The Thoroughbred Theory: Influence of Breed on Performance at the 5*L Level of Eventing
Category: Oral Presentation
Author(s): Kianna Walz, Carleigh Fedorka
Presenter(s): Kianna Walz
Mentors(s): Carleigh Fedorka
Breed bias exists within many equestrian sports, including eventing, where Thoroughbreds (TBs) are often believed to be outperformed by warmbloods at the CCI5*-L level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of breed on performance in CCI5*-L competition. Results from all CCI5*-L events held between 2014 and 2024 were compiled and analyzed. Penalties incurred the dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, as well as total competition penalties, were assessed. In addition, the likelihood of completing phases and jumping without fault was evaluated. Analyses were conducted comparing TBs to non-TBs and among the ten primary breeds represented. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4. When comparing TBs and non-TBs, an unpaired nonparametric t-test was used to assess penalties in each phase and overall penalties, while chi-squared tests evaluated the likelihood of finishing phases and jumping without fault. A one-way ANOVA was used to assess differences among primary breeds. Thoroughbreds accumulated significantly more dressage penalties than non-TBs and more than the primary breeds Hanoverian, Irish Sport Horse, KWPN, Oldenburg, and Selle Français. When assessing cross-country penalties, TBs were significantly more likely to finish without fault than non-TBs. This was also noted when comparing primary breeds, with Anglo-Arabian, Holsteiner, Selle Français, Sport Horse of Great Britain, and TB accruing significantly fewer cross-country faults than Anglo-European Studbook. Non-TBs were significantly more likely to jump clear in show jumping, and TBs accumulated greater show jumping penalties than several breeds. Overall results indicate breed does not influence overall CCI5*-L performance in eventing.