Steeplechasing was introduced in 1752 as a result of a wager between two individuals racing cross-country to see who had the better horse. Like other sports, this game evolved as well and we now know which horses possess the best abilities for this beautiful game.
This article explains all you need to know about steeplechasing or jump racing, and the characteristics of the best horses. Let’s dive in!
What is a Steeplechase?
A steeplechase is a race which requires horses to jump high fences. These races involve both flat racing and sprinting through jumps 4ft 6in or higher. This should not be confused with the obstacle race in human sports, inspired by horse racing steeplechase.
Apart from the fences, steeplechase also has more barriers, such as ditches and water jumps. The horse must run a minimum of two miles and time their jumps perfectly. Horses might get injured in steeplechases, but the sport has made numerous safety precautions to make their jumps safer. Steeplechases form part of the UK and Ireland National Hunt season, which occurs from autumn to spring each year.
5 Features Horses Need to Compete in Steeplechases
Spectators of horse races on any of the international circuits or betting sites have likely wondered what enables a horse to jump over fences with such ease. Not all horses are created equal, and there are huge differences between the breeds trained for the various kinds of racing. Here are the top characteristics that make the best chasers.
Experience
Most horses competing here tend to start their career as flat racers. Those who have shown athleticism and agility usually train for steeplechasing. For this reason, many steeplechase racehorses are much older than flat racing horses.
But there are also a few extra points for the old racehorse. Because they are older, they are more comfortable than the average racehorse. They’re less preoccupied with their environment and more familiar with crowds.
Speed
The majority of steeplechasers competed on the flat and some still do. A huge portion of steeplechase racing requires speed to have any chance of winning the race. Most horses that transition to steeplechasing are fast and only need to adapt to the athleticism required for this type of race.
Stamina
As steeplechase races are generally longer than flat races, the chasers have to be able to maintain their pace for two miles or more. Horses need to eat extensively to store ATP, the chemical that makes muscles contract. A good supply of ATP means the muscles can work for more time without fatigue.
Right Temperament
The steeplechase tests endurance and jumping ability. Horses used in steeplechasing need to be temperamentally sound to make it. They require a unique mix of explosive energy for speed and jump and a calm mentality to stay sharp and in control of the race. A horse that is too energetic might struggle with overcoming obstacles, and a horse without enthusiasm might lose ground in the sprint.
Athletic
Like humans, horses need to build muscles with training and diet. They are placed on special diets that mainly consist of hay and grains. Additionally, medication and joint supplements are sometimes administered alongside food to alleviate arthritis or other medical conditions.
What is the Best Breed for Steeplechase Racing?
The king of steeplechase racing is the Thoroughbred (not to be confused with “pure-bred”). Thoroughbreds are among the fastest horses and are renowned for their agility and speed.
They are a “hot-blooded” breed with a flamboyant and athletic body. These horses are tall with deep chests, slender backs, and firm backquarters that propel them to speed up to 44 miles per hour on the ground. The preferred breed in flat racing, many Thoroughbreds compete in other sports even after they retire as a chaser.
Some breeds and crossbreeds other than Thoroughbreds (such as Irish Draughts or Warmbloods) are also used in some places or at specific types of steeplechase races. Yet Thoroughbreds remain the sport’s most popular breed and have created some of the most legendary horse moments in history.
Conclusion
The perfect steeplechaser is fast, fit, intelligent, lateral, and physically capable enough to run and jump simultaneously. The majority of steeplechase horses are actually Thoroughbreds whose origins must be attested by Jockey Club registration.
Steeplechasers can start their careers as young as three, but most start when they are four or older. Steeplechase racing calls for a unique combination of mental and physical features in a horse and is one of the most challenging — and exciting — equestrian sports.