Origin
Germany
History
Numerically the Westphalian warmblood is important, as the equine population of Westphalia is very large.
At the state stud at Warendorf, there are Thoroughbred and Hanoverian stallions along with the Westphalians. The neighboring Hanoverian breed has played a great part in development of the Westphalian horse. Originally the horses of Westphalia were heavier, used for army and farm work. Hanoverian blood changed the breed into the outstanding sport horse today.
Success of the breed is due to the strict methods of selection in breeding animals. Horses are only permitted to stand at stud after having passed rigorous tests for conformation, pedigree, character, and riding. Stallions are tested first for traction power at three and one-half years of age and are tested for riding and jumping without a rider at the age of four. At four and one-half years that are tested in dressage and jumping and undergo a veterinary examination.
Description
- Head:
attractive with good width between the eyes and a straight or sometimes slightly dished profile - Conformation:
the body is deep and muscular; the croup is often much flatter in the Westphalian than in the Hanoverian horse - Average height:
15.2 to 16.2 h.h. - Colours:
most commonly bay and chestnut - Temperament:
calm, reliable, friendly - Today:
the Westphalian is among the world´s leading breeds of competition horses. An exclusive stock of youngsters, carefully selected and highly decorated at the local breeding shows, are admitted to the Foals Auction of the Westphalian horse breeders association at the Halle Münsterland. This is the top market for future sires and elite mares of tomorrow.
