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The modern Baden Wuerttemberg horse is a German warmblood that is recognised for its hardiness and easy-to-keep qualities. Especially popular for dressage and show jumping, the Baden Wuerttemberg's development into a leading warmblood began at the famous Marbach Stud in the nineteenth century. The breed has admirable proportions and the conformation required by those who buy a Baden Wuerttemberg for dressage, yet also has the scope, freedom of movement and musculature for show jumping. The breed’s willing temperament is also an important feature for breeders and trainers who sell a Baden Wuerttemberg.
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Use and characteristics of the Baden Wuerttemberg
The breed is also known as the Württemberger, Baden Württemberger or Württemberg. The average height of a Baden Wuerttemberg horse is 16.1 hands (65 inches/165 cm), and they weigh around 1,100 lbs (499 kg). These versatile animals have been influenced by horses of several breeds, but perhaps particularly the Trakehner. This has resulted in a strong yet elegant riding horse with a compact outline and proud head-carriage, all of which are part of the appeal when equestrians buy a Baden Wuerttemberg. Although perhaps not as well-known as other warmbloods, there is always keen interest when owners sell a Baden Wuerttemberg horse. Coats can be any solid colour.
Origin and history of breeding Baden Wuerttemberg horses
The history of breeding horses in Württemberg is a long and interesting one. Graf Eberhard V, also known as "the bearded", founded the Marbach Stud in the late 1470s. Duke Cristoph von Württemberg oversaw the stud at Marbach early in the sixteenth century, importing quality horses of various types to be part of the programme there. These included highly valued Turkoman and Hungarian horses. Under Cristoph’s son Ludwig, breeding developed further using Neapolitan and Spanish horses. The breed developed along the lines of many other European breeds into an all-rounder that could meet the needs of local farmers as well as those of the aristocracy and gentry. As a result of the Thirty Years War, the stud was dispersed, only becoming re-established at the end of the seventeenth century. The greatest influence at this point came from Barbs and Spanish horses, with the addition of East Friesian blood. Further losses resulted from the Napoleonic Wars. Then, in the nineteenth century came another period of innovation and change for the Württemberg breed, with the use of Anglo-Norman, Trakehner and Suffolk Punch horses. Finally, late in the century, a distinct type began to emerge. This was the original Württemberg warmblood type, an all-rounder that could be used for riding, sporting activities and light draught work. At this stage, the Anglo-Norman stallion Faust gave the breed its strong, cob-like stamp. The breed was consolidated with the establishment of the stud book in 1895. Now called the “Old Württemberg” type, some of this influence remains in the modern Baden Wuerttemberg, which emerged as a successful riding and sports horse from the 1950s onward. Stallions of various breeds were used in the creation of the modern Baden Wuerttemberg, including Thoroughbreds, Holsteins, Oldenburgs and Hanoverians. One of the most influential was the Trakehner stallion Julmond.
Baden Wuerttemberg horses in equestrianism
The modern Baden Wuerttemberg is a highly rated riding and sports horse that combines the good nature, frugality and toughness of its ancestors with the scope and conformation required for competitive success. The Baden Wuerttemberg mare Ladina B, ridden by Ellen Whitaker, is one of the most successful Puissance show jumpers of recent years. The Marbach stud continues to breed Baden Wuerttemberg horses as well as other breeds.