Researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands have documented a method to evaluate the jumping ability of horses as young as six months of age to see if their athleticism continues with them as they grow older.

While breeding plays an important role in the athletic abilities of a horse, determining the jumping ability of a foal before large amounts of time and money are invested in training can reduce future frustration and disappointment if the horse does not live up to expectations. Susana Santamaria, DVM, PhD, MRCVS, who is currently working at Edinburgh University’s large animal hospital, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, and was the lead researcher in this study says, “You have less chance to get a good jumping horse if you breed with poor performers, and it can also happen that you have a horse with an amazing pedigree, but does not have a good jumping ability