Dutch Warmblood | Pet MD

Dutch Warmblood is also known as Dutch Warmblood KWPN (abbreviation). Koninklijk Vereniging Warmblood Paardenstanbuk Netherlandsthis is the breed’s pedigree). This is a Dutch sport horse breed, descended from the Gelderlander and Groningen horse breeds.

Today, Dutch Warmbloods are hardy, easy to train, and are popular horses that not only win prizes in the show ring, but also captivate the hearts of everyone they meet.

Dutch Warmblood Snapshot

• height: averages 16.2 hands (64.8 inches) but can grow up to 17 hands tall

• weight: 1,210–1,320 pounds

• lifespan: More than 25 years

• color: brown, chestnut, black, bay, gray; may have white markings and Tobiano pattern

Caring for Dutch warm-blooded dogs

Dutch Warmblood horses are generally healthy thanks to careful breeding practices.

These horses are uncomplicated when it comes to diet and care needs. They enjoy interacting with people, are athletic, intelligent, and eager to learn. Dutch Warmbloods thrive when they are mentally stimulated and get plenty of daily exercise.

Dutch warm-blooded health problems

KWPN Dutch Warmblood horses are genetically and physically tested before breeding and are bred to be as healthy as possible. There are several diseases for which you may have a genetic predisposition, including: Scaphoid syndrome causing anterior end lameness.

Although it is not possible to test for all of these diseases before breeding, if you have severe arthritis or navicular disease in adulthood, you should not be tested for reproductive purposes to minimize the chances of inheriting these diseases. may not be recommended for use.

Dutch Warmblood breeders utilize a variety of tests to help ensure that their foals do not inherit or develop certain diseases, such as:

Warm-blooded fragile foal syndrome (WFFS)

Also known as Fragile foal syndrome type 1 (FSS)This is a genetic disease that foals are born with. Because it affects the connective tissue, the skin is hyperextensible, thin, and very fragile, resulting in open lesions. Other symptoms include drooping ears, hematomas, and hyperextension of the joints of the hands and feet.

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

However, DNA testing for genetic mutations can help prevent this, as breeders can avoid breeding horses with genetic mutations.

Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM)

There are two types of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM): type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is caused by mutations in the GYS1 gene, whereas type 2 is not associated with genetic mutations. Warm-blooded people are more likely to have type 2, but they can also inherit type 1.

When a horse suffers from PSSM, excess glycogen (a type of sugar) builds up in the muscles. The following symptoms may occur:

• convulsions

• pain

• rigidity

• Weakness

• sweating

• trembling

• poor performance

• unwilling to move

• lameness

Rest, medication, and supplements can be used to manage horses that develop tie-up symptoms due to this condition.

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a condition caused by unhealthy joint cartilage or joint fluid that can cause lameness, pain, and joint swelling. Inadequate amounts of articular cartilage can cause the bones to rub against each other, causing inflammation of the joint capsule, bone changes, and arthritis.

OCD often affects the balls of the hands and feet (ankles), hock joints, and knee joints, but any joint in a horse’s body can be affected by this condition. Horses may show signs early in life or as they get older.

Multiple genes can determine whether a horse is likely to develop OCDenvironmental factors and diet may also contribute to its development. Other possible causes include:

• trauma

• hormonal imbalance

• excessive exercise

• rapid growth

Treatment options such as joint injections with steroids, hyaluronic acid, and biologics, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as firocoxib and phenylbutazone, can be used to manage this condition.

The main treatment for equine OCD is surgical removal of poorly adherent cartilage. However, even after surgery, these horses may be more prone to arthritis and unhealthy joints due to reduced cartilage.

Other treatments used as supportive care include joint supplements, physical therapy to strengthen nearby muscles (which can reduce stress on the joints), and chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.

lameness

Lameness is a condition that can affect horses of all breeds, including Dutch Warmbloods. This affects gait and posture and has a variety of causes, including:

Symptoms of lameness in horses include:

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

What to feed a Dutch warm-blooded animal

Dutch warmblood horses are easy to care for and gain weight easily.

The general rule is to feed your horse about 2% of its body weight each day. For example, a Dutch Warmblood weighing 1,250 pounds requires 25 pounds of feed each day. However, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to determine how much food to feed your horse, based on factors such as the horse’s age and activity level.

You can feed the Dutch warm-blooded Free-choice feeds that are low in calories, starch, and sugar, such as medium-aged grass hay or alfalfa hay. The number of calories your horse needs each day will vary depending on your horse’s activity, exercise, work, and weight.

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

Dutch Warmblood Discipline

Dutch Warmbloods are highly athletic and can excel in a variety of fields. Not only are they excellent horsemen, they are also excellent competitors known for the following skills:

• show jumping

• Driving a trolley

• hunter

• Eventing

• dressage

Dutch warm-blooded personality and temperament

Every horse is unique, but Dutch Warmblood horses are bred to have great personalities. This horse has a gentle temperament, is friendly, intelligent, and easy to handle, making it popular for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re riding for fun or training together to compete, Warmbloods are gentle, reliable, dependable, and hard-working.

The Dutch Warmblood’s great temperament makes it perfect for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians. People who ride these horses are often able to connect easily with the horses and develop strong bonds as a result.

Dutch Warmblood Training

Dutch Warmbloods are known for being easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and ability to learn. They are also eager to please, so they are not difficult to work with and are usually ready to learn new things.

Like all horses, Dutch Warmbloods benefit from a gentle and consistent approach when it comes to training. Depending on your horse’s age and experience, you may not need much training, but even horses that haven’t been well trained may still be fun to work with.

Dutch Warmblood Grooming Guide

Dutch Warmbloods require the same basic grooming routine that all horses require. There are no special requirements.

coat care

To keep your horse’s skin and coat healthy, horse grooming kit. You can keep your Dutch Warmblood looking great by using quality tools such as:

• curry comb: Can be used to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from the coat.

• dandy brush: Used to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from the coat.

• face brush: A gentle brush that can be used even on sensitive faces.

• mane and tail brush: Can detangle and smooth delicate hair in the mane and tail.

Brushing your horse regularly will keep its coat smooth, clean, and shiny. Every grooming session is an opportunity to bond with your horse and spot any signs of illness or injury that may require veterinary attention.

hoof care

Dutch Warmbloods require daily hoof inspections. Look for signs of injury use a hoof pick Remove dirt, stones, and other debris quickly and easily. This allows highly athletic horses to perform at their best.

In addition to cleaning the hooves daily, work with your farrier to inspect the hooves and trim the hooves as needed to ensure they are properly balanced and avoid lameness.