The Dutch Warmblood: Even-Tempered Athleticism

Unlike many sport horse breeds, the Dutch Warmblood is bred with soundness, willingness and tractability foremost in the breeders' minds. Primarily descended from two earlier Dutch breeds, the Groningen and the Gerderlander, open crossings between those horses and Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Haflingers, and Trakehners—just to name a few—have resulted in a horse that excels in the sports to which it is dedicated, yet maintains the cool temperament of the draft horses from which it comes. To qualify for registry, horses must pass a keuring (judged competition) to ensure the qualities the breed treasures are upheld.

There are three main strains of Dutch Warmblood. Perhaps best known in North America is the riding horse type—known in Holland as Rijpaardtype—bred for mounted sports such as dressage and jumping. Success of this strain has been proven many times over in national and international competitions. More rare in the US and Canada, but just as successful worldwide, are the two driving types of Dutch Warmblood: the Tuigpaard (Dutch Harness Horse) and the Gelders.

At an average height of 16.1 hands with a deep chest and muscular body, the Dutch Warmblood is a natural for jumping ability, driving ability, strength and stamina. The perfect combination of "hot blooded" athleticism and "cold blooded" willingness make the Dutch Warmblood an ideal sport horse for anyone who wants to ride and show with an equine partner they can trust.

Information compiled by NWHS from www.nawpn.org, www.ansi.okstate.edu, and Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America by Judith Dutson. Pictured: Karen Brain and VDL Odette, photo by Nikki, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0.