Dutch Warmblood

The Dutch Warmblood is also known as the Dutch Warmblood KWPN (short for Koninklijk Vereniging Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland, which is the breed’s studbook). This is a sport horse breed from the Netherlands, descended from the Gelderlander and Groningen horse breeds.

Today, the Dutch Warmblood is a popular horse that’s hardy, easy to train, and capable of winning not only awards in the show ring but also the hearts of anyone they meet.

Dutch Warmblood Snapshot

• Height: averages 16.2 hands (64.8 inches), but can be up to 17 hands tall

• Weight: 1,210–1,320 pounds

• Lifespan: 25+ years

• Colors: Brown, chestnut, black, bay, gray; can have white markings and tobiano pattern

Caring for a Dutch Warmblood

The Dutch Warmblood horse is generally healthy, thanks to careful breeding practices.

These horses aren’t complicated when it comes to their diet and grooming needs. They enjoy interacting with people and are athletic, intelligent, and eager to learn. Dutch Warmbloods thrive when they’re mentally stimulated and able to get plenty of exercise daily.

Dutch Warmblood Health Issues

KWPN Dutch Warmblood Horses are bred to be as healthy as possible, with the help of genetic tests and physical examinations before breeding. There are some diseases that may have genetic predispositions, like those below, as well as navicular syndrome, which causes front end lameness.

While not all of these diseases can be tested for before breeding, those with significant arthritis or navicular disease in adulthood may not be recommended for reproduction purposes to minimize chances of passing down these conditions.

Dutch Warmblood breeders that use various tests can help ensure foals won’t inherit or develop certain diseases, such as the following:

Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS)

Also known as fragile foal syndrome type 1 (FSS), this is a genetic disease foals are born with. It affects connective tissue, so the skin is hyperextensible, thin, and so fragile that open lesions occur. Other symptoms include floppy ears, hematomas, and hyperextensible limb joints.  

There is no treatment, so humane euthanasia shortly after birth is the only option.

However, DNA testing for the gene mutation can prevent it, as breeders can avoid breeding horses that carry the mutation.

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)

There are two types of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM): type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is caused by a GYS1 gene mutation, while type 2 is not associated with a genetic mutation. Warmbloods are more likely to have type 2, though it is possible for them to inherit type 1.

When a horse has PSSM, too much glycogen (a type of sugar) is stored in the muscles. Symptoms such as the following can arise: 

• Cramping

• Soreness

• Stiffness

• Weakness

• Sweating

• Tremors

• Poor performance

• Reluctance to move

• Lameness

Rest, medications, and supplements can be used to manage a horse that experiences tying up (cramping) episodes because of this condition.  

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that can cause lameness, pain, and swollen joints due to unhealthy joint cartilage or joint fluid. When there is an improper amount of joint cartilage, bones rub together, which can cause inflammation of the joint capsule, bony changes, and arthritis.

Although OCD often affects the fetlock (ankle), hock, and stifle joints in the limbs, any joint in a horse’s body can be impacted by this condition. A horse might exhibit signs early in life or when they are older.  

Multiple genes can determine if a horse may develop OCD, and environmental factors and diet can also contribute to its development. Other potential causes include: 

• Trauma

• Hormonal imbalances

• Excessive exercise

• Fast growth

Treatment options can be used to manage this condition, such as joint injections using steroids, hyaluronic acid, or biologics,  and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as firocoxib or phenylbutazone.

The main treatment for OCD in horses is to surgically remove poorly attached cartilage. Even after surgery, however, these horses may be more prone to arthritis and unhealthy joints due to the decreased cartilage present.

Other treatment methods that may be implemented for supportive care include joint supplements, physical therapy to strengthen the nearby muscles (which can lessen joint stress), and chiropractic or acupuncture care.

Lameness

Lameness is a condition that can impact all breeds of horses, including Dutch Warmbloods. It affects their gait or stance and has a variety of causes, including:

• Neurological problems

• Arthritis

• Injury

• Hoof abscess

• Mechanical issue or poor conformation

• Improper hoof balance

Symptoms of lameness in horses include:

• Pain

• Not bearing weight on a limb

• Reluctance to move or stand

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Dragging of toe

• Toe pointing

• Poor performance

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the lameness, and may include medications, rest, and complementary therapies.  

What To Feed a Dutch Warmblood

Dutch Warmblood Horses are easy keepers, meaning they can gain weight easily.

The general rule is to feed a horse about 2% of their body weight in forage daily. For example, a Dutch Warmblood that weighs 1,250 pounds would need 25 pounds of forage every day. However, it’s best to work with a veterinarian to determine the amount to feed your horse, based on factors like their age and activity level.

You can feed your Dutch Warmblood free-choice forage that’s low in calories, starch, and sugar, such as mid-maturity grass hay and alfalfa hay. The number of calories that your horse needs daily will depend on their activity, exercise, work, and weight.

You can add supplements to support your horse’s specific needs. For example, in addition to vitamins and minerals, your veterinarian might recommend joint supplements, antioxidants, or omega-3 fatty acids to support health, growth, and performance.

Dutch Warmblood Disciplines

Dutch Warmbloods are athletic and can be used in a variety of disciplines. In addition to being great for riding, they are excellent competitors, known for their skills in:

• Showjumping

• Carriage driving

• Hunter

• Eventing

• Dressage

Dutch Warmblood Personality and Temperament

Every horse is unique, but the Dutch Warmblood horse has been bred to have a stellar personality. This horse is even-tempered, friendly, intelligent, and easy to handle, making them popular for a range of uses. Whether riding them for pleasure or training with them to compete, Warmbloods are calm, reliable, trustworthy, and eager to work. 

Because of their wonderful temperament, Dutch Warmbloods are a great match for all levels of riders, from beginners to experienced equestrians. People who ride these horses often find that it is easy to connect with them and develop a strong bond as a result.

Dutch Warmblood Training

The Dutch Warmblood is known for being easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and ability to learn quickly. They are also eager to please, so they aren’t difficult to work with and typically are ready to learn new things.

Like all horses, Dutch Warmbloods benefit from a gentle and consistent approach when it comes to their training. Depending on the age and experience of your horse, you might not need to train them much at all, but even if you get a horse that hasn’t received a lot of training, you may find that they are a pleasure to work with.

Dutch Warmblood Grooming Guide

Dutch Warmbloods require the same basic grooming routine that every horse needs. They don’t have any specific requirements. 

Coat Care

To keep your horse’s skin and coat healthy, you’ll need an equine grooming kit. High-quality tools like the following will keep your Dutch Warmblood looking beautiful:

• Curry comb: This can be used to lift dirt, debris, and loose hair from the coat.

• Dandy brush: This is used to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from the coat.

• Face brush: This gentle brush can be used on the sensitive face.

• Mane and tail brush: This can be used to detangle and smooth the delicate hair of the mane and tail.

Brushing your horse regularly will ensure their coat remains smooth, clean, and shiny. Every grooming session is an opportunity to bond with your horse and look for signs of illness or injury that need veterinary attention.

Hoof Care

Dutch Warmbloods should have their hooves examined daily. Look for signs of injury, and use a hoof pick to quickly and easily remove dirt, rocks, and other debris. This will ensure these athletic horses can perform at their best.

In addition to daily cleaning of the hooves, work with a farrier who will examine, trim, and shoe the hooves if necessary, ensuring they’re balanced properly to avoid lameness.