Danish Warmblood
Encyclopedia
The Danish Warmblood (Dansk Varmblod) is the modern sport horse
breed of Denmark
. Initially established in the mid-20th century, the breed was developed by crossing native Danish mares
with elite stallions
from established European bloodlines.
s and approves stallions for breeding. As with most warmblood
studbooks, only stallions who meet certain standards are permitted to breed. Foals with approved pedigrees may receive a brand depicting a crown over a wave. One of the more recent of the selectively bred European competition horses is the Danish Warmblood, whose stud book wasn't opened until the 1960s. In a relatively short space of time, however, Danish breeders have succeeded in producing a competition horse they claim to be of superior quality and more versatility than many of the European breeds.
and show jumping
. The Danish Warmblood is still an uncommon breed in the United States
; however in 2001 a North American Danish Warmblood Association was formed to promote the breed in the U.S.
outline that is combined with substance, strength, and good legs. They are courageous and spirited, have excellent temperaments, and good free action. They are used as dressage horses and make first-class performers in cross country. Danish horses also make great show jumpers, as well as under saddle. They can be all solid colors and stand anywhere from 16.2 to 17 hands. The coat colors can be any solid color.
stock, crossed with the Thoroughbred. The resultant local mares were bred to Anglo-Norman
stallions, Thoroughbreds, and Trakehner
s. The mix was adjusted to produce a sound horse of excellent conformation, relatively fixed in type, and with scope and galloping ability.
Sport horse
Sport horse, or Sporthorse, is a term used to describe a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term generally refers to horses bred for the traditional Olympic equestrian sporting events of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and combined driving. The precise definition varies...
breed of Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
. Initially established in the mid-20th century, the breed was developed by crossing native Danish mares
Mare (horse)
A mare is an adult female horse or other equine.In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse age three and younger. However, in Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four years old; in harness racing a mare is a...
with elite stallions
Stallion (horse)
A stallion is a male horse that has not been gelded .Stallions will follow the conformation and phenotype of their breed, but within that standard, the presence of hormones such as testosterone may give stallions a thicker, "cresty" neck, as well as a somewhat more muscular physique as compared to...
from established European bloodlines.
History Of The Breed
The Danish Warmblood registry was established in mid-20th century. The registry oversees the registration of Danish warmblood foalFoal
A foal is an equine, particularly a horse, that is one year old or younger. More specific terms are colt for a male foal and filly for a female foal, but these terms are used until the horse is age three or four. When the foal is nursing from its dam , it may also be called a suckling...
s and approves stallions for breeding. As with most warmblood
Warmblood
Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds, primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook policy, studbook selection, and the aim of breeding for equestrian sport...
studbooks, only stallions who meet certain standards are permitted to breed. Foals with approved pedigrees may receive a brand depicting a crown over a wave. One of the more recent of the selectively bred European competition horses is the Danish Warmblood, whose stud book wasn't opened until the 1960s. In a relatively short space of time, however, Danish breeders have succeeded in producing a competition horse they claim to be of superior quality and more versatility than many of the European breeds.
Present day
While still a young breed, Danish warmbloods are currently represented at international competitions in both dressageDressage
Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
and show jumping
Show jumping
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
. The Danish Warmblood is still an uncommon breed in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
; however in 2001 a North American Danish Warmblood Association was formed to promote the breed in the U.S.
Characteristics
The best Danish horses have a ThoroughbredThoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
outline that is combined with substance, strength, and good legs. They are courageous and spirited, have excellent temperaments, and good free action. They are used as dressage horses and make first-class performers in cross country. Danish horses also make great show jumpers, as well as under saddle. They can be all solid colors and stand anywhere from 16.2 to 17 hands. The coat colors can be any solid color.
Breeding
The Danish Warmblood was founded on FrederiksborgFrederiksborg horse
The Frederiksborger is Denmark's oldest horse breed. They were tremendously popular throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods and were considered luxury items. Today the breed is rare, but has a loyal following. Stallions and mares undergo studbook inspections before being allowed to breed...
stock, crossed with the Thoroughbred. The resultant local mares were bred to Anglo-Norman
Anglo-Norman horse
The Anglo-Norman horse was a warmblood horse breed from the old province of Normandy in northern France. From early in the 19th century, local Norman mares were crossed with imported English thoroughbreds, Norfolk Roadsters and half-breds, which themselves had Norfolk Roadster and Mecklenburg blood...
stallions, Thoroughbreds, and Trakehner
Trakehner
Trakehner is a light warmblood breed of horse, originally developed at the East Prussian state stud farm in the town of Trakehnen from which the breed takes its name...
s. The mix was adjusted to produce a sound horse of excellent conformation, relatively fixed in type, and with scope and galloping ability.