The Delightful Dutch (Dutch Warmblood Horse)

Member Name: sweetpea01

Product:	Dutch Warmblood Horse
Date:	17/08/09 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A power house

Disadvantages: None

When I first moved to my yard (1998) where I keep my horses now the only horse I can remember was a large 16.2hh bright bay Dutch Warmblood named Lucas. The imposing and intimidating animal was beautiful, a real credit to the breed and to his blood lines. He was bolshie, rude and arrogant and he knew it! The fact that his character was so bold made you love this horse instantly! Unfortunately Lucas passed away a few years later due to old age but ever since that horse I have been in love with this breed.

*~*~* History *~*~*

The Dutch Warmblood was developed in the early 20th Century, as a result of the shift of horses being used for primarily agricultural work to being used as riding and sport horses. Breeders first combined Holland's two indigenous breeds, the Genderlander, a carriage horse with a strong front end, and the heavy Groningen, with strong hindquarters. The resulting horses had power in both the front and the hind end, and then Thoroughbred blood was added to lighten the breed, supplying speed and stamina. The term 'warmblood' reflects this combination of slow, heavy 'cold-blooded' horses with the light and athletic Thoroughbred.

*~*~* The Horse Itself *~*~*

The Dutch Warmblood was selectively bred for soundness, good conformity and gaits, along with an excellent character and top performance ability. The term 'warmblood' reflects its combination. Two of Holland's indigenous breeds, the Gelderlander and the heavy Groningen, infused a strong front end and strong hindquarters. These slow, heavy 'cold-blooded' horses were combined with the light and athletic 'hot-blooded' Thoroughbred, resulting in this strong powerful warmblood with speed and stamina.

The breeding of Dutch Warmblood is strictly regulated by the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands) to ensure only horses of excellent conformation, character, and temperament are used in breeding. All breeding horses are evaluated for these qualities and stallions must undergo a strict selection process including tests in jumping, cross country, and occasionally harness work.

Though the Dutch Warmbloods are extremely athletic, they are also known for having calm and gentle personalities. They make wonderful companion horses and great riding horse for riders of all levels.

*~*~* It's Type *~*~*

The horse class the Dutch Warmblood primarily fits into is the 'hunter' type class, used for show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Due to its strength and heritage it is quite versatile however, with some other types being; the Show driving Type (also known as Tuigpaardtypeare) which is a high stepping show horse, and the Basic Type (also known as Basistype) which is closer to early versions of the Gelderlander and used for farming as well as driving and riding.

*~*~* Confirmation *~*~*

Dutch Warmbloods must be above 15.2 hands high to be registered. They usually stand between 16 and 17 hands high. Most Dutch Warmbloods are bay and brown, although all solid colours are found.

They have a Thoroughbred-type head on a fairly long, strong neck. They have a short, strong back, strong shoulders and hindquarters, and fairly long legs with short cannon bones. The withers are either level or higher than the loins, which helps them round through their top line in dressage and balance themselves onto their haunches when jumping.

*~*~* Horse Care and Feeding *~*~*

Dutch Warmbloods are generally large horses and will need substantially more roughage and grain than other horses. A good diet of roughage in the winter is essential, a good solid feed such as a mix, alfalfa and plenty of hay or haylage is ideal. In the summer a more suited diet should be given to reflect the weather and the amount of work the horse is receiving. Regularly monitoring your horses' diet is essential.

*~*~* Sport Horses *~*~*

Dutch Warmbloods are becoming extremely popular for show jumping, dressage, and eventing. They are dominating the world of show jumping, producing more successful international show jumping horses than any other breed and they were ranked #1 in show jumping by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses in 2007. They are also extremely successful in international dressage competition, and were ranked #2 by the WBFSP in 2007.

*~*~* Health Issues *~*~*

Dutch Warmbloods are sound and long-lived due to the strict requirements places on registered breeding stock. Horses are disqualified from breeding if they have a lack of symmetry in stifles, hocks, hooves, or movement.

When you have a big horse its essential that their back, muscles and joints are properly looked after through physios, vets and farriers for the feet. As a big horse their joints will suffer significantly as they age so appropriate care is imperative right from the word go.

*~*~* Availability *~*~*

Dutch Warmbloods are readily available throughout Europe, North and South America, and Australia, but they do tend to be expensive, especially those with a fair amount of training. However, it is essential you seek professional advice when purchasing a good horse, go to someone with a great reputation who will help advice and possibly find you a good horse. They are not really suited for a beginner but with someone with experience wanting a great companion and competition horse.

*~*~* My Opinion *~*~*

I will always love this breed, their stamina, build and mentality create such a wonderful horse. Ideal for anyone wanting to go and compete at a high level or even someone wanting a companion but still wanting to progress in their riding.

Summary: Superb