When widening the gene pool by crossing breeds, a horse with hyper-vigor is created, thus producing a horse that is larger, healthier with better reproductive chances. The results - a horse that is athletically built to successfully compete. 

Iberian blood enhances soundness, athleticism, versatility and tractability to other breeds which have either the big stride for dressage or the power and speed for jumping.

Many warmblood breeders are striving for a smaller horse with improvement of their sensitivity to enable a greater ability for passage and piaffe. Crossing just about any breed with the Iberian horse will produce an improved sport horse. Thoroughbred or Arabian crossing with the Iberian horse not only adds calmness and tractability to the temperament, but results in improved bone structure and a larger build.

Realizing that a perfectly conformed horse doesn't exist, and that there are differences of opinions on some of the aspects of what is truly correct conformation, and understanding that ideas do seem to change with years; we are happy to provide you our ideals based on our studies and personal experiences.  We therefore proudly present to you some attributes to consider when breeding for the perfect sport horse.

THE IDEAL SPORTHORSE CONFORMATION

The Iberian has great ability to flex the joints and come under the center of gravity for collection and extension. They flex nicely through the poll despite the argument that a heavy throatlatch is prohibiting.

A horse with a long, sloping shoulder will have more ability to contract, lengthen and to elevate the shoulders thus enabling him to be a better jumper. A short shoulder is indicative of a short stride with a rough ride which increases concussion on the fore limbs with the possibility of developing joint disease, navicular, splints and other ailments.

A long arm bone creates ease in maneuvering lateral movements, increasing stride length and providing the ability to tuck the knees proficiently for jumping. The arm bone should be at least half the length of the shoulder.

A long, well muscled forearm will help a horse get over jumps plus will absorb concussion and diffuse impact. Short cannons are the major contributing factor for more stable movement and are beneficial for endurance and reining. Jumpers need good bone density to reduce lameness problems. A 1,000 pound horse with a cannon circumference of less than 7 inches is considered to have insufficient bone. A pastern that is too long will increase the susceptibility to suspensory ligament injuries. The length of the rear cannon and gaskin will be a determination of length of stride from the rear.

Ideally the hock should be a little higher than the knee, about level with the chestnuts. Large joints are more powerful and less likely to break down under stress. A horse that is camped out behind may not be able to collect and predispose a horse to arthritis. Sickle hocks limit propulsion. The stifle should be slightly lower than the elbow and lie below the point of the hip.

The Iberian horse exhibits the roundness for easy collection. A long and powerful hip is needed for plenty of drive from behind. Rounded croup with low set tail will enable the legs to reach well under. A well proportioned neck enhances balance; likewise a neck too long may likely cause a horse to fall on the forehand. Straight legs and good hooves is an important attribute to avoid unsoundness problems.

Prominent withers provide a lever for the muscles of neck and back to work together in an efficient manner. This makes it easy for the horse to engage in collection, to lengthen and round the back to clear jumping obstacles, and to extend the shoulder and back for improved stride length. The withers being a little higher than the croup allows for easily take-off in jumping and for keeping weight off the front end which affects agility. The loin and the lumbosacral joint are the most important areas in a horse's body in predicting athletic ability. Free jumping gives the strongest indication for an aptitude to jump.

This Iberian Warmblood demonstrates strong loins with correct length of back. When weakness exists in this area, collection suffers and more weight is carried on the forehand with increased risk of forelimb lameness. A back that is too long makes it difficult for a horse to round it's back in jumping and to coil it's loins to collect and engage the hindquarters. A back that is too short may lack in suppleness and flexibility which will cause the stride to be stiff and inelastic. The long, sloping croup is an asset for collection and power for jumping.

Now, pop in color – yes color, we are the modern age aren’t we?  That is why Phantom Sport Horses produce designer colors for all disciplines.  Whether you fancy a buckskin, grulla, palomino or cremello, a pinto, black, bay or chestnut, color by distinction sets you apart in the show ring and ensures all eyes will be on you. 

Therefore, in summary, genetics is key to any breeding program and complimenting the prospective parents to one another is essential.  Combining natural balance, elasticity, a tractable temperament and color in one harmoniously put together package ensures a perfect foal every time. The Key – both parents must match in type to produce harmony.