Horses

Like the Danish warmblood, the The Dutch Warmblood is another example of how a rigorously strict and guarded breeding program can bring about the creation of an excellent sport horse in a? relatively short period of time.

BREED HISTORY
Dutch breeders started by crossing the Gelderlander(known for having good forlegs, chest and shoulders) and the Groningen(known for their powerful rears) two create a horse with the best of both these breeds. Thoroughbreds were then introduced to the breed to add speed.? The throughbreed blood introduction saw the Dutch Warmblood developing more sloping shoulder, and a longer neck and thus a flatter, longer, faster and more economical action and greater speed.? Likely the thoroughbred blood also increased the mental stamina and bravery.

Resulting progeny was bred back with the related warmbloods - the Oldenburger, Trakehner and Hanoverian to adjust minor conformational points and ensure the kept their characteristic calm temperament over the more flighty one of the thoroughbred.

CHARACTERISTICS
The result of all this careful breeding is a horse of excellent riding conformation having a straight, limber action with good limbs and feet (other warmbloods not being known for this last trait) Standing on average at ?1.63 m (16 hh), The Dutch Warmblood is usually bay or brown. They are calm even temperament horses.

The are excellent show jumpers, the breed boasting several world class jumpers such as the stallion, Marius. Dutch Warmbloods have also performed at top level in the dressage arena, Jennie Loriston Clarke won a world championship bronze medal on the stallion Dutch Courage.? They are not as suited to cross - country events, however Dutch Warmblood - Thoroughbred crosses are.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
In Holland horses are classed as agricultural animals and their owners benefit accordingly, as breeding is strictly controlled by the State-aided Warmblood Paardenstamboek Nederland. This body ensures rigorous quality selection based on physical assessment and competition performance testing. Even privately owned stallions may not be used for breeding unless they have undergone a comprehensive performance test. They must show trong abilities in jumping, cross-country trials, as well as patience, bravery and an even temperament.? Sometimes they are also required to demonstrate harness work (the Dutch also breed a warmblood carriage horse, in addition to the Gelderlander)

Over 14,000 mares are mated each year and though less aggressively so than stallions, they are also tested, with great emphasis being placed on conformation, movement and temperament. Lastly, the performance of their progeny is monitored "?? not much point having a high quality horse who does not pass on their high quality genes.