The Irish Warmblood – Ireland’s Modern Performance Horse
When someone mentions the word ‘warmblood’, you’d be forgiven for thinking first of Europe’s many historic studbooks, such as the KWPN or Hanoverian. Yet since 2009, a new breed has been established, offering the best of continental warmblood genetics combined with the benefit of Irish upbringing – the Irish Warmblood.
A full member of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses since 2014, the Irish Warmblood Studbook has set its sights on breeding athletic horses who can compete at the top level in the Olympic disciplines, while also having the sound mind required for amateur riders. The combination of sport aptitude and an uncomplicated temperament, makes these horses very popular at all levels of equestrian sport and breeding, with a growing influence on the competition landscape at home and abroad.
Breeding with Purpose
The Irish Warmblood Studbook oversees breeding to maintain performance standards, with a strong focus on developing athletic horses sired by an approved WBFSH member studbook or a Thoroughbred, Anglo Arab, or Shagya Arab. Unlike the well-known Irish Sport Horse which promotes Irish Draught lineage, the Irish Warmblood Studbook strictly monitors the percentage of Irish Draught blood permitted in breeding, ideally none, although a maximum of 12.5% Irish Draught blood in the nine-generation pedigree may be accepted.
Mares and stallions undergo rigorous assessment, including conformation and performance evaluation, ensuring that only horses capable of excelling in sport contribute to the gene pool. This approach protects the breed’s integrity while enhancing traits like athleticism, rideability, and performance longevity. Therefore every generation benefits, making the Irish Warmblood a reliable choice for riders and breeders alike.
Athleticism Meets Trainability
Irish Warmbloods typically stand between 16 and 17 hands, combining athletic strength with overall elegance. Their functional conformation and strong, healthy constitution enable them to excel in the competition arena, setting each horse up for a sustainable career.
Their expressive gaits give them a competitive edge, particularly in showjumping and dressage. But it’s the breed’s temperament that often proves most valuable. Bold yet level-headed, intelligent and willing, Irish Warmbloods respond well under pressure, offering riders a partnership built on trust as well as capability.
Irish Warmblood Stars on the Rise in 2025
An exciting generation of Irish Warmbloods are proving their worth at international competitions around the world.
Among the notable rising stars is HMR Rolan, by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Aldatus Diamond (ISH). The gelding carries significant sporting lineage, sharing the same sire as two horses that competed for the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics – HSH Blake and Cooley Nutcracker. Bred by Noel Kilroy of the Mayo-Roscommon Breeders Group, HMR Rolan was purchased sight unseen by Anna Nicholas based on his breeding before travelling to the United States, where James Alliston took over the ride as HMR Rolan’s potential became evident.
Under Alliston’s guidance, the partnership has flourished. The pair won their CCI4*-S debut in September 2025, followed by a second win at this level less than a month later. The team now harbours Olympic ambitions for HMR Rolan, citing his blend of performance ability, distinctive character, and the versatility that has become synonymous with the breed.
HMR Rolan’s success represents just one part of a broader pattern of Irish Warmblood achievement across multiple disciplines. Jump The Gun, by I’m Special de Muze (BWP) out of Just Jump (ISH) and bred by Ann Connors in Waterford, finished fourth in the CSIYH1* International 7 & 8 Year Olds Final at the 2025 Dublin International Horse Show under Denmark’s Karoline Sloth Kjær. In a class designed to identify exceptional young talent, the performance marked an impressive statement of quality.
ESI Hero, by Dallas VDL (BWP) out of Clonaslea (BWP), showcases true versatility through success in both showjumping and eventing. After winning the CSI4* 1.30m class at this year’s Andalucia Sunshine Tour, he brought the same power and scope to CCI3* eventing with Great Britain’s Ellie Townend, demonstrating the Irish Warmblood’s cross-discipline capability.
The breed’s international reach continues to expand with each recorded success. Global Halcyon by Ulysses M2S (KWPN) out of Concordian M2S (ISH), bred by Morningside Stud in County Clare, has progressed steadily from a CCI2*-S win at Fairhill International this year to CCI3*-S competition. Back on home soil, Tik Tok, also by Ulysses M2S (KWPN) out of Ballinamurra Coors Light (WSI), partnered with New Zealand’s Caroline Powell, delivered a commanding win in the CCI4*-L at Lisgarvan House International in August.
From different breeding programmes and disciplines, these horses chart a clear upward trajectory for the Irish Warmblood in global equestrian sport. As breeding strategies refine and competitive results accumulate, the breed’s international presence continues to grow.
The Irish Warmblood Studbook
The Irish Warmblood Studbook plays a central role in the development of Ireland’s modern sport horse. The studbooks mission is to produce horses capable of performing successfully at the highest levels while maintaining soundness, temperament, and type.
Through selective breeding, performance testing, the studbook continues to strengthen the breed’s global reputation. It also supports breeders through stallion approvals, mare classifications, and young horse evaluations designed to identify and encourage top-quality prospects.
For those interested in learning more, registering a horse, or exploring breeding opportunities, full details can be found on the official website: www.irish-warmblood.com