Warmblood horses of Belgium

Belgian Warmblood

Developed in the cool temperate environment of northern Europe, the Belgian Warmblood is a relatively new breed useful under saddle. The sole purpose of this breed is competition, with individuals excelling as dressage and jumping horses. The agricultural region of Belgium is noted for its heavy horses, but since the 1950s lighter agricultural horses have been crossed with imported warmbloods to produce this breed.

Starting with the lighter horses of the region, Belgian breeders imported Gelderlanders from Holland (the Netherlands) for the production of riding horses. The Gelderlander contributed to the size, strength and substance of the Belgian Warmblood, as well as improving the quality of its bone. After ten years, Selle Français and some Hanoverian stallions were introduced into the line. The wiry, athletic Selle Francais added stamina, hardiness to the breed and increased its athletic ability. Hanoverian blood improved the Belgian Warmblood's correctness of movement, as well as contributed to its size and equable temperament. For added quality, Belgian breeders also introduced Thoroughbred and Anglo-Arabian stock, and some have used Dutch Warmblood stallions. From the Thoroughbred, the Belgian Warmblood inherited improvements in speed, conformation, and freedom of action. Thoroughbred blood also added a measure of high courage to the breed. Since Dutch Warmbloods were noted for their impressive performance records and equable disposition, the introduction of these horses made cotributions of quality to the Belgian Warmblood.

Because the Belgian Warmblood is an amalgam of various breeds, it is a powerful and straight-moving horse with great agility and an excellent temperament. Today there are more than 4,500 foals born in each year, with the breed becoming noted for its reliability and excellence. Many horses are exported to meet the demands of equine competitors worldwide.

Standing around 16.2 hands, the Belgian Warmblood comes in all solid colors, i.e. bay, chestnut, and black. Its head has a straight profile and reflects the Thoroughbred and Anglo-Arabian influence. The expression is alert and full of quality. Though there is use of Gelderland coach horses in its breeding history, the Belgian Warmblood shows freedom of movement in the shoulders. It has particularly well-placed withers to enhance its riding abilities. It has a compact, well-sprung barrel with good depth, and without a hint of too much length in its back. Correctness of legs and soundness of hooves are important features to which breeders pay close attention.

The Belgian Warmblood is an excellent competition horse with good jumping and dressage abilities. Expect to see more of this breed excelling in future competitions. With worldwide demands for competition horses, it is sure to be among top competitors and achieving high honors.

Belgian Half-Blood

The Belgian Half-Blood is most likely the predecessor to the Belgian Warmblood above and it still exists today. Established prior to 1920, a society for this breed has been existence since that time. In 1967, the society was granted the right to use the adjective "Royal" in its title. Since then the Belgian Half-Blood has increased in quality and quantity, and it is now becoming recognized for its qualities.

Belgium, which has been known for the working draft, imported its general riding and sport horses until recent years. Around 1975, a number of these strong, high-quality horses have been bred and have competed internationally, gaining recognition for the breed. Breeding stock included a significant number of horses from France, mostly of Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arabian, Arabian and Selle Français bloodlines. These imported stallions were crossed with local mares to produce the Half-Blood. While some stallions were also imported from Germany and Holland, the rest of the breeding stock (about 40%) originated from home-bred Belgian Half-Bloods.

The Royal Society adopted many of the same policies as those used by most other European national warmblood societies. The goal is to encourage selective breeding through registration, grading mares and testing stallions, and the importation of quality breeding stock. To aid their program, the provided financial incentives and prestigious awards to those breeders who produced quality breeding horses.

The Belgian Half-Bred should be at least 15.2 hands high, with a goal to produce stock between 16 and 16.1 hands. Most solid colors are acceptable. A Belgian Half-Blood should have a broad forehead and small ears. The neck should slope and its limbs should be straight and muscular, with good feet. The goal of the Royal Society is to achieve a horse that is athletic and comfortable under the saddle.

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Published October 2001 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

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