Warmblood

Warmblood is a name for a number of horse breeds which originate from continental Europe. They are bred to compete in Equestrian sports. They are the middle ground between hot blood breeds such as Arabs and Thoroughbreds and Cold blood breeds such as Draft horses.

Warmbloods are middle sized, middle weight horses. There are a number of breeds including the Czech warmblood, the Holsteiner, the Hanoverian, the Irish Sport horse and the Oldernburg. They are horses that are continually evolving and so can carry a number of characteristics. They tend to be quite strong and sturdy, with long backs and powerful legs. They can come in a range of colours, bay, black and brown being the most common.

Warmbloods are generally willing and easy to train, relentless and unpretentious. 

Warmbloods are easy to train and have good bone movement and so make good dressage horses. Their powerful hind legs can also make them good jumpers! 

Germany has some of the best competition horses in the world and one important factor was the foundation of the state stud at Celle, in 1735, which provided local people with the services of good stallions at affordable fees. Most of the horses were bred originally for agricultural and carriage use; from the early-mid 20th century, more thoroughbred blood has been introduced to develop types more suited to the leisure and competition rider. The state has taken an active role to the current day in ensuring the quality of breeding stallions which face veterinary inspection before licensing, followed by ridden performance tests.