History of the breed. kwpn or Dutch warmblood. German and Dutch horses are the stars of modern equestrian sport. Dutch thoroughbred

The Dutch warmblood horse breed appeared in the 19th century, when horse racing began to gain popularity in Europe. Breeders managed to create a population that they can be proud of. These glorious horses today reach the top in different areas of equestrian sports. They are fast, resilient, beautifully built, intelligent and obedient.

Origin story

Horses have been bred in Holland for a long time, agriculture is well developed there, so there has always been a need for draft power. Until the 19th century, residents of the Netherlands preferred strong horses suitable for work in the fields. They used local working horses of the Groningen and Gelderlander breeds.

Later the situation changed - equestrian sport was gaining popularity in Europe. Then the owners of large farms seriously thought about creating their own sports breed of horses. They bred it based on the best individuals already available from Dutch workers and riding horses from Europe.

Representatives of the following breed lines participated in the creation of the Dutch Warmblood horse:

Westphalian;
Hanoverian;
thoroughbred horse;
Oldenburg;
Trakehner;
Holstein

As a result of competent selection work, it was possible to obtain descendants with excellent characteristics - proportionally built, hardy, strong horses with a soft ride. The stud book dates back to 1959, when the National Society of Dutch Horse Breeders was founded.

The selection work did not stop there. In 1970, scientists decided to improve the breed. They carefully selected mares and eliminated those unsuitable for breeding, replacing them with horses with high potential. In 1988, the Dutch horse breeding community was given a royal title.

Description of the Dutch Warmblood horse

Representatives of this breed have athletic build with the correct proportions. They are characterized by smooth lines and a classic figure type. The movements of the horses are graceful, and the movement is fast and soft.

Exterior Features

The average height of a Dutch warmblood horse is 1.65–1.72 m. Taller individuals are not allowed to compete, as running at high speed creates a huge load on the joints. The colors of horses can be different; bearers of bay, red and black coat colors are more common.

External characteristics:

the head is compact, neat with a smooth profile;
expressive eyes, lively gaze;
the ears are pointed at the ends;
trapezoidal neck of medium length, muscular, arched;
the chest is well developed and has sufficient depth;
tucked stomach;
the croup is set low;
a beautiful muscle relief is visible on the hips;
limbs are long, dry, strong.

Character

Dutch Warmbloods are intelligent, easy to train and submissive. They show devotion to their owner and are distinguished by their endurance and strength. These qualities help them achieve success in the sports field. When a tense situation arises, horses demonstrate courage and tenacity.

The advantages of horses include:

good adaptive qualities;
good health;
flexible character;
highly productive movements.

Selection rules for breeding

Animals for further selection are selected very strictly, focusing on established standards and requirements. Mares that meet the standards undergo a mandatory veterinary commission. They take tests to reveal hidden pathologies. Suitable individuals are assessed by experts for physical fitness.

The requirements for stallions are even higher. The commission checks not only their state of health, pedigree and compliance with conformation standards, but also their ability to follow commands, temperament and productivity of movements. Experts assign different ratings to stallions:

Selected (keur). This means that the horse is approved for breeding, but meets the basic selection criteria.
Preferred. This is the highest assessment of compliance with the commission's requirements.

A similar classification applies to mares, only they are assigned a certain status depending on how many top foals the female produced.

Attention! Animals that have passed a thorough selection are given elite status and are included in the stud book. Such horses are very expensive, but despite this, they are in great demand among athletes.

Modern use

Representatives of the Dutch breed are intended for equestrian sports. Tested stallions and mares participate in competitions as local significance, and internationally. Dutch warmblood horses show good results in dressage, show jumping and racing.

Individuals that do not meet the professional requirements of a sports horse are used in equestrian tourism. Noble horses that ride smoothly and are obedient and friendly are suitable for teaching beginners how to ride.

In areas with a mild climate, the cultural herd method of keeping horses is used. In this case, the animals are outdoors both in winter and summer. In case of bad weather, mares and foals are sent to special pens, and the rest of the group seeks natural shelter.

Attention! The stable method is applicable only in areas with difficult climatic conditions. This option is not entirely suitable for a sports horse. To stay in good physical shape, horses need Fresh air, sunlight and regular exercise.

Nutrition

The requirements for formulating a diet for sports breeds of horses are quite high. In addition to fresh grass and high-quality hay, the horses' menu includes:

vegetables and root vegetables;
legumes and cereals, they are a source of protein;
vitamin and mineral supplements.

Food is distributed to animals at the same time 3 times a day. Before each feeding, horses are watered. Horses that exercise a lot need plenty of clean water. In the hot season they consume about 60 liters.

Attention! The training is planned for the period of time between meals. After eating, 1.5 hours should pass.

The Dutch Warmblood horse has won many fans around the world thanks to its beauty, grace and excellent sporting qualities. She is a favorite in her homeland. Selection work is still ongoing. Dutch horse breeders strive to bring the breed to perfection, this is evidenced by the strict requirements for animals when selecting for the breed.

Photos of Dutch Warmblood horses decorate almost all websites and magazines dedicated to horse breeding. These graceful animals not only have excellent external characteristics, which provides them with excellent photogenicity, but also show themselves with no less success in sports competitions, winning top prizes at the world's leading tournaments, including gold Olympic Games.

Homeland of the winning breed

The Netherlands has always been famous for its highly developed agriculture. The main source of income for this state is livestock breeding and cultivation of crops. Much of this business is in private hands. It is known that more than two thirds of the population of the Netherlands are farmers. The country's sound economic policy includes a number of measures to promote and strengthen this important sector of the economy.

In the homeland of the Dutch warmblood horse breed, the question of limiting the number of private farms occasionally arises due to the glut of the world market with their products. In emergency cases, authorities are forced to offer rewards to owners of large farms who are ready to give up their occupation. But, oddly enough, there are usually very few such volunteers.

Our brothers are no less

It is not surprising that for the average Dutchman a horse is not only a pet and an indispensable assistant in difficult peasant work. For residents of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this is one of the main members of the family. The tradition of locating stables not far from the house fully confirms this thesis. It is to this animal that the Dutch owe their stable well-being, based on a prosperous agricultural economy.

Universal horse breed

The number of horses in Holland far exceeds the population of this country. Even official statistics find it difficult to name the exact number of livestock of these animals. However, in the country where the Dutch Warmblood horse breed was born, there are practically no large stud farms. Breeding this breed lies almost entirely on the shoulders of representatives of medium-sized businesses.

Initially, these animals were intended exclusively for agricultural labor, in which they were used for draft work. To improve the quality of the species, local horses were usually crossed with breeds imported from France and England. At the same time, progress in development also occurred through the mixing of the blood of animals from different regions of the Netherlands. Horses bred in regions with sandy soil had characteristics ideal for riding, while those from areas with denser soil were distinguished by their large dimensions and more developed muscles.

Big sport

Offspring obtained from representatives of these two different types, inherited the best traits of her parents. Thus, it was derived new breed Dutch warmblood horses, excellently suited for participation in equestrian sports, which became widespread in Holland when the advent of agricultural machinery made it possible to free some of the livestock from working in the fields.

Distinctive features

The breed has a wide variety of colors. There are individuals of both dark and light colors.
Representatives of the breed have equally well developed front and hind legs.
Animals have a noble profile inherited from

If you look at a photo of horses of the Dutch warmblood breed, the following external features immediately catch your eye: unusually expressive eyes and neat welded ears, large nostrils, a neck that thickens closer to the base.

However, the neck of these animals is distinguished by its grace, mobility and lightness. The muscular back has ideal contours for sport riding. In describing the Dutch Warmblood horse breed, it is important to mention that the withers of these first-class athletes have a barely noticeable outline that merges with the neck. The loin is distinguished by its power with a rather wide belly, with rounded ribs. The hind limbs are small in size for thoroughbred horses. This trait was inherited from purebred horses.

Purity of the breed is not the main thing

Warmblood horses are a breed that combines the qualities of horses intended for harness riding and the characteristics of riding horses. These animals are obtained by crossing several varieties that have the properties listed above. The title of sports horses has long been attached to the name of the breed. And this is not surprising. These horses are really good in almost all types of equestrian sports, as they have the necessary running qualities, and they are also distinguished by such important properties as quick learning, calm disposition and quick obedience to the owner.

