The Belgian Warmblood is a versatile horse breed that is used for a variety of purposes, from show jumping to dressage.
They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and good temperament.
If you are thinking about buying a Belgian Warmblood, or just want to learn more about them, this article is for you!
Belgian Warmblood Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Belgian Warmblood:
| Height (size) | 15.1 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Even though they may come in various colors, including pinto, the most common are gray, chestnut, bay, brown and black. |
| Country of Origin | Belgium |
| Common Uses | Show jumping, eventing, dressage, show hunting |
Belgian Warmblood Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
A studbook for the Belgian Warmblood horse was founded by the rural cavalry in 1937.
In addition to being used in war, the horses were used to teach and entertain young people in Belgium, who competed to show off their horsemanship skills.
Initially, they used whatever horses they could get their hands on, but as time went on, breeders began to produce horses specifically for these types of competitions.
In order to do this, they crossed Belgian Draft horses with different types of trotting horses and Thoroughbreds.
However, at the time, the only kind of horses that were allowed to be bred in Belgium were work horses.
This was done as part of a national effort to preserve the Belgian Draft Horse, which meant that these newly cross-bred saddle horses were, to say the least, controversial.
Belgian breeders were quick to develop an athletic saddle horse after the government overturned this ruling in 1954.
Today, Belgian Warmbloods are frequently seen competing at international-level show jumping competitions, but they can also be great eventers, dressage mounts, and show hunters.
If they are to be used for breeding, Belgian Warmblood horses must first pass a strict studbook selection process.
For instance, the examination required to obtain a license for a young stallion includes a veterinary checkup as well as conformation assessment, free-jumping, and under-saddle evaluations.
The motto of the Belgian Warmblood studbook is ‘bred to perform’.
Belgian Warmbloods are identified by their left thigh’s studbook brand, which features a pinwheel of horse heads.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Willing to please, trainable, courageous, spirited, but pleasant
Physical Characteristics
The body is compact and muscular with a good, solid bone, sloping shoulders, and deep chest.
The hindquarters are powerful, and the neck is elegant and relatively long.
The legs are clean, strong with well formed hooves.
Their head is refined and elegant.
Colors
Even though they may come in various colors, including pinto, the most common are gray, chestnut, bay, brown and black
Height (size)
15.1 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
16.0 – 17.0 hh
Mares
At least 15.1 hh
Weight
Arounds 1,300 lb (600 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Mainly show jumping, but also eventing, dressage and show hunting
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Very athletic
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Belgium
Ancestors
Dutch Warmblood, Gelderland horse, Selle Français, Hanoverian, Holsteiner.
Later, Anglo-Arab and Thoroughbred bloodlines were also introduced.