Sometimes the terms Warmblood and Sport horse are used interchangeably and cause some confusion. The International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry of North America is an open sport horse registry. This means that all Warmblood breeds and Thoroughbreds can attempt to be included in the Oldenburg Sport Horse Registery if their qualities and conformation are consistent with the breeding aim. Another Sport Horse Registry is the Dutch Warmblood breed.
The Dutch Warmblood originated in Holland by crossing a light German breed from the sandy soils of central Holland, with a heavier breed used for working in the heavy clay footing of northern Holland. The goal was to produce horses patient enough for farm work, yet stylish enough for riding and driving. In order for a Dutch Warmblood horse to be branded as such, it must pass inspection, regardless of the horse's bloodlines. Such inspections are called Keurings and rate horses according to their qualities. The Dutch Warmblood Ramiro Z is considered on of the most influential European Warmblood stallions. His daughter, Ratina Z won gold and silver at the Bacelona Olympics.
As the name implies, the Selle Francais was developed in France. It began in 1665 when the French government established the national studs. Napoleon Bonapart took control of French horse breeding after the Revolution and concentrated on producing elite cavalry horses. The Anglo-Norman horse was produced in the 1800s when English Thoroughbreds and Norfolk Trotters were crossed with domestic mares. The Anglo-Norman had the most influence on the modern Selle Francais. The official establishment of the Selle Francais Stud book took place in 1958. The breed accepts Arab, Anglo-Arab, English Thoroughbred and French Totter stallions, as well as selected mares. Of all the Warmbloods, the Selle Francais is the most kind. While Selle Francais horses are energetic, powerful and have an inbred jumping ability, their kind disposition, willingness, ability to learn quickly and be very forgiving make them ideal for amateur and junior riders. The Selle Francais horse Baloubet Du Rouet won the World Championships Show Jumping Finals three consecutive years from 1998 to 2000. In 2002, four Selle Francais stallions, Dollar du Murier, Diamant De Semilly, Dollar dela Pierre and Crocus Graverie, earned the French Show Jumping Team a team gold medal at the World Equestrian Games.
One of the oldest Warmblood breeds is the Swedish Warmblood. It is a product of a breeding program that began in the 16th century. The biggest difference between the original breed and the modern breed is the size. The original founders of the breed were hardy Scandinavian horses that stood between 12 and 14 hands high compared to the 16 to 17 hand horses they are today. The most well known Swedish stud farm is the Flyinge, established in 1658 by the Swedish King to breed horses for the royal stables. The Swedish Warmblood differs in its ancestry from other Warmbloods in that it was never intended for farm work. The goal of the breeding program was to develop comfortable mounts for the army. Modern day Swedish Warmbloods have introduced Anglo-Norman, Hanoverian, Thoroughbred and Trakehner bloodlines to refine the breed. The government still works closely with the breed association to uphold the quality of the breed. The Swedish Warmblood is the long and elegant member of the Warmbloods, with very rhythmical gaits. It has a gentle mind and good, positive attitude. A team of Swedish Warmbloods won the gold medal in the Four-In-Hand Combined Driving event at the 1990 World Equestrian Games and the World Championships in 2000.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Patricia Celley's Horse Talk topic, please visit the Discussions page.