Belgian Warmblood
Origin
Belgium
History
The Belgian Warmblood is one of the more recent members of the European warmblood family and has achieved considerable success in a relatively short period of time.
Belgium has traditionally specialized in the production of big, powerful, heavy agricultural horses, such as the Brabant. However, the emphasis has now shifted to equestrian competition, and many Belgian breeders concentrate on warmblood riding horses.
The history of the breeds begins in the 1950s when the lighter, cleaner-legged Belgian farm horse was crossed with the Gelderlander, to produce a heavyweight riding horse. The Gelderlander cross was discontinued about 10 years later, once it had provided a good base for improvement. It was replaced by the Holsteiner and the Selle Francais.
It became increasingly apparent that if the quality, scope, and freedom of action were to be improved, it would be necessary to bring in Thoroughbred blood. The Anglo-Arabian, and a Dutch Warmblood cross were also introduced.
The first inspections for stallions to be registered occurred on June 9, 1953, in Waregem, and on July 7 the Minister of Agriculture gave approval for experimentation on the condition that all breeding results be noted for five years.
Founding a stud book became necessary to allow stallions to be officially available for public service. On March 25, 1955, the National Breeding Association of Agricultural-Riding Horses was founded in Louvain, Belgium. On February 18, 1970, responding to the modified use of the new type of horse, the name changed to the National Breeding Association of Warmbloods.
The Belgian Warmblood is bred all over Belgium, particularly in the traditional horse-breeding area of Brabant.
Description
- Head:
is not unlike that of the related Selle Francais - Conformation:
-strong neck to complement the well-built body
-broad and strong quarters with powerful muscling in the second thighs
-broad loins
-very compact body
-good legs
-sound hooves - Average height:
16 h.h. - Colour:
the coat can be any solid colour - Temperament:
calm, and well able to cope with the stress of competition - Today:
Belgian Warmbloods are becoming a significant force in international show jumping and are also increasingly evident in dressage competitions.
