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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2023
- Dutch Warmblood History and Origins
The Dutch warmblood horse’s ancestry dates back to the Netherlands prior to World War II. At that time, there was the Gelderlander, an elegant horse of medium stature that was bred as a carriage and draft horse. There also was the Groningen, a larger, heavy-set horse used primarily in agriculture. The modern Dutch warmblood evolved from these two native Dutch breeds, along with some imported breeds.
After the war, cars and tractors largely replaced the Gelderlander and Groningen horses. So horse breeding goals were redirected toward producing pleasure sport horses. People still wanted a horse that was strong and obedient enough to assist with farm work, yet they also preferred it to be stylish and elegant for carriage use and riding. This gave rise to the highly versatile Dutch warmblood.
Today, the Dutch warmblood is registered with the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands).
Dutch Warmblood Size
On average, Dutch warmbloods range in height from around 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches). But to become a breeding horse, mares must stand at least 15.5 hands (62 inches), and stallions must stand at least 15.75 hands (63 inches). While there is no upper limit on height, horses well above the average height aren’t as desirable because they’re impractical for sport uses. Dutch warmbloods generally weigh an average of 1,430 pounds.
Dutch Warmblood Breeding and Uses
In general, "warm-blooded" horses earned their name because they have a mix of the calm nature of "cold-blooded" draft horses and the spirit of "hot-blooded" horses, such as thoroughbreds and Arabians. Because the Dutch warmblood and its ancestors have gone through centuries of selective breeding to fine-tune physical traits and temperament, today’s modern version is suitable for all types of activities.
Thanks to their prominent withers and powerful legs, Dutch warmbloods excel internationally in jumping and dressage. They also participate in carriage driving. And they're a popular choice for hunter competitions, in which the horse is judged on the movements and mannerisms that make a horse suitable for hunting. Plus, they make for reliable recreational horses that are easy to work with, regardless of a person's equine experience.
Dutch warmblood horsee