Breeding Goals

The KWPN is one of the largest Warmblood studbooks in the world. For 2008 –for an unprecedented fifth year in a row– the KWPN once again took the leading position for jumpers in the WBFSH rankings and again took the second spot in dressage.

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 split this breeding directionfurther; into the Dressage (DP) and Jumper (SP) types. In North America there is also a third type: Hunter (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. This is possible during the studbook inspection or after completion of an IBOP or presentation of a sport record.

General Breeding Goal

The general KWPN Breeding Goal is to produce a performance horse that:

• can perform at Grand Prix level
• has a constitution that enables long usefulness;
• has a character that supports the will to perform as well as being agreeable and good natured towards people
• has functional conformation and a correct movement mechanism that will enable good performance
• has an attractive exterior that is related to refinement, nobility and quality

Breeding Goal for Dressage Horses

The breeding goal is to produce a dressage horse that can perform at Grand Prix level and also possesses a healthy constitution, functional conformation, correct movement mechanism, a correct base, and a preferably attractive exterior.

The selection within the dressage breeding direction aims at the highest possible dressage genotype and phenotype in regards to the characteristics conformation, scope, suppleness, power, carriage, balance and purity in walk, trot and canter. To reach this goal, the dressage horse should be long lined and have a correct model with balanced proportions. The horse should move correctly, be light footed, be balanced and supple with carrying power, impulsion, and good self-carriage. The dressage horse should be easy to handle, easy to ride and intelligent, with a willing and hard-working character.

Breeding Goal for Jumper Horses

The breeding goal is to produce a jumper that can perform at Grand Prix level and also possesses a healthy constitution, functional conformation, correct movement mechanism, a correct base and, a preferably attractive exterior.

The selection within the jumping breeding direction aims at the highest possible jumping genotype and phenotype in regards to the characteristics conformation, canter, take-off, reflexes, technique, scope, carefulness, and attitude in jumping. To reach this goal the jumper should be long lined and have a correct model with balanced proportions. The horse should move correctly, be balanced and supple with self carriage and impulsion. The horse should be easy to handle, easy to ride and intelligent, with a willing and hardworking character. The jumper has courage, jumps with quick reflexes, is careful, has good technique and has a great deal of scope.

Breeding Goal for Hunter Horses

The breeding goal aims for a hunter that can perform at the highest levels of Hunter competition and also possesses a healthy constitution, functional conformation, correct movement mechanism, a correct base and a preferably attractive exterior.

The selection within the hunter breeding direction aims at the highest possible hunter genotype and phenotype in regards to the characteristics conformation, canter, take-off, reflexes, technique, scope, carefulness, and attitude in hunter sport. To reach this goal the hunter should be long lined, have a correct model with balanced proportions and charm. The horse should move correctly be balanced and supple with self carriage and impulsion. The horse should be easy to handle, easy to ride and intelligent with a willing and hard-working character. The hunter has a long, flowing stride that smoothly covers the ground in a steady rhythm, with little knee or hock action. The hunter jumps with a beautiful rounded bascule and has a calm, brave character.

Breeding Goal for Gelders Horses

The breeding goal is to produce a Gelders horse that can be used for multi-purposes. The Gelders horse distinguishes itself both in harness and under saddle with its happy appearance, reliable and willing character, healthy constitution, functional conformation, correct movement mechanism and correct base with a preferably attractive exterior. To reach this goal, the Gelders horse should be suitable for use under saddle and in harness with an elegant build with substance, self carriage, sufficiently developed legs and big gaits with light knee action in the foreleg and with power and carrying ability from behind.

Breeding Goal for Harness Horses

The breeding goal is to produce a harness horse that can perform in the highest levels of Harness sport and also possesses a healthy constitution, functional conformation, a correct movement mechanism and a correct base with a preferably attractive exterior. To reach this goal the harness horse should