It is said that the majority of medals and titles awarded in equestrian events these days are taken by the American Warmblood. In fact, this type of horse is of such excellent competing quality, they are the number one choice for Olympic equestrian sporting events. They not only have the best physical characteristics for eventing, dressage and jumping, they also have the perfect temperament. When competing in events as specialized as the Olympics, riders need a mount that has a solid focus and wholly professional disposition. The combination of a balanced, proportionate body, regal character and propensity for competition makes the American Warmblood the best choice for elite equestrian sporting events.
To be able to compete in Olympic equestrian events, a horse must be able to pass a battery of tests and meet a very strict criterion. Like their riders, it is only the best of the best that will be allowed to participate. To even be registered as an American Warmblood at all, a horse must first pass a very rigid inspection. It is one of the aspects that sets them apart from other types of horses. Their refined qualities and size makes them easier to handle, especially when their riders are female. The versatile breed is also a good choice for children who compete in upper levels of sporting events. The American Warmblood's calm and stable temperament gives them the patience they need while a junior rider and the horse get to know each other's cues.
The most watched event involving the American Warmblood is dressage. The American Warmblood and its rider perform a series of flowing movements that denote the horse's athleticism and the rider's ability to guide his or her mount. As an event that stems from horseback military maneuvers, it was an event only performed by commissioned military personnel until the 1950's. The event was often dominated by European Warmbloods. As interest in dressage grew in the United States over the last twenty plus years, it was found there were few American breeds that had the light physique needed for such a sophisticated activity. Luckily, the American Warmblood came into development, allowing for more individuals to participate in dressage events on local and international levels. Now they are a common sight in Olympic dressage events.
Another popular Olympic equine sport is eventing. Eventing is a demanding three day activity where the American Warmblood also tends to excel. This is mostly due to their influence of an Arabian bloodline. Arabians are well known for having a phenomenal stamina that makes them a great option for long distance racing. Eventing, along with jumping and dressage, involves a cross country run where this Arabian influence is put to the test. On the first day of the event, the American Warmblood will demonstrate its skill in dressage. On the second day, they display their staying power in the cross country event. On the last day, the American Warmblood and its rider display their ability to work as a team in the jumping event.
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