Breed Portrait Warmblood Horse: History, Character & Appearance

For all those who have already dealt with the subject of horses, the term warmblood is certainly not quite as suspect as for those who have nothing to do with the subject of horses. The horse is a horse that thinks now, surely here or another. On the one hand, this is true, but on the other hand, there are differences and characteristics that need subordination.

1.The History of the Warmblood Horse

So let's start with the "original" purpose of the horse before the 18th and 19th centuries. Horses at that time our ancestors had to earn their bread mainly in the field work and were thus exposed to great physical stress. The work in the field was long, the tools for it sometimes heavy and they were exposed to the weather.
Therefore, the horses had to be strong, so they had to have a lot of power, but they also had to be massive in order to have the highest possible performance, they had to be robust and do their job, so they had to be of a calm disposition in a certain way. One used as the cold blood.

But as man evolved over the years and centuries, so did the need "for" the horse. People now also wanted the horse as a methods of transportation, but especially for representative and military purposes. For this, however, a more athletic horse was needed or, as they say in equestrian circles, a horse with more blood.

‍More blood in the horse?

So one began to cross the cold blood, which was also visually relatively strong and massive, with the thoroughbred, which has a much more graceful and lighter figure.
Through this crossing, one hoped for a horse that was faster and more dynamic than the horse for field work, but could still carry weight, had endurance and could carry more weight.

The emergence of the warm-blooded horse‍

And to take this in advance and to switch off the mental cinema: the blood of all three types, i.e. cold blood, warm blood, and thoroughbred, is equally at the same temperature, namely around 38 degrees Celsius on average.

The word ‘blood’ actually refers to the percentage of thoroughbreds such as Arabians or English thoroughbreds. They were used to refine the breeds, as described above. The more thoroughbred blood there is in a horse's ancestry, the ‘more blooded’ it becomes.Bloody horses often bring along a great urge to move and, above all, to move quickly under the rider. However, it is also said that many thoroughbreds are not as strong-nerved as, for example, warm-blooded or cold-blooded horses. However, cold bloods are said to be ‘the calmer type that nothing throws off course’.Exceptions certainly prove the rule, but the character is also one of the breeding goals of the respective breeds.

2. Warmblood Equal Warmblood? Breeding and Differences in the Warmblood

The definition of warmblood can also be subdivided into several categories. Over the centuries, countless horse breeds have been created under this generic term, although it should be noted that German Warmbloods dominate the breeding and sporting competition scene like no other. To name just a few of the warmblood breeds:

• Holstein
• Hanoverian
• Westphalia
• Trakehner
• German Sport Horse (DSP)
• Oldenburg

A further distinction is also made within the warmblood breeds between "heavy warmblood" and "warmblood". This is often based on appearance, for example, if the horse is quite heavily built and looks more like a ‘workhorse’ than a thoroughbred.

The breeding of warmblood horses is supervised by the "World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses" in short "WBFSH" based in the Netherlands.

3. Facts About the Warmblood: Appearance, Physique, Character.

How can I recognise a warmblood? What characterises it?

• The height at withers of a typical warm-blooded horse is between 1.50 and 1.80 meters. Deviations upwards or even downwards can occur, but the average lies between the given values. There are also differences in growth and age between warm-blooded and cold-blooded horses. The warm blood, however, only at about five years, but usually longer.
• The average lifespan of a Warmblood lies by: 20 years.
• Weight of the Warmblood: Last but not least, there are also big differences in the weights between the three subdivisions.
  While a thoroughbred has an average weight between 450kg and 600kg, the indication on the scales of the cold blood is gladly between 600kg and 1200kg.
  Here, too, it is the percentage of warmbloods - the average value is 650kg. However, the horse's size must always be taken into account in this context.
• The warmblood horse is characterized by a medium to large stature. It has harmonious proportions, a strong and well-muscled build. The head is usually nobly shaped, with clear eyes and alert expression. The neck is well set, resulting in optimal mobility.

The manufacturers of horse products have also specialized in these differences, because just because of the differentiated sizes and therefore also proportions, not one product fits every horse. Especially when it comes to halters and bridles, saddle pads and gaiters we therefore also usually divided into COB (thoroughbred), WB (warmblood) and XL (coldblood ).

The character of the warmblood

• The warmblood horse inspires with a balanced, friendly and curious character.
• It is willing to learn, intelligent and shows an exceptional willingness to cooperate with the rider.
• These positive traits make it an ideal partner for riders of all experience levels.
• It is usually strong-nerved and calm, but still willing to perform and motivated, which makes it a reliable sports partner .

4. Today's Applications of the Warm Blood

Whether in leisure riding, in competitions as dressage horse or show jumping horse, in vaulting, driving, or eventing, they can be found everywhere. Depending on their pedigree and their characteristics, they can be used in a wide range of disciplines and they impress with their excellent temperament.

5. Care and Attitude

Proper husbandry and care are crucial for the health and performance of the warmblood horse. Regular exercise, grazing and a balanced diet are just as important as veterinary checks and loving care. Good care and species-appropriate husbandry help horses live long and healthy lives.