Horse Breeds - Types of Warmbloods
Warmbloods are amazing animals. They are some of the
most
beautiful horses in the world, with a versatility that is
unbelievable. Warmbloods, unlike what many people think, are
a true breed. All of the studbooks are closed. What
this means is only a horse of that breed can be registered in that
studbook. The only exception is individuals of other breeding
that are deemed to be able to improve the bloodline of the current
breed. This is shown through performance records and the
success of offspring in competition. The recent opening of
the Trakhener studbook is due to a loss in type of modern
Trakheners. There are various types of Warmbloods:
The Hanoverian
The Hanoverian’s originate from Germany. There primary use
is for dressage and show jumping. These horses are mildly
temperamental, with more of a calmness in nature than many horse
breeds. The most common coloring in the Hanoverian are
Chestnut, Bay and Grey.
The Hanoverian Horse is a well built, well put together horse
with much success in the disciplines of dressage and show
jumping. This breed tends to be very versatile.
The Holsteiner
The Holsteiner originates from Germany, usually reaching 16 to
17 hands. These horses are mildly temperamental and are used
for show jumping, dressage and reining. They tend to usually
be bay in color, but mostly any solid coloring. Most
Hosteiners have a defined canter that tends to be very expressive,
but lacks an impressiveness at the trot. They are typically
well known as excellent jumpers but have made their imprint on the
dressage community.
Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood’s originate from Holland and are very easy
going, typically calm in nature. These good tempered horses
are built well running around 16 to 17 hands. They are known
to excel at whatever discipline they are trained by.
Friesian
The Friesians originate from Holland and Germany with the
studbook now kept in Germany, the FPZ. They are mildly
temperamental growing to a huge size of 17 hands. They are
primarily used for Dressage and reining but are sometimes seen on
the show jumping circuit. These horses are also used for
trick training, being widely versatile and very easily
trainable. There are distinct characteristics of the
Friesians. Baroque, which is mainly upright, with higher
action and more feathering with a heavier mane and
tail. Traditional, which is heavier and more drafty usually
used for driving, and Sport Horse, which is used for all types of
riding and driving. These horses are amazing. Very
versatile with a very calm temperament for such an enormous
horse.
Swedish Warmblood
The Swedish Warmbloods originate from Sweden, obviously.
They will grow to be 16 to 17 hands. The are used for show
jumping, dressage and reining. There coloring is all solid,
predominantly Chestnut. The Swedish Warmbloods are one of the
youngest warmblood breeds , so true “type” is not quite
defined. Mainly having solid movements, with the conformation
and their temperament being highly variable.
Trakhener
The Trakheners originate from Poland and East Prissuia.
They tend to be a little more temperamental than a lot of other
warmbloods. They are used for dressage, jumping and
eventing. Coloring is mainly solid with defined
characteristics of nice movements with good push from behind.
They tend to be a bit stubborn and even difficult at times.
Although there are some very lovely Trakheners. This breed
possess a strong competitive drive owing perhaps to the large
amount of Thoroughbred blood most carry. This is the only
studbook still “open” in an attempt to further refine and define
the Trakhener breed.
Oldenburg
The Oldenburgs originate from Germany. They grown to the
large size of 16 to 17 hands. These horses are very calm and
loveable. There coloring is solid but any color. They
are primarily used for dressage and jumping. They were the
first studbook with an American Division. Interestingly
enough, all American Warmbloods approved by the ISR are registered
as Oldenburgs, regardless of their actual parentage.
Andalusians
The Andalusians originate from Spain. They are smaller in
height, ranging from 14.3 to 16 hands. They are used for
dressage, bullfighting, parades and trick training. They come
in solid colors, including mulberry. Bay and grey are the
most common. Black and Dun are the least common.
Andalusians are classically styled Baroque horses. They have
thick manes and tails and tend to have high , lofty actions for
their size. The Spanish Olympic Team was comprised entirely
of Andalusians for the 2000 Games.
Horses are an amazing animal, no matter what the breed or
bloodlines. They love their owners and one forms an
attachment to their horse like no other. I couldn’t imagine
my life without my horse.
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