Bavarian Warmblood

Looking for a horse that is as versatile as they come?

Check out the Bavarian Warmblood!

These horses are bred in Germany and are known for their ability to do everything from jumping to dressage.

If you’re looking for a horse that can do it all, the Bavarian Warmblood is perfect for you!

Keep reading to learn more about this breed of horse.

Bavarian Warmblood Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Bavarian Warmblood:

Height (size) 15.2 – 16.2 hands high
Colors Darker, solid colors are preferred, even though all colors are permitted
Country of Origin Germany
Common Uses Eventing, show jumping, dressage, combined driving, show hunting

Bavarian Warmblood Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The Bavarian Warmblood evolved from the Rottaler, a historic Bavarian breed.

Most Rottalers were docile, sturdy, versatile horses that could be used for everything from driving carriages to plowing fields and riding.

In 1907, a registry for Rottalers was established; however, in 1963, when the focus of breeding shifted to sport and competitive riding, the horses were renamed “Bavarian Warmblood”.

From the beginning, they were bred and raised to be Olympic-quality sport horses.

The Rottaler bloodlines were mixed with those of the Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Rhinelander, Westphalian, Württemberger, Saxony-Thuringian Warmblood, Trakehner, Oldenburg, Cleveland Bay, Norman, Budyonny, Dutch Warmblood and Thoroughbred.

Today, the studbook remains open.

However, careful breeding regulations ensure that pure Bavarian Warmblood stallions make up no less than 42% of the total breeding roster, and the Hosteiner (the oldest warmblood breed) contributes a further 42%.

Unlike breeds with a closed studbook, the Bavarian Warmblood does not have a single ‘type,’ and the breeding goals are athletic ability and temperament rather than a specific appearance.

Horses that are known to be difficult to handle, anxious, or aggressive are categorized as such and, in most cases, are not permitted to breed.

A crowned shield outside the letter B is branded on the left thigh of Bavarian Warmbloods.

In 1997, a stallion by the name of Lord Sinclair was sold at an auction in Germany for a grand total of 2.8 million francs, making him the most expensive horse in the world at the time!

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

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Temperament/Personality

Docile and intelligent

Physical Characteristics

Their gaits are rhythmic and energetic, with a long, elastic stride.

They are excellent jumpers and do well doing dressage as well.

The Bavarian Warmblood has the typical conformation of a sport horse, characterized by a clean, dry head and limbs, as well as an overall appearance that is refined and athletic.

Colors

Darker, solid colors are preferred, even though all colors are permitted

Height (size)

15.2 – 16.2 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

Up to 1,300 pounds (600 kg)

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

Eventing, show jumping, dressage, combined driving, show hunting

Health

Though mostly free of congenital diseases, Osteochondrosis (OCD) has been a health concern primarily because of their size and growth rate.

It is a developmental disease that affects the cartilage and bone in the joints of horses. 

Popular Traits

Multi-talented, excel in jumping and sports

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Germany

Ancestors

Rottaler, Hosteiner, Hanovarian, Trakehner, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, Norman, Oldenburg