At the same time, warm-blooded breeds cannot be considered among the fully formed ones, since in order to improve driving qualities, fresh blood from other, mainly European relatives is periodically infused.

Despite this fact, horses of the Dutch warmblood breed of black, piebald, gray and other colors are invariably in demand and are indispensable participants in the vast majority of equestrian competitions. This variety is recognized as one of the most promising by most experts around the world.

The best of the best

Specialists involved in breeding horses of this breed rely in their activities on the latest scientific research in the field of biology and are guided by carefully developed breeding programs.

Purposeful breeding of the variety began at the end of the 19th century with the advent of the first union of Dutch horse breeders. At the same time, the ancestor of the Dutch Warmblood was bred. This animal had best qualities two leading local breeds. Moreover, the advantages inherited on both sides showed themselves to the highest degree. The horse had hitherto unprecedented endurance and extreme courage - an extremely rare character trait for horses. Speed performance also exceeded the expectations of specialists.

Secret of success

To breed horses that have all the necessary qualities for equestrian sports, Dutch horse breeders use an extremely strict system of selecting individuals of both sexes. As a result of this, offspring are born that are distinguished by good health, excellent physical characteristics and external beauty.

The selection system applies to both horses and females. Three-year-old mares undergo a mandatory examination, as a result of which the most worthy ones are selected based on two indicators - external data, correctness and running speed. The names of the best of the best are included in a special list. In this case, the horses receive a special brand with the image of the quality mark of Dutch horse breeding - a lion. The dream of all Dutch specialists in this field is for their horses to win the regional selection and become participants in the national competition. According to the terms of this competition, each mare is awarded an assessment for external data, as well as for the purity of the pedigree and physical fitness, shown during the races.

Selection of stallions

No less stringent selection criteria are applied to horses. To be included in the list of male sires, it is not enough for a stallion to simply have spectacular external characteristics and be well-developed physically; it is necessary to show excellent results in competitions for several more years.

Even after the stallion’s name has been included in a special list of those worthy of continuing the population of the Dutch Warmblood breed, he must annually confirm this right by passing additional commissions. Only males whose contribution to the development of the offspring is recognized as indisputable receive the mark “selected”. The highest honor for a stallion is to be awarded the "Preferred" mark. But only a few receive this title.

The Dutch Warmblood horse breed, like any other breed, is more demanding in terms of living conditions in relation to outbred horses. On this moment There are three known methods of keeping horses.

The life of horses in a herd - the closest thing to natural conditions way of life of a horse. Also, this method does not require particularly large expenses. Horses live year-round outside any premises, in the open air. Only pregnant and lactating mares are allowed to take shelter in bad weather in non-monumental premises.

The rest of the herd finds shelter from the elements in the natural environment.

Although this method of keeping horses is the most economical, it is not suitable for areas with harsh climatic conditions.

For large stud farms the perfect way Horse keeping is a method in which animals are kept in stables during the cold season, and in the warm season they go out for long grazing.

All three methods are suitable for the Dutch Warmblood breed.

The following requirements must be met for the arrangement of stables:

The stable should be located in elevated areas to avoid possible flooding in rainy weather and floods.
It is best to decorate the inside of a stable with natural materials.

Nutrition

What does the Dutch Warmblood horse breed eat? This question undoubtedly worries horse breeders who are planning to add new inhabitants to their stables.

This is, of course, important, since for all its endurance, this breed is extremely demanding in maintaining a regular diet and freshness of food for feeding. It should be remembered that no, even the best balanced diet unable to replace horses' nutrition with fresh grass at pasture.

Animals that participate in sports can add legumes to their food, as these products contain the required amount of protein.

However, it should be kept in mind that overfeeding pets can have a negative impact on their well-being.

Before you get a breed, you should read the special literature on the topic “Dutch Warmblood horse breed and how to care for it.”

The world of equestrian sports can be compared to the world of automobile competitions. For each type of competition you will need your own car: for Formula 1 racing - a light and fast car, for rallying - passable and durable SUVs. In the same way, in equestrian sports over many years a whole group of horse breeds with a certain specialization has been formed. For example, for horse racing, the Hanoverian horse will be indispensable for show jumping, and the Holstein horse breed will be indispensable for dressage. But we invite you to find out which European breeds form the basis of modern equestrian sport.

The Holstein riding horse breed is considered one of the oldest riding breeds in Europe and dates back to the 14th century in Northern Germany. The birthplace of the breed is considered to be the Traventhal stud farm in Schleiswig-Holstein, founded in 1867. Holsteins were not always excellent sports horses, as they were originally bred for tournaments and battles. In the 19th century, after the infusion of blood from Yorkshire post horses, Holsteins acquired a characteristic noble bearing and running manner with their shoulders raised high. They began to be used in crews and a little later in cavalry.

After World War II, the demand came for high-quality riding horses, so the blood of purebred riding and Trakehner breeds was added to the stately and strong Holsteins. As a result, Holstein horses became lighter, their carriage stroke was reduced and their shoulders improved. And although the influence of English blood could have brought excessive excitability to the German horses, this did not happen. Holsteins have a calm and reserved disposition, making them excellent equestrian horses.

Exterior

Holstein horses are strong and tall, the average height at the withers is about 170-172 cm. Describing the exterior of these horses, experts note the following striking features:

an oblong noble head with expressive eyes;
straight or slightly convex profile;
the neck is long, high, but wide at the base;
the back is sloping, muscular, turning into a wide, strong croup;
The legs are high, muscular with strong joints. Experts note that Holsteins have an exemplary set of legs;
Among the colors, the most common are bay, black, and less often gray and red.

Usage

The primacy of Holstein horses in equestrian sports is undeniable: they are among the top five the best horses for show jumping and dressage and always occupy the top lines in the lists of tournaments. The history of the Olympic Games includes many names of famous Holsteiners. For example, just remember the bay gelding named Meteor, who won three olympic medals in show jumping. However, due to their strong constitution and flexible nature, Holstein horses are also used in driving.

Oldenburg breed

The Oldenburg riding horse breed is the largest and heaviest of all German breeds and was bred for carriage carriages on the basis of the Friesian. The Oldenburg horse owes its name to Count Anton Gunther von Oldenburg, who first began to cross local horses with those brought from Italy and Spain. A little later, the blood of English thoroughbreds, Cleveland bays, Normans and Hanoverians was introduced to the breed. As a result, we managed to get a strong, slender horse with a height of at least 173 cm at the withers.

At the beginning of the 20th century, carriages gave way to road transport and the appearance of Oldenburg horses was changed to meet the demands of the time. Additional infusions of blood from French Selleys and English thoroughbreds made it possible to obtain more graceful, but still large, versatile horses.

Exterior

Looking at these stately horses, you involuntarily notice the heritage of the Friesian ancestors: a powerful, muscular physique, long body, strong legs with large hooves. From the Hanoverans, the Oldenburgs inherited the hook-nosed profile. The most striking features of the breed are the graceful carriage of the neck, the convex back, smoothly turning into a wide muscular croup, muscular forearms, short wide pasterns, powerful hocks, and a high base of the tail. Among the colors, the most common are dark ones: black, dark bay, brown.

All Oldenburg horses have a distinctive mark in the form of the letter “O” with a crown.

Usage

Modern Oldenburgs specialize as riding horses for equestrian sports, but they can confidently be called universal horses. They have an innate predisposition for harness riding, and also have a lot of strength to become a good helper in agriculture. High step and beautiful posture makes them ideal for dressage, and strong legs, muscular croup help to be excellent show jumpers. We offer you to verify this in the video where the Oldenburg horse is presented (video from the Oleg Voskovets channel).

Dutch Warmblood

Holland is proud of its centuries-old tradition of horse breeding and direct proof of this is the Dutch Warmblood horse breed. Today it occupies a leading position in the ranking of the best European breeds. Before the outbreak of World War II, Holland had two breeds that were used for agriculture - the Groningen and the Gelderland. The Groningen had a working heavy draft type, the Gelderland were more elegant and agile. Based on these two breeds, the Dutch Warmblood horse was subsequently bred.

To improve their riding qualities, the blood of Holsteins, French Sels, and purebred English riding horses was infused into the Dutch horses. The first stud book of the breed was created in 1970, although horses have been registered since 1887. In 1988, the stud book received royal status.

Exterior

The modern Dutch horse is beautifully built and tall - up to 175 cm at the withers. The general exterior has the following characteristic features:

a noble head with an attentive expression;
slanted shoulders, well defined withers;
the chest is deep and wide;
strong back, muscular croup;
high legs with broad bone and short pasterns;
the color is predominantly brown and bay.

The old type of horse has a distinctive mark on the thigh in the form of a rearing lion. Today, animal branding is prohibited, but purebred horses must wear a special microchip.

Usage

The highly effective Dutch selection system has led to the fact that the relatively young breed has gained the status of one of the best European riding breeds for competitions. high level in dressage, show jumping and even horse racing. The history of the breed can already boast of great achievements. For example, the stallion Olympic Ferro first showed himself well in show jumping, and then won prizes at the Olympic Games in dressage. Not surprisingly, the Dutch Warmblood is used to breed other riding horses in America, Great Britain and Australia. Gelding Otentic won three Olympic medals. And such names as Hickstead, Totilas, Parsival are familiar to all equestrian sports fans.

In Holland, national holidays for the Dutch Warmblood horses are held - in August “KWPN Horse Day” and in February “KWPN Stallion Show”. The country earns more than 1.5 billion euros annually from equestrian sports.

Westphalian - Queen of Show Jumping

If Hanoverians are the kings of show jumping, then its closest relative, the Westphalian horse breed, is the queen. It was bred in northwestern Germany in the region of North Westphalia. Despite the ancient tradition of horse breeding in Westphalia, the breed is considered young. The first stud book was created only in 1904. The center for breeding Westphalians was the famous state nursery in Warendorf, where today it is located national federation equestrian sport in Germany.

The Westphalian breed has come a long way in its development from an ordinary peasant heavy horse to a high-class riding horse. At first, local Hanoverian and Trakehner horses were used in selection, then the blood of Oldenburgs, Anglo-Normans and even trotters was used. But the main point in the formation of modern Westphalians was still set by the Hanoverians, which is why the two breeds have common stud books.

Exterior

Modern Westphalian horses noble, elegant, powerful and stately, like Hanoverians. Height at the withers on average ranges from 160 to 168 cm. Westphalians are distinguished by their noble head with a straight profile, a well-formed middle neck, high withers, and a wide but deep body. Like the Hanoverians, they have a muscular, long croup and a wide loin, and strong, dry legs. However, these horses differ from their counterparts in greater elegance and lightness.

Usage

The Westphalian breed is today designated as a universal riding horse for sport and active rest. From the Hanoverians she adopted all the necessary qualities for high-class show jumping, which has been proven in practice. Also among the specializations of the breed are eventing and dressage.

Among the most famous horses of this breed, it is worth mentioning the Olympic champion Rembrandt, who for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games won two individual gold medals in dressage. Fire is a famous show jumper who won the world championship in 1978 and Olympic champion in dressage Achlerich.

The Dutch Warmblood is a breed of sport horse. Warmblood horses are a cross between purebred horses (English Saddlebred and Arabian) and draft horses and are bred by crossing them. The term “sports horse” explains the main purpose of this breed - participation in serious-level competitions (up to international) in disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, eventing and even driving.

Most warm-blooded breeds are still in their developmental stages. In fact, they are not as purebred as Thoroughbreds, Arabian or other riding breeds. They do not have closed studbooks (breeding books). Other breeds are often included in the process of crossing, which greatly complicates the recognition of their purebred, but speeds up the process of evolution of the breed, improving its qualities and establishing itself as a successful and popular breed. The Dutch Warmblood is no exception.

This sporting breed takes its roots from German horse breeding. French and English horses were crossed with local breeds. Roots The Dutch Warmblood originated in two regions at once. Netherlands - Gelderland and Groningen. Gelderland is the center of Holland, with predominantly sandy soil, which determined the development of horse breeding here. In Groningen, where the terrain was rougher, larger horses were required. Breeders from both regions successfully used their neighbors' horses to produce improved crosses. The success of selection was explained by the common homeland and corresponding genetic compatibility.

The sale of horses was one of the main sources of income for Dutch farmers, so the practice of horse breeding in this country is particularly demanding and even strict. Horses with deficiencies, whether in conformation, performance, or psyche, were immediately culled, making this breed one of the best in modern times. The mechanization of agriculture has led to the uselessness of such a number of working horses on farms. Therefore, horse breeding began to develop in the direction of sport.

Using the best of the oldest breed lines, breeders have increased their emphasis on the development of riding horses. Purebred stallions from France, Holsteins and Hanovers from Germany were used as improvers. Of the Dutch horses, only the best, time-tested representatives were carefully selected. However, the draft horses of Groningen, as well as the light horses of Gelderland, continued to be bred. Thus, currently the Dutch Warmblood horse is divided into three main categories: sports, draft and traditional Gelderland.

These horses have a great ability to learn. The combination of intelligence with exterior beauty made them famous. Enough short term The improved Dutch horse entered the elite of world equestrian sport. Possessing some of the best, fit personalities, stamina and athleticism, it gained popularity and spread to many corners of the earth. Dutch horses compete and win under the flags of many countries, right up to the Olympic Games.

Breed characteristics

Danish Warmblood horses have an average height of 165 to 172cm. The color is bay, black or gray with white markings on the face or legs. The head has regular features with a straight profile. The neck with a smooth mane is arched, muscular and smoothly merges into a beautiful high withers. The back line is straight and long. The croup is short, wide and low set. The tail point comes out high. The chest is deep and wide. The legs are strong with pronounced long forearms. Rear end The croup is heavily muscled, a quality acquired from past Dutch horses and determining their ability to perform powerful movements.

Sports horse
The Dutch Warmblood breed allows you to show highest results in modern dressage and show jumping. These are charming, very diligent and intelligent horses.

Draft horse
The unique Dutch draft horse allows you to participate in driving competitions and be used as an easy draft horse. She exhibits good slow movement at the trot, with good front leg movement at the knees and maintaining a powerful pushing action in the hind legs. This combination allows the crews to confidently move even with high long neck, which makes the Dutch draft horse unique in its class.

Gelderland type

Along with the merger of all local stud books and the formation of a single organization of Dutch horse breeders, some breeders decided not to follow modern trends in the development of horse breeding, but to continue working with the traditional farm draft horse - the Gelderlander.KWPN ( KoninklijkeVerenigingWarmbloedPaardenstamboekNederland) has created special instructions that will allow you to preserve the original Dutch type of draft horse. Classic lines with a well-developed front and excellent performance qualities appeal to a large number of horse owners. Compliance, ability, diligence and good nature allow her to be used both in harness and under saddle. This determined its great practical importance in the economy.

Selection system

The strict system of selection and development of the breed is explained by the ongoing scientific research, strict maintenance of statistics, tracking of the latest scientific achievements other horse breeders. In addition, Holland's own rich horse-breeding history and agriculture have innate positive traits horses of this country.

To assess the quality of the breed, organized breeding tests are constantly carried out. However, unlike many Warmblood breeds, Dutch Warmblood horses are not immediately included in the studbook. They are evaluated by a commission at the age of three years and older, and only after that, based on the demonstrated working and exterior qualities, can they be included in the Stud Book.

The evaluation and selection system for Dutch stallions is one of the most stringent in the world. Even after being entered into the stud book, they are required to undergo annual re-evaluation in order to be allowed to be used in work to improve the Dutch Warmblood breed. Only stallions that have made undeniable positive changes in selection receive a classification markkeur(selected) . Horse's highest markpreferent (preferred). Stallions who received such titlesAmor, Doruto, Joost, LuckyBoyAndNimmerdor.

Mares are also marked according to their value in the development of the breed. They are marked with stars for special positive qualities. The mare can getkeur, if she has given birth to a foal that shows excellent jumping and dressage abilities in the test. MarkPreferent The award is given to the mare that has produced at least three foals with excellent obedience and movement. If at least three of the mare's offspring have also received top sire marks, that horse is awarded the titleprestatie .

Organization of horse breeders

Royal Stud Book of the Warmblood Dutch Breed ( KWPN, Koninklijke Vereniging Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland ) is registered and intended for the registration of Dutch sport horses and dates back to the 19th century. It contains rules and recommendations for breeding horses, regulations for events and the administrative structure of this organization. The stud book of the Dutch Warmblood breed itself is over 100 years old. King William II founded it in 1887 and thereby laid the foundation for the organized development of this horse breed. Organization KWPN formed in 1969 by merging local stud books and were elevated to the rank of royal (K) in 1988 by Queen Beatrix.

A horse is a beautiful, strong animal that you can’t help but admire. With her grace, nobility, speed and endurance, she won many fans and connoisseurs around the world.

There are currently big number breeds of horses specially bred and trained for different purposes and purposes. Some are used in agriculture, others are used for leisure and entertainment. There are also breeds that are intended for equestrian sports.

The Dutch Warmblood is one of these. Description of the breed, characteristics and history of the appearance of the breed are further in the article.

What kind of animal is that? When and why was it developed? And how is it used now? Let's figure it out.

Warm-blooded horses. What are they?

To breed new breeds, to improve the basic properties and qualities of noble horses, crossing or, simply, mating of individuals belonging to different breeds. This process occurs under human supervision and is carried out using scientific knowledge and calculations.

A warmblood horse is a fairly new breed of horse, bred by crossing purebred and draft animals. Since many species and subspecies were involved in this process, a warmblood horse is not considered a purebred and does not have a personal stud book. It still continues to evolve and improve.

This also applies to the Dutch Warmblood horse.

Breed personality

This horse is classified as a sport horse. Participates in international competitions such a serious level as show jumping, eventing, dressage and driving.

Thanks to its popularity, first-class characteristics and rave reviews from owners and hobbyists, the Dutch Warmblood has achieved worldwide recognition and has been awarded the honor of having a stud book, a rarity among its class.

Nowadays, an entire expert program has been created designed to identify and select each individual to belong to a given breed. All selected animals, distinguished by special properties and ideal characteristics, are recorded in the “family” book, after which a special brand is placed on them. The horse brand represents the figure of the king of beasts, depicted standing on his hind legs.

How did this breed appear? We will talk about this further.

A little history

The origin of the Dutch Warmblood was due to the fashion for horse riding, which appeared in Holland in the mid-nineteenth century. From the very beginning, in this country, preference was given to draft horses - nondescript, but powerful and invulnerable, suitable for hard work. And yet, thanks to the widespread passion for beautiful racing stallions, some large stud farms decided to develop their own special breed.

The first stage was the crossing of two German breeds - Gelderlander and Groningen. Applicants were brought from Great Britain, the United States and France. Each individual underwent a thorough competition and selection.

Then they decided to cross the mares obtained from this mating with Trakehner stallions, and the Gelderlander and Groningen stallions were combined with Holstein mares. Later, other excellent and famous breeds were also involved in the selection process - Westphalian, Hanoverian and Oldenburg. Thanks to this, an impressive result was achieved - the Dutch Warmblood became the standard of perfection: graceful and strong, fast and resilient. All these qualities were combined in one breed, which at that time became an unusual and pleasant innovation.

Thanks to this, already in 1959 the Dutch Warmblood received a stud book. Twenty years later, the breed's selection was revised and improved. As a result, the directors of stud farms removed from their arsenal all female animals that did not meet the new standards and indicators. To replace them, genetically correct mares with impeccable characteristics and properties were brought from far abroad. They entered into the selection process, and within ten years the Dutch Warmblood horse was recognized as a true “royal” breed.

Environment of use

From the very beginning, the breed was intended for equestrian sport. Therefore, now its representatives are fully participating in sports games international class and show best results in competitions with obstacles and demonstration dressage.

Also, the Dutch Warmblood takes part in many national sports and entertainment events, performing brilliantly with solo and group numbers at all kinds of shows and concerts.

Species selection

The selection of animals for further selection is carried out in accordance with accepted norms and standards. Modern competition is very serious and in-depth. This is necessary to prevent genetic defects and prevent degeneration of the breed.

This is how mares are selected: females undergo medical examinations (X-rays, biomaterial analysis) to identify hidden defects and diseases, and are also subjected to physical stress and tests to assess their abilities and skills.

The suitability of stallions for crossing is determined by even more stringent conditions. First of all, their appearance and health are assessed. Then they pay attention to running qualities and suitability for sports competitions.

The character of an individual specimen (obedience to orders, instant reflexes, natural talent and grace, temperament) plays a significant role in selection.

Objective description of the breed

What can be said about the detailed characteristics of the Dutch Warmblood?

Her physique is distinguished by its proportionality, smooth profile and classic contours of the entire figure.

The height of a horse at the withers ranges between 165 and 172 cm. Specimens above this limit are considered professionally unsuitable for equestrian sports, since the greater the height of the animal, the greater the load on its legs and joints.

In terms of color, the Dutch Warmblood is varied in color and pattern. These can be bay and black horses, red and gray, plain or with white spots on different parts of the body.

This breed is characterized by a wide and strong chest, a short, low-set croup, strong and muscular legs. It is distinguished by a light, correctly set gait, moves gracefully at a trot and gallop, while capturing a large space.

By temperament, Dutch horses are submissive and efficient, friendly and loyal, and in difficult situations they can show unprecedented courage and bravery. They have good health and enviable endurance, so they are rarely exposed to diseases and adapt perfectly to various climatic and weather conditions.

What are General requirements and rules for caring for horses of this breed? Let's find out further.

There are several methods for breeding horses:

Herd. This method is the cheapest and simplest. It involves keeping animals in natural conditions. Round-the-clock grazing of the herd in fields and meadows, light shelters from bad weather for nursing mares and breeding males - this is a brief description of this technique.
Stable-pasture. This method is used by large horse breeders, as it involves dividing the herd into small groups based on age, gender and target considerations. Animals are kept in stable stalls, and in the warm season they graze on special pastures delimited by low fences.
Konyushenny. This option consists of spacious, well-insulated stables, divided into separate stalls, as well as fenced areas for walking.

As you can see, the latter method is the most preferable for breeding sports horses. It is he who provides an individual approach and maximum care for the animal, taking into account its characteristics and build.

Thoroughbred horses, including Dutch Warmbloods, require the highest level of comfort and attention.

Stable

What should you consider before building a stable for representatives of the sporting breed from Holland?

First of all, you need to choose the right location: the building must be built on a hill in order to avoid spring flooding and excessive dampness.

The building itself must be built spacious and bright, away from places of possible fires and other dangers. It is recommended to carefully insulate the building, take care of high-quality ventilation and the absence of drafts.

It is best to build a stable from real wood and whitewash it with lime. In the future, it is very important to keep the room clean and not clutter.

The size of the stall for Dutch warmbloods should be at least fourteen square meters, and the height of the walls should be about two and a half meters.

Proper placement of feeders and drinkers is also important. They should be at chest level for each individual horse.

How should this breed be fed?

Nutrition

Despite endurance, strength and sports achivments, Dutch warmbloods have a very vulnerable digestive system, therefore, when feeding them, you should scrupulously adhere to certain standards:

The number of meals should not exceed three or four per day and should be taken exactly within the allotted time.
When creating a menu, you should take into account gender, age and physical activity animal.
Feed should be used fresh and of high quality, prepared in accordance with the rules and recommendations.
It is best to give water immediately before feeding; its optimal temperature varies between eight and twelve degrees.
The majority of the daily diet should consist of fortified foods, which will facilitate rapid digestion of foods.

Here is the approximate daily portion of food per head:

Compound feed (cereals) - 4 kilograms.
Meadow hay - 4 kilograms.
Raw root vegetables (beets, carrots) - 0.5 kilograms.
(fresh grass) - 2 kilograms.
Straw - up to 1 kilogram.
Steamed potatoes - up to 1 kilogram.

This diet is given taking into account the average load. If the horses pass intensive training, then you can add some legumes. And, of course, do not forget about natural walking.

Features of care

Dutchies, like most sport horses, require careful grooming.

First of all, this means regular bathing (every five days) using specialized soap and shampoo. The water for these procedures should be cold, but not icy.

It is best to bathe animals in a natural pond or pool. But if this is not possible, hoses or buckets will do (the main thing is not to get it in your ears and nostrils).

During the washing process, it is important to rub the wool with a brush.

After each training session, the horse's feet should be washed thoroughly, without using detergents.

Finally

As you can see, Dutch Warmbloods are a very beautiful and hardy breed that requires care and attention. If you comply general rules and instructions for caring for these horses - they for a long time will delight their owners with a healthy appearance and brilliant sporting victories.