Belgian sport horse

Overall description of the breed

The Belgian Sport Horse, often known by its official abbreviation sBs, is a sport horse breed originating from Belgium. This horse comes from crossbreeding various half-blood breeds, notably the Selle Français, Hanoverian, and KWPN. The sBs shares its origins with the BWP (Belgisch Warmbloed Paard), and the two are often confused due to their common history. This stud-book took its current form in 1991 and focuses on producing large sport horses with ample gaits and a willing character.

The sBs was created primarily to meet the needs for show jumping horses. It is one of the five most influential stud-books in this field in the early 21st century. sBs horses gained notoriety thanks to international champions like Hello Sanctos, Rêveur de Hurtebise, and Barron. Although primarily used in Wallonia, the sBs stud-book also attracts breeders from Flanders and has seen some expansion into the United States. In 2006, about 55,000 horses were registered under this stud-book.

The history of the Belgian Sport Horse dates back to the creation of the "Société d'encouragement à l'élevage du cheval d'arme" in 1920, aiming to provide mounts for the Belgian army and gendarmerie. After World War I, Belgian breeders began focusing on lighter and more elegant horses. The motorization of the army and transport pushed the association to change its name in the 1930s to "Le Demi-Sang Belge," and to breed lighter riding horses.

After World War II, Belgian breeding was revitalized through crossbreeding with stallions and mares of breeds such as Thoroughbred, Selle Français, Hanoverian, and KWPN. In 1967, the society "Le Demi-Sang Belge" received royal status and adopted the name sBs stud-book in 1991, introducing a "blue book" to track the genetic performance of horses.

The sBs is known for its openness to foreign horses, having been the first to approve stallions like Baloubet du Rouet, Vigo d'Arsouilles, Kannan, and Toulon early in their careers. By 1997, only 40% of sBs and BWP horses participating in show jumping competitions in Belgium were of Belgian origin according to their pedigree. The sBs stud-book also pioneered the use of an online database, listing over 90,000 horses.

In terms of physical characteristics, sBs horses typically measure between 15.2 and 17.3 hands (62 to 71 inches) at the withers. They have a harmonious morphology with an expressive head, often large and convex, with small eyes and large ears. The neck is long and well-set, the back is supple and muscular with a strong loin attachment, and the limbs are solid and rather fine.

In terms of health, the Belgian Sport Horse is robust due to rigorous selection favoring healthy and performing horses. However, as with all breeds, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, a regular vaccination program, and appropriate veterinary care.

The character of the Belgian Sport Horse is generally described as willing and cooperative. These horses are intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal partners for riders of all levels. They excel in show jumping but are also competitive in other equestrian disciplines thanks to their versatility and athletic abilities.

Training and educating the Belgian Sport Horse require a patient and consistent approach. From a young age, these horses should be accustomed to handling and the equestrian environment. Their intelligence and desire to perform well make their training easier. Gentle and positive methods are particularly effective for this breed, strengthening the trust and collaboration between horse and rider.

In summary, the Belgian Sport Horse is a breed recognized for its exceptional performances in the world of equestrian sports. Its development, the result of judicious crossbreeding among various breeds, has produced a versatile, robust, and pleasant horse. Officially recognized by various international organizations, it continues to captivate riders and trainers with its physical and mental qualities, making it a preferred choice for international competitions.