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Warmblooded horse breeds were created through the selective breeding of hot-blooded horses with coldblooded horses. Hot-blooded is a term that has traditionally been used to describe certain breeds and types of horses, such as Arabians, Turkomans, Barbs and Thoroughbreds. Their temperaments were believed to be hotter and more active than those of coldblooded horses. Coldblooded was a term applied to draft horses as well as some ponies and cobs, particularly those of northern European origin. Warmblooded horses, the outcome of the breeding of horses of diverse origins, are now some of the finest competition horses in the world.
The terms warmblood, hot-blood and coldblood do not reflect real differences in blood temperature between the different breeds. However, it was once believed that horses, like people, could be defined by the different mix of characteristics that made up their natures. Arabians, Turkomans, Barbs and Syrians, were designated “hot-blooded”, because they came from hotter areas of the world, and appeared to be fierier than other breeds. The larger horses of northern Europe such as the Flander or Flemish horse were coldbloods, simply because they came from colder climates, were slower, and did not appear to have the same fieriness. However, they had great strength and size compared to the smaller, lighter, hot-blooded breeds.
While the concept of hot, cold and warmblooded horses links back to medieval times, it doesn’t have scientific validation - though it is true that different types of horses have different qualities. Some are agile and active, others are fast, some are tall and strong, and some are excellent at jumping. Through selective breeding, the warmblooded breeds combine these different qualities to make successful sports horses for different equestrian disciplines.
Most modern warmbloods are of European descent. They are often described as middle weight horses, and distinguish themselves from light riding horses, such as the Arab , and heavy draft horses such as the Clydesdale or the Belgian. Modern warmbloods are usually tall horses, between 15.3 hands high (63 inches/160 cm) and 17 hands high (68 inches/173 cm), and are ideally suited for modern competitive equestrian sport. Through years of breeding, different types of warmbloods have emerged.There are even pony warmbloods too. Some are more suitable for dressage, some for show jumping or cross country, while others are good all-rounders.
Warmblooded studbooks are usually open to some degree, which means the breed has the opportunity to develop by registering horses of a suitable type and quality. Because the studbooks are open, there is some discussion as to whether warmbloodred horses are a true breed. Nonetheless, they still have individual studbooks, frequently regionally based, using some of the most historic breed names. Most warmblooded registries are members of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses.
Because the primary role of the modern warmblooded horse is to be a successful sports horse, conformation standards are strict, and the testing of breeding stock is rigorous. The horses should not only be fit, healthy and athletic, they should also exhibit the type of temperament that is required for demanding competitions. Many of their direct ancestors were cavalry horses and hunters of the early twentieth century, from which most modern warmblooded breeds were later developed. During this period, equestrian sports became not only an enjoyable activity for all kinds of riders, but also a popular spectator sport with an enthusiastic following. Although mostly bred for dressage or jumping events, some warmbloods make excellent harness horses too, and take part in sports driving. This is due to the fact that some of these breeds have traditional carriage and coach horse ancestry.
Continental Europe is the home of the modern warmblooded sports horse. Many are German breeds such as the Oldenburg, the Wuerttemberger, Mecklenburger, and the Bavarian Warmblood. The Trakehner is also a famous warmblooded breed, and considered to be a very distinct breed. The Hanoverian and Holstein breeds are derived from older descent, so their studbooks are less open. Dutch warmbloods, such as KWPN and NRPS registered horses, have been phenomenally successful in recent years, particularly in show jumping. France’s Selle Français is also a well-established warmblooded breed. All of the Scandinavian countries each produce their own warmbloods, which have been known to be successful in both dressage and show jumping. The Irish Warmblood, though only established in 2009, draws on decades of success through Irish Sport Horse breeding. British Warmblood registered horses include any appropriate warmblooded breeds as long as they are bred in Britain. Their studbook was established in 1977.