Dutch Warmblood

Dutch Warmblood

9×12 watercolor enhanced colored pencil. Original available.

The Dutch Warmblood is one of the most successful of the post war competition horses, and one of the most skillfully promoted. Marius, sire of the fabulous Milton, was an exceptional representative of the breed and has to be regarded as one of the great show-jumping stallions of recent years. Dutch Courage, the dressage horse produced by the British Olympic rider Jennie Loriston-Clarke, was significant in establishing the breed’s reputation in Britain.
BREEDING Essentially, the Dutch Warmblood is the product of an amalgamation of two of Holland’s indigenous breeds, the Gelderlander and the Groningen. The former is a good-moving carriage horse of presence that can also be used under saddle; the latter is heavier and has very powerful quarters. When they were combined, the base for a competition horse was created. This base was refined with Thoroughbred blood, and the mix was subsequently adjusted, in respect of temperament and conformation, by crosses with French and German warmbloods.
CHARACTERISTICS A proven performer as a show jumper and dressage horse, the Dutch Warmblood is noted for its strong legs and hooves. Although not fast, the breed is athletic with pronounced gymnastic ability. Breeders put much emphasis on the correctness of the action and the even temperament. (information from Eyewitness Handbooks – Horses)

Complete 2006

Dutch Warmblood belongs to the following groups: