Dutch Warmblood

The Dutch Warmblood is a relatively young breed that has developed into an extremely successful and versatile stamp. The Netherlands has always had an excellent reputation for husbandry skills, in the breeding of animals and plants, and this included the breeding of top-rate competition horses. With the advent of mechanizations there has been a move away from the harness and draft horse toward the lighter riding horse. The Dutch Warmblood combines the best elements of both the Groningen and the Gelderland, together with the Thoroughbred, Trakehner, and the Oldenburgh blood.

The thoroughbred was introduced to the breed to add quality, refinement, speed and courage, and yet breeders have been careful to maintain the fundamental sensibility and calm temperament of the Warmblood. Although Dutch Warmblood stallions are owned by individuals, the breeding of the Warmblood is monitored by the state-aided Warmblood Paardenstamboek Nederland. Stallions may only be used for breeding if they pass the rigorous testing process which maintains a very high standard of selective breeding. All aspects of the stallion are judged, from temperament to athletic ability, aptitudes, and intelligence, as well as conformation and movement. The horses also have their lower legs and feet X-rayed to eliminate the possibility of hereditary faults. Mares are also tested and the resulting progeny are closely monitored to track their successes or failures. This process of testing is one of the most sophisticated approaches used in the world and has led to the quick growth and success of this young breed. They are often extremely attractive, with a free-flowing and extravagant movement that has see the breed make its name within the dressage world. The Dutch Warmblood is also very athletic with an excellent natural jump and many of these horses are used for jumping competitions of the highest caliber.

Typically, the Dutch Warmblood has a well proportioned head with a wide forehead; the neck is in proportioned to the body and is muscular and well set on. They have a broad, deep chest with a sloping shoulder, a straight back, powerful quarters and a well-set tail. The legs are strong and clean, with good joints and hard, well-shaped feet. They are usually bay, gray, chestnut, or black in color, and stand at between 15.3 hh and 16.3 hh

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