| The Dutch Warmblood has made quite a name for | | | | to restore smoothness and refinement to the |
| himself over the past 15 years, and there are many | | | | mechanized Dutch Warmblood after the first and |
| very good reasons for this. Firstly, it is important to | | | | second world wars were through with him. |
| note that there are two very distinct types of Dutch | | | | The dressage temperament of the Dutch Warmblood |
| Warmblood bred there today, one for dressage and | | | | is one of definitive patience, intelligence, and urgency to |
| one for show jumping, while the North American Dutch | | | | please. This was one of the original traits which made |
| Warmblood Registry has line breeding ideas of its own | | | | this breed so successful as a fine carriage horse |
| for the hunting ring. One thing that remains true to form, | | | | during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. When coupled |
| however, is that there is a temperament and build of | | | | with the strong and elegant lines of a well conformed |
| this breed for nearly every advanced equine sporting | | | | horse, these traits are difficult to match in the |
| circuit in action today. The only realm that he has not | | | | dressage ring. |
| been pushed toward so far is eventing, but we aren't | | | | The jumper class of Dutch Warmblood is strained |
| counting him out of the running just yet. | | | | more toward energy and stamina. It was early on in |
| Over the past six years alone, the Dutch Warmblood | | | | the breeding of the Dutch Warmblood that jumping |
| has steadily gained favor in the dressage ring, and as | | | | emerged as an innate talent, and the refinement of this |
| of last year stood second in overall registry ratings | | | | trait includes allowing a bit more tenacity in the |
| only to the Hanoverian. The traits being pulled out of | | | | temperament. Determination and a greatly courageous |
| Dutch dressage horses are in high demand, and the | | | | head are needed for the jumping circuit, and this breed |
| breeders are taking note and paying attention. There | | | | gives his all under every circumstance. Lines are |
| will be a great amount of comparison and contrasting | | | | crossed with more certainty and intentionality each |
| between the two breeds during the FEI World | | | | year, as the gentle disposition of this horse on the |
| Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, as all eyes | | | | whole is one of his most desirable traits, and as such is |
| will be anxious to see if the Dutch can sneak out | | | | being heavily protected against warming by hotter |
| ahead of the pack this year. Suiting, though, considering | | | | temperaments. |
| that the Hanoverian was one of the finer breeds used | | | | |