". Tous les chevaux du monde. Delachaux et Niestlé. ISBN  978-2-603-01865-1.