The Bernie Traurig video is fabulous. If all the TB denigraters would just watch it, they’d probably leave with a better understanding of just why some aren’t willing to just give up on TBs as sport horses.
Certain TBs have proven they can literally out jump any other type of equine.
Even without picking their forelegs up to their chins or kicking out behind over the “smaller” fences (say 4’-5’).
When I started out riding back in the Dark Ages (late 1960’s) it was ASSUMED that a decent TB could jump 4’ quite easily. That was what the adult hunters were required to jump in A shows down here. A better TB could go 5’ feet or over, and then there were the great TB jumpers that could 6’ or over, the greater ones 7’, and then the super rare true great ones, 8’ or over. And they often competed in the same venues as the European WBs, including many with nasty turns.
I really wish an extremely wealthy American horseman/woman would dedicate themselve to breeding an American Warmblood, with a possible jumping cross with the American Saddlebred. Then the truly good riders who could ride sensitive, hot horses could ride the TBs and the rest of us mere mortals could go to the part TB American Warmblood.
That way the great jumping strains of American horses, both the TB and the mostly yet undiscovered ASB strains could be saved. I bet we could beat the world by using the bloodlines that have been bred for centuries in our own country.
If I had to go over high fences on not so great ground I would want to have a TB under me. Heart, stamina, speed and sheer athletic ability.
As for Huaso, the Chilean TB 8’1+" jumper, he had HEART. That was his third try that day at that world record jump. The first one he brought the fence down. The second time he refused. Then the third time he cleared it. Who other than a TB would give that third try?
Huaso’s training program can be found in “Common Sense Horsemanship” by Vladimir Littauer. He was trained for that jump, mostly on the flat, for several months. Heart and sheer athletic ability, combined with proper conditioning.
Long live the TB! (From an Arabian horse fanatic.)
