A Dutch Warmblood is a warmblood type of horse registered with the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN), which governs the breeding of competitive dressage and show jumping horses, as well as the show harness horse and Gelderlander, and a hunter
studbook in North America. Developed through a breeding program that
began in the 1960s, the Dutch are some of the most successful horses
developed in postwar Europe.
History
Prior to World War II, there were two types of utility horse in the Netherlands: Gelderlanders bred in the south under the Gelderlander Horse Studbook (1925) and the Groningen
bred in the north under the NWP (1943). The Groningen was, and still
is, a heavy weight warmblood horse very similar in type to the
Alt-Oldenburger and East Friesian. The Gelderlander, by the same token,
was a more elegant variation on the same theme, being often a
high-quality carriage horse in addition to a useful agricultural horse.
And, while the Groningen were almost unwaveringly solid black, brown, or dark bay, the Gelderlanders were more often chestnut with flashy white markings. These two registries merged to form the Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN).
After
the Second World War, the Gelderlander and Groninger were replaced by
tractors and cars, and horses began to become a luxury rather than a
necessity. As early as the 1950s, stallions like the French-bred L'Invasion and Holsteiner Normann were imported to encourage a change in the type of Dutch horses, followed soon after by the Holsteiner Amor and Hanoverian Eclatant. The carriage-pulling foundation stockcontributed their active, powerful front ends and gentle dispositions to the Dutch Warmblood.
Today the KWPN comprises four sections: the Gelderlander, the Tuigpaard or Dutch Harness Horse, and riding horses bred for either dressageor show jumping.
Characteristics
Dutch law has made branding
illegal, so today only the oldest Dutch Warmbloods from the Netherlands
still bear the lion-rampant brand on the left hip. Instead, the horses
are microchipped. However, North American Dutch Warmbloods may still be
branded. To become a breeding horse, mares must stand at least 15.2hh and stallions at least 15.3hh at the withers. There is no upper height limit, though too-tall horses are impractical for sport and not desirable.
Most Dutch Warmbloods are black, brown, bay, chestnut, or grey, and white markings are not uncommon. The population also has a number oftobiano horses from the influence of the approved stallion Samber, though a second tobiano stallion has not been approved since. The roanpattern is also to be found occasionally through the approved stallion El Rosso.
Breeding
goals calls for dressage and showjumping horses to be suitable for
Grand Prix level riding, while hunter and harness horses should be able
to perform at the highest level in their sport. Strict selection procedures
ensure that bad-tempered stallions and mares do not go on to produce
unmanageable horses, however, the Dutch Warmblood is significantly more
sensitive than its Gelderlander and Groningen ancestors. Performance
test results allow breeders and buyers to identify horses with
amateur-suitable temperaments. All Dutch Warmbloods are selected to be
uncomplicated to handle and ride. Among the dressage horses,
cooperativeness is paramount as an element of the submission required in
that sport. From the show jumpers, a level of courage and reflexivity
is required to effectively navigate a course.
Since
the turn of the millennium, Dutch Warmblood breeding has shifted from
breeding a "riding horse" to further specialization into dressage type
and jumper type horses. The reason behind the choice for specialisation
is the negative genetic correlation
between the ability for dressage and show jumping. By dividing the
whole population in two subpopulations, faster genetic progress can be
achieved in both traits compared to simultaneous selection in the whole
population.
To
protect against losing canter quality in the dressage horse and
conformation, gaits and rideability in the jumper type, genetic material
continues to be freely exchanged between the two types.
The
Dutch Warmblood is long-legged but substantial with a smooth topline
and dry, expressive head. They are built level to uphill in a
rectangular frame. A number of traits are desirable in both directions,
such as "long lines" or a rectangular frame, "balanced proportions" and
attractiveness. The requirements for the two types differ in the desired
interior qualities, but also in form. The exact outline of the Dutch
Warmblood varies depending on the pedigree.
Medical issues
Dutch
Warmbloods are sound and long-lived due to the stringent requirements
placed on stallions and elite mares. While mild navicular changes,
sesamoids, pastern arthritis and bone spavin may be permitted on
radiographs, osteochondrosis in the hock or stifle is not allowed.
Horses are disqualified from breeding for congenital eye defects, over-
or underbite, or a lack of symmetry in stifles, hocks, hooves, or
movement.
Uses
No
registry produced more successful international show jumping horses
than the KWPN. In 2010, Dutch Warmbloods were ranked #1 in jumpingby the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). as well as in dressage. A few of the recent Olympic medalists bred in the Netherlands include Royal Kaliber, Montender, Authentic (Nimrod),Mac Kinley in 2004, De Sjiem in 2000 and Hickstead in 2008.
Recent Dutch Warmblood Olympic medal-winners in dressage include Ferro and Udon. The Dutch Warmblood stallion Moorlands Totilas
currently holds the world record for the highest dressage score in
Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage, and won three gold medals at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Eventing is not a priority for Dutch breeders, nevertheless there are a handful of Dutch Warmblood eventers on the international scene.
In North America, the Dutch Warmblood is a favorite choice for the hunter ring. Rox Dene, named "Hunter of the Century" by the Chronicle of the Horse, was sired by the Dutch Warmblood stallion Aristos B. The North American branch of the KWPN has begun selection for Dutch Hunter horses; one of the first approved stallions was Popeye K, himself a Dutch Warmblood. Rox Dene was later bred to Popeye K.
A Dutch warmblood stallion by the name of Uraeus was cast in the role of Brego in the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.