Warmblood Horses: Sport Horses Explained

Who a Warmblood Suits

Warmbloods suit riders aiming at dressage, show jumping or eventing, and riders who want a big, trainable horse for riding club. Many have a calm, workmanlike temperament.

They are a big commitment: large horses need large stables, trailers, blankets and saddles, and young warmbloods mature slowly and need skilled training.

Studbooks, Not One Breed

Warmbloods developed in Europe by crossing heavier farm and carriage horses with Thoroughbreds and Arabians, then selecting for riding ability. Each studbook sets its own rules, and breeding stock is inspected (graded) and often performance-tested before it can breed.

Because studbooks accept horses from related books, a warmblood's papers tell you its studbook, not necessarily a single breed.

Feeding and Grazing

Warmbloods vary: some hold weight easily, while others, especially in hard work, cold weather or old age, need more energy than forage alone provides. Start with plenty of good forage, weighed so you know what is being eaten, and add a balancer or a high-fiber feed only as needed. Ask your vet or an equine nutritionist before making big changes.

See feeding horses forage first and body condition scoring.

Hooves, Teeth, Coat and Weather

Pick out feet daily and book the farrier every few weeks, and a dental check at least once a year. See hoof care and the farrier and teeth and dental care.

A clipped horse in regular work will need a blanket (rug) in cold weather, and big horses need big blankets: measure before you buy.

Company, Space and Handling

Warmbloods need company, daily turnout and a stable sized for a big horse: the British Horse Society's minimum for horses over 17 hands (68 inches, 173 cm) is 12 × 14 ft (3.65 × 4.25 m). See stabling and field shelters.

Health: Preventive Care

Book a check-up soon after your horse arrives, and ask your vet about vaccinations and a worming plan guided by fecal egg counts. Plan for the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year. Score body condition every few weeks, by hand: weight creeps on quietly, especially on spring grass.

Worming, vaccinations and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your horse and where you live.

Buying, Loaning or Rescuing

Studbook breeders, sales and professional sellers are the usual routes; rehoming charities sometimes have warmbloods too. Have a vet do a pre-purchase examination (X-rays are often added for sport horses), check the passport and studbook papers, and match the horse's training to your riding. See buying a horse.