Horse
Pronunciation:
Wor’m-blud
Breed Description:
The Warmblood breed of horse, in the 21st century, is bred specifically to be a successful competition horse. Many warmbloods excel in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and cross country.
The term warmblood comes from breeding coldblood horses, like the heavier draught-types, with hotblood horses, which are the lighter types like the Thoroughbred or Arabian breed of horse. The warmblood breed has evolved over centuries, and even as recently as the 1950s, today’s warmbloods would have been described as “half “ or “three-quarter breds”, depending on the amount of Thoroughbred blood in the line. Today it is accepted that warmbloods represent a combination of bloods in which the most important element is that of the Thoroughbred breed of horse.
The main feature of warmblood breeding is performance testing that ensures certain qualities in terms of temperament and rideability. If a warmblood foal does not come from an acceptable line (its pedigree) and does not meet the required standards, particularly of conformation, they may not be registered with the Warmblood Stud. Young stallions are tested over a period of months (100 days) during which time they are assessed in terms of both conformation and performance. This includes the ability to perform in the three Olympic disciplines. Mares have to pass tests relating to both temperament and rideability before they can be used for warmblood breeding.
Temperament:
The Warmblood breed of horse is quiet and calm-natured. They are very versatile and are eager to please and willing to work irrespective of whether they are being trained for competitive riders, or for more novice riders who just want to do pleasure riding.
Height:
The warmblood breed of horse averages around 15.3 hands to 17.3 hands, or 63 to 71 inches at the withers.
Weight:
The warmblood breed of horse averages around between 1200 and 1700 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Warmblood breed of horse generally has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Warmblood breed of horse has been bred as a sport horse and is usually stabled. They should not be left outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
Exercise:
The Warmblood breed of horse is a sport horse, and if in competition should be exercised on a daily basis. If it is being used for basic riding, it should still be worked on a regular basis, to keep the horse fit and healthy.
Life Expectancy:
The Warmblood breed of horse has a life expectancy of between 25 and 30 years.
Grooming:
The Warmblood breed of horse is a sport horse and therefore needs to be groomed on a daily basis to ensure that the coat stays healthy.
Origin:
The Warmblood breed of horse can be traced back to the 11th century. Horse breeding as an industry has always been traditional to the countries of mainland Europe from this time, primarily within agricultural communities. But it was also strongly supported by the great royal and state studs, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. During the 19th century the warmblood was still being bred mainly for use as a coach horse or for the cavalry to ride. From the 1960s breeders started aiming for a lighter riding horse that could be used for sports rather than work. 