Dutch Warmblood Horse Breed: The Competitive Equine Guide

The Dutch Warmblood horse is one of the most successful show breeds in the world. Since emerging from its native Dutch lands, this athletic horse has had a rich history, from dressage to show-jumping to casual riding. They are a fairly modern horse breed that has risen to greatness and fame in the equestrian world internationally.

 

Just over a hundred years ago, this long-legged horse was bred from the Gelderlander and Groningen breeds of The Netherlands. Their versatile build and demeanor allow people to use them recreationally and competitively. This middleweight sport horse breed has something to offer for every equestrian, so let's meet the powerful Dutch Warmblood!

 

 

Dutch Warmblood Horse Characteristics

Dutch Warmbloods have powerful, athletic, and elegant bodies. Breeders have refined them over generations with strict selection procedures.

 

The "warmblood" type of horse breed describes equines that have characteristics of both hot and cold-blooded breeds. Hot-blooded horses are light, fast, and often temperamental racehorses. Cold-blooded horses are large, well-muscled, gentle steeds bred for farm work or carriage driving.

 

Warmbloods fall between these hot and cold-blooded horses. They are medium-sized, well-rounded animals that are ambitious yet calm. Many of the breed's modern characteristics are defined by their warmblood quality.

 

Dressage horses should have a rectangular-shaped, long-lined, and well-proportioned body. Additionally, the horse must have prominent withers, symmetrical legs, and a long, upwardly arching neck.

 

 

 

 

Dutch Warmblood Horse Size

The average Dutch Warmblood horse stands 15-17 hands (60-68 inches) tall and weighs 1,430 pounds. These horses have to meet strict physical requirements if they are to be used for breeding. Mares under 15.5 hands (62 inches) tall and stallions under 15.75 hands (63 inches) don't qualify for breeding.

 

The Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN) of North America decides these physical requirements. The KWPN is the official studbook for the Dutch Warmblood breed. To preserve the horse's elegant conformation, the KWPN holds modern mares and stallions to these strict standards.

 

 

Dutch Warmblood Horse Personality

The Warmblood type of horse has a calm, balanced temperament. The strict breed standard for Dutch Warmbloods not only demands particular physical requirements. The horse must also possess a high level of ambition, intelligence, and personality.

 

For example, the breeding requirements for the temperament of Dutch Warmbloods that compete in dressage are:

 

• Of willing, hardworking, and honest character
• Willing to perform
• Easy to handle
• Quick to react to aids

 

For more information on Dutch Warmblood standards, check out the KWPN website.

 

 

Dutch Warmblood History

Dutch Warmbloods hail from the Netherlands, though they were not the steeds of choice before World War II. The two native Dutch breeds of choice for farm work were the Gelderlander and Groningen. Separate equine registries regulated each horse. After the war, people bred horses for luxury more than work, so the two breeds merged.

 

The two registries that looked over the Gelderlander and the Groningen also combined. They formed the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland. This translates to the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands.

 

The Dutch Warmblood quickly showed that it could excel as a sport horse. The official breed organization for Dutch Warmbloods has four sections — the Gelderlander, the Dutch Harness Horse, dressage, and show-jumping horses.

 

These horses have not had as long a history as other breeds. Since they're relatively new, the studbook for Dutch Warmbloods is open. An "open" studbook means horses may be registered by their owners even if their lineage is undocumented within the official registry. Studbooks often close once breeders feel the horse is fully established.

 

 

How to Care for a Dutch Warmblood

Proper care is vital for horses, whether they be a sport horse or used for pleasure riding. High-quality hay, appropriate exercise, and regular grooming are necessary for horses of every use. Your horse doesn't have to be a world champion for you to treat them like one!

 

 

 

 

Dutch Warmblood Horse Training

The official Dutch Warmblood registry makes it easy for owners to train their horses based on what type of sport or event they compete in. Head over to KWPN's breed standard page for more information on what kind of training best suits your horse's form and character.

 

Dressage Warmbloods should have a four-beat walk, a two-beat trot, and a three-beat canter. They should also be able to lengthen and shorten their strides easily.

 

On the other hand, a harness horse does not need a two-beat trot or a three-beat canter. Jumping horses need to regularly maintain a horizontal body, which other show horses do not need.

 

Dutch Warmbloods of any sport should be successful in self-carriage. This refers to a well-balanced and smooth ride without any interference from the rider. Self-carriage is present in horses that are emotionally, mentally, and physically in tune, and it is a crucial skill for any sport horse to have.

 

Nutrition and Feeding for Dutch Warmblood Horse

Dutch Warmbloods require around 1-2% of their body weight in hay every day. You can introduce grains, fruits, and veggies as needed, though you should consider the specific conformation standards. Discuss a proper diet with a veterinarian to ensure your Warmblood gets all the nutrients it needs.

 

There are ways to prevent the development of joint diseases, such as osteochondritis dissecans. One prevention method is to give young warmbloods a balancer pellet. Balancer pellets provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. These pellets ensure the horse is getting its exact nutritional requirements.

 

Related: What Do Horses Eat? Top Feeding Guide for Healthy Horses

 

Coat Color And Grooming

Dutch Warmbloods are typically black, brown, bay, mahogany-bay, chestnut, or grey. Tobiano coat patterns exist in this breed, though only due to a single stallion. Breeders haven't used any other Dutch Warmblood stallions with a tobiano coat pattern. White markings are common and usually found on the legs and face.

 

To groom your Dutch Warmblood, first hose them down after training or a hard day of work. This practice reduces the number of flies that are attracted to the animal's sweat. Next, check their horseshoes and hooves for rocks, dirt, and other debris that may have gotten stuck in their feet.

 

Use an equine shampoo and a rubber scrubbing mitt to clean their bodies (up to the neck). Use a washcloth or facial brush past the neck. Search for any eye deformations, as these may disqualify your Dutch Warmblood from breeding.

 

Also, search for bumps, rashes, or other abnormalities on their bodies. Irregularities such as these, whether small or large, can indicate infection or other issues. If you see anything out of the ordinary, contact a veterinarian.

 

 

 

 

Dutch Warmblood Horse Health Problems

Through generations of selective breeding, Dutch Warmbloods have developed strong and resilient bodies. A horse registered with the studbook must adhere to the strict breed standards. Dutch Warmbloods may be disqualified from breeding if they have congenital eye defects, overbites, or underbites.

 

Additionally, these horses cannot breed if they have asymmetrical legs, hooves, hocks, or movement. These issues are often aesthetic and do not impact the daily wellbeing or comfort of the horse. Whether an issue needs fixing depends on your breeding goals. Asymmetry or an underbite might affect your studbook standing but are not severe health issues.

 

Arthritis and osteochondritis dissecans are the main health concern of this breed. Let's take a look at the ways you can spot, treat, and manage these conditions.

 

Arthritis

Also referred to as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, arthritis is common in many animals. This condition is caused by inflammation of joint tissues, and it takes years to develop.

 

Repeated motions like racing can deteriorate the joint cartilage, causing painful movements. Symptoms of arthritis include lameness, stiffness, joint swelling, and warm joints. To prevent arthritis, ensure your horse performs warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after training.

 

Watch the animal's weight, and avoid riding them over hard or pitted surfaces for long periods. There is no cure for arthritis, but anti-inflammatory medication can relieve the horse's pain.

 

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is of particular concern in younger Warmbloods. OCD is a growth-related condition that hinders the growth of cartilage, which connects joints. This stunted growth can result in lameness or restricted joint movement if not properly treated.

 

OCD symptoms include joint pain, locking, popping, and weakness. Other signs are swelling and tenderness around the skin of the joint and a decreased range of motion. Surgery is often an effective treatment for OCD.

 

Overfeeding a foal can cause OCD, especially with foods that have high amounts of sugar and starch. Additionally, diets that do not have enough minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc can cause this condition. Discuss a healthy diet with an equine veterinarian to ensure your horse receives all of the vitamins and minerals it needs.

 

 

How to Get a Dutch Warmblood Horse

So, where to find a horse? You can find Dutch Warmblood horses on EquineNow, the best online marketplace for the buying and selling of horses. They are often expensive. This is due to their rigorous, selective breeding and the fact that Warmbloods, in general, are incredibly versatile horses.

 

Dutch Warmblood horses should be registered with a horse organization. Registries ensure owners that the horse's lineage will be recorded. It also documents offspring and preserves the general wellbeing of the breed.

 

Registries are also referred to as "studbooks." The official organization for this breed is the Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America. The studbook is also referred to as the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN) of North America. Registering your horse with the KWPN also puts you into contact with other equestrians.

 

People don't usually ride Warmbloods until they are four or five years old. That means people put a lot of money into the feeding, medical care, and daily attention of these horses before they are ready to ride. You can find Dutch Warmbloods for under $1,000, but you can expect to spend around $10,000-$20,000 on a high-quality steed. If breeding is your aim, a Dutch Warmblood stallion or mare can cost as much as $135,000!

 

 

More About This Horse Breed

The Dutch Warmblood excels as a powerful sport horse and possesses a calm and dedicated temperament. Perhaps its Netherlands ancestors, the Gelderlander and Groningen, gave this steed such a talented, well-balanced physicality and personality. However you use your horse, the Dutch Warmblood has something to offer every equestrian!