Horse
Pronunciation:
Bell-gin Wor'm-blud
Breed Description:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse, like most other Warmblood breeds these days are bred primarily for dressage and show jumping, or for eventing which combines these two Olympic disciplines with a tough cross country test over two or three days. The breed is extremely popular in Europe and in other parts of the world, and it has been reported that as many as 4,000 Belgian Warmbloods are born every year. Breeders of Belgian Warmbloods, as well as other specific Warmblood breeds, are very strict with their stud book selections and registration of stallions, mares and foals, and they are all branded with an identifiable image. This particular breed is identified by a brand mark on the left thigh, which shows a “pinwheel of horse’s heads”. All foals are given this brand, together with a Belgian Warmblood passport, once they have been inspected and passed for registration. Belgian Warmbloods are usually bay, black, brown, chestnut and grey. They are very strong and athletic.
Temperament:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse is highly intelligent and willing to learn and work.
Height:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse can be anything from 15.2 to 17 hands, or from 62 to 68 inches at the withers.
Weight:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse is considered, like all warmbloods, to be a middle-weight horse. Its average weight is around 1,400 lbs.
Health Problems:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse has no health problems specific to the breed.
Living Conditions:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse should ideally be kept in kind conditions, stabled in the winter or at night, and turned out to pasture during the day time.
Exercise:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse should have daily exercise routine if being used for show jumping, dressage or even simply for pleasure riding.
Life Expectancy:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse can live up to between 25 and 30 years if well cared for.
Grooming:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse needs a daily grooming routine to keep the coat, mane and tail healthy and shining. This is particularly important for any competition horse.
Origin:
The Belgian Warmblood breed of horse began its modern bloodline in the 1950s in Belgium, with the introduction of imported mares and stallions. There were already heavy draft-type horses in work in Belgium, doing agricultural work, and breeders choose the lighter horses to breed with. Initially they mixed Gelderlanders from the Netherlands to improve the breed. Then in the next decade, breeders introduced Selle Français and Hanoverians, which are one of the most successful German Warmblood breeds. Thoroughbreds and Anglo-Arabs were also introduced to bloodlines in an endeavor to improve conformation and make the breed move more quickly. 