History

The KWPN is one of the largest Warmblood studbooks in the world consistently placed at the top of the world rankings for jumping and dressage.

For 2011, the KWPN was ranked the number one studbook for jumping for the eighth consecutive year, and the number one studbook for dressage for the third consecutive year. KWPN horses are also gaining ground in eventing, finishing in fifth place this year after being in 11th last year. Jerich Parzival (s. Jazz) led the individual dressage rankings while BMC van Grunsven Simon (s. Mr. Blue) led the individual jumping rankings.

Netherlands

Registered Warmblood breeding in the Netherlands is over a century old. King Willem II recognized the first Dutch studbook organization in 1887 and so laid the basis for regulated Warmblood breeding.

During the 19th century several regional and local studbook organizations bred heavier horses specifically for working the clay soil of the north (Groningen).

On the sandy soil of the middle Netherlands (Gelderland) a more noble and spirited horse was popular; a horse with faster action and good stamina.

Both types were regularly crossed and in 1969 these two organizations were combined into the national studbook organization WPN (Warmbloed Paarden-stamboek Nederland), which received the "Royal" designation (Koninklijk) from Queen Beatrix in 1988. The KWPN currently has more than 28,000 members.

North America

In 1983, the NA/WPN (North American department of the KWPN) was established to promote and support breeding, competition and enjoyment of the Dutch Warmblood horse in North America. As of January 1, 2006, the organization became known as the KWPN of North America, Inc. (KWPN-NA) to reflect the close relationship between the KWPN and its North American department. The KWPN-NA has more than 1,300 members.

Registered Warmblood breeding in the Netherlands is over a century old. King Willem II recognized the first Dutch studbook organization in 1887 and so laid the basis for regulated Warmblood breeding. During the 19th century several regional and local studbook organizations bred heavier horses specifically for working the clay soil of the north (Groningen). On the sandy soil of the middle Netherlands (Gelderland) a more noble and spirited horse was popular; a horse with faster action and good stamina.

Both types were regularly crossed and in 1969 these two organizations were combined into the national studbook organization WPN (Warmbloed Paarden-stamboek Nederland), which received the royal designation (Koninklijk) from Queen Beatrix in 1988. The KWPN (Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands) currently has more than 28,000 members.

In 1983, the Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America was established as the North American Department of the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN) in order to promote breeding and enjoyment of the KWPN horse in North America. As of January 1, 2006, the organization became known as the KWPN of North America, Inc.

In order to preserve, promote and develop the KWPN horse to the highest possible standard in North America, and to serve its members and breeders through a continuing program of services, the KWPN and KWPN-NA have formed a relationship that offers the greatest possible support to North American breeders, owners and riders of KWPN horses. The KWPN-NA provides extensive and unique services to its subscribers in North America while maintaining considerable discretionary powers in the administration and regulations of the KWPN.

Specialized Breeding Directions

For decades KWPN horses have been split into three distinct breeding directions: the Riding type (RP), the Gelders type (GP) and the Harness type (TP). In the breeding program of Riding horses, the KWPN decided to further split this breeding direction further; into the Dressage (DP) and Jumper types (SP). In North America there is also a third type: the Hunter type (HP). A breeding goal has been formulated for each breeding direction. As of January 1, 2007, Riding type foals in North America are registered as a Dressage, Jumper or Hunter type. The birth declaration will contain a box to mark the desired breeding direction. If needed, the KWPN-NA office will advise on a breeding direction based on the pedigree.

As an adult, the breeding direction of a horse may be changed upon request of the owner or the advice of the KWPN keuring jury, if the horse would clearly fit better in another breeding direction and meets the criteria for that breeding direction. This is possible during the studbook inspection or after completion of an IBOP or presentation of a sport record.

Click here for additional information on Breeding Directions and Breeding Goals.