Horse
Pronunciation:
Buh-veh-ree-in Wor'm-blud
Breed Description:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse is relatively new, and one of many that has been selectively bred as a superior sport horse. This makes them suitable for all the Olympic disciplines, specifically show jumping, dressage and eventing. They may also be used for driving.
They may be any solid color, with the usual markings, star, blaze, snip and so on, although they are most commonly found in the darker colors including dark bay, black and brown. The breed has an elegant and clean look and build. They have a rhythmic, elastic gait and generally good movement combined with athletic ability. Like all other German Warmbloods, it is important that movement and conformation are correct if the horse is to be registered.
Registered Bavarian Warmbloods are branded with a crowned shield outside the letter B on the left thigh. This is an easy way to identify the breed.
Temperament:
The Bavarian breed of horse usually has a calm, quiet and kind nature, and is known for its willingness to work. If any horse is nervous or difficult to work with it is not allowed to be used for breeding.
Height:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse has an average height of between 15.2 and 16.2 hands or 62 to 66 inches at the withers. Some grow as tall as 17.2 hands (70 inches).
Weight:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse can weigh as much as 1,540 lbs, depending on its height.
Health Problems:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse has health problems that are specific to the breed.
Living Conditions:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse is a fairly hardy breed, and could withstand difficult weather conditions. However since these are bred for sport, they are usually stabled at night – particularly during the cold of winter – and turned out during the day.
Exercise:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse is mainly used for dressage, show jumping and eventing, and sometimes for pleasure riding or hacking. If the horse is being competed on, a daily exercise routine in needed to keep the horse fit and healthy.
Life Expectancy:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse can live as long as between 25 and even 30 years.
Grooming:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse requires a daily grooming routine to keep its coat healthy sleek and shiny. This is particularly important if the horse is being used for competition purposes.
Origin:
The Bavarian Warmblood breed of horse has been developed over the years from the Bavarian Heavy Warmblood, known as the Rottaler that came from the south of Germany. Over the years this heavy type of Warmblood horse was bred with various other lighter German Warmblood breeds, in particular, Holsteiners, Hanoverians and Oldenburgs, as well as approved Dutch Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and Trakehners. 