The Dutch Warmblood is a horse breed that is known for its athleticism and versatility.
They are used in a variety of disciplines, from dressage to show jumping.
If you are looking to learn more about this beautiful breed, keep reading!
Dutch Warmblood Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Dutch Warmblood:
| Height (size) | 15.5 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Black, bay, brown, gray, and chestnut, but tobiano patterns are seen as well, and white markings are common |
| Country of Origin | The Netherlands |
| Common Uses | Jumping, dressage, eventing |
Dutch Warmblood Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Dutch warmblood horse’s ancestry dates back prior to World War II.
At that time, the Gelderlander was an elegant horse of medium stature that was bred as a carriage and draft horse.
The Groningen was a larger, heavy-set horse used primarily in agriculture.
These two native Dutch breeds, in addition to several imported breeds like the Thoroughbred, Holsteiner, Hanoverian, Trakehner and Selle Français, contributed to the development of the modern Dutch warmblood.
Following the end of World War II, automobiles and tractors were taking the place of horses such as the Gelderlander and Groningen.
Thus, the focus of horse breeding shifted to the creation of horses specifically for sport and recreational use.
People still desired a horse that was robust and obedient enough to help with agricultural labor, but they also wanted it to be attractive and graceful so that it could be used to pull carriages and for riding.
The result was the very versatile Dutch warmblood.
Three types of Dutch Warmblood horses are now recognized by the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN): the athletic sport horse, the elegant harness horse, and the original working horse type – the Gelderland.
Dressage and show jumping are two equestrian disciplines in which Dutch Warmbloods are commonly seen competing at the highest levels.
With over 22,000 members and around 10,000 foals registered annually, the KWPN is one of the biggest horse studbooks in the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Dutch Sport Horse”, “KWPN”
Temperament/Personality
Easy to work with, intelligent, easygoing
Physical Characteristics
The head is refined, and the profile is usually straight.
The neck is long, arched and muscular, and the withers are somewhat prominent.
The chest and the girth are steep.
The shoulder is sloped giving them a flatter and longer action.
The hindquarters are powerful.
Legs are strong, and the hock joints are low to the ground.
Colors
Black, bay, brown, gray, and chestnut, but tobiano patterns are seen as well, and white markings are common
Height (size)
15.5 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
Average 1,430 lbs (650 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Jumping, dressage, eventing
Health
Arthritis and other joint issues
Popular Traits
Versatile sport horses
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
The Netherlands
Ancestors
Gelderlander, Groningen, and later Thoroughbred, Holsteiner, Hanoverian, Trakehner, Selle Français