Dutch warmblood horse: characteristics of the breed and rules of keeping

The elite color of Dutch Warmblood horses is popular all over the world. Proportional horses achieve success in equestrian sports and are distinguished by high intelligence. The Dutch Warmblood horse breed gained official status in the 20th century, at a time when riding was gaining popularity everywhere. Graceful horses are easy to train and infinitely devoted to man.

History of the breed

Warmblooded horses are called horses bred from crossing thoroughbred thoroughbred horses with draft species.Gelderlander and Groningen are recognized as the ancestors of the Dutch beauties.In addition, according to breeders, when creating the breed, various types of horses were used for mating. So, in the "Dutch" you can find Trakehner, Hanoverian, Westphalian, Holstein, Oldenburg and other signs.

The breed was officially registered in the KWPN studbook in 1959. At the same time, work on improving the breed continued, after 20 years the species was improved. After another 10 years, the Dutch Warmblood received the royal title.

Description and characteristics of the Dutch warm-blooded horse

The main purpose of Dutch warm-blooded horses is riding and participation in equestrian sports competitions. Correct, proportionally shaped body with a classic type of silhouette are the hallmarks of the exterior. Characteristics and description of the breed:

• classic type of cereal;
• correct balanced physique;
• running - soft, fast, graceful;
• Stallion's average height is 168 centimeters;
• color is allowed different;
• chest and neck muscular, well developed;
• legs are long, strong, muscular relief is clearly expressed on the hips;
• peace-loving, obedient character, horses are devoted to man.

The ability of animals to participate and win in equestrian sports is determined by genetic endurance and a tendency to learn and train. Currently, a strict selection is underway among the representatives of the breed, artiodactyls with minor defects are quickly culled.

Note: horses with height at the withers above 170 centimeters are not suitable for sports equestrian competitions, with such a physique, a huge load is placed on the joints and tendons.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the breed include:

• intelligence and obedience;
• strong muscular body and "light" legs;
• endurance and perseverance;
• ability to adapt to changing environments and regions;
• the aesthetic appeal of purebreds.

The wide, powerful chest, combined with strong legs and correct body proportions, allow horses to ride with their heads held high, which makes the Dutch beauties unique in the class of draft horses.

The disadvantages of the Dutch warm-blooded are:

• tall specimens are likely to have joint injuries;
• due to frequent births of foals that do not meet all breed criteria, a strict system for evaluating breeding stallions and mares is needed.

Even after an animal is recognized as a purebred representative of the breed throughout its life, it will have to be periodically sent for reassessment. Observation of representatives of the breed, according to the rules, is carried out for life.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

In order for a horse to be happy, he althy and delight its owner with achievements, it is necessary to provide the animal with regular care, make a balanced diet, equip the stable.

Stable

Dutch Warmblood horses can be kept in three ways:

• in the stable;
• herd;
• stable-pasture method.

The stable method is considered the most practical way of keeping. The floor mat needs to be changed. In the building where the horses live, stuffiness should not be allowed, but the wind should not “walk”.In regions with a cold climate, the walls, floor and ceiling in the room should be insulated. An important requirement for creating a comfortable environment for animals is to maintain cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables is recommended.

Hygiene

Purebred horses need regular care: washing, combing the mane and tail, maintaining he althy legs and hooves. It is necessary to wash horses often, once a week; in hot weather, a bath with artiodactyls is organized even more often. The mane and tail are washed with shampoo and conditioner. After the shower, the animals are wiped dry and combed. Keep your bedding clean and dry to prevent foot and hoof disease.

After each training or grazing, the hooves are rubbed with a stiff brush, the dirt is carefully cleaned from the hooves. The water should not be icy or very hot.

Food

Features of feeding Dutch horses:

• optimal number of meals - 3 times a day;
• food must be fresh and balanced;
• caloric content of the diet is determined by the age of the animal, depending on physical activity and characteristics of the content;
• in the autumn-winter period, the amount of vitamins in food is increased with the help of supplements;
• horses should always have s alt in their diet;
• after feeding, the horse is sent for walking or training no earlier than 1 hour;
• water should be clean and not cold;
• The feeder and drinking bowl are periodically disinfected and washed thoroughly after each meal.

The basis of the menu of working horses is hay, vegetables and mixed fodder. Fresh vegetables, seaweed, garlic, yeast, nettles are used as vitamin supplements.

Fight disease

Dutch warm-blooded horses are genetically endowed with strong immunity, they perfectly tolerate the processes of adaptation to new conditions. But this positive quality does not mean that you can refuse vaccinations and routine deworming.

The main factors that provoke the development of diseases include:

• wrong keeping of horses;
• birth defects;
• dirty, damp bedding, the presence of mice and rats in the stable;
• lack of ventilation in the room where animals are kept;
• outbreak of infection among individuals housed in the same stable;
• the diet is not balanced, the quality of the products is questionable.

Artiodactyls need regular examination for signs of illness. Decreased appetite, unmotivated aggression, loose stools, bloating, fluid flow from the eyes, skin defects, unpleasant odor and fever are reasons for an urgent examination of animals by a veterinarian.

Features of crossing and breeding

Work on the breed, creation of standards, culling of animals - the work of breeders who gave the world a unique breed. It is important to take responsibility for the selection of a pair to create offspring. The best age for offspring in horses is 3-4 years, although animals reach puberty earlier. To obtain a high-quality offspring, a novice breeder is recommended to turn to professionals.

Modern usage

The Dutch warmblood horse breed is multifaceted and versatile. Currently, foals of this species are acquired for participation in equestrian competitions and for riding in a team. The horse is ideal for riding, able to work on a farm.

The cost of elite horses can reach huge amounts, so representatives of the breed are valued by collectors, the royal status of the breed is recognized all over the world.

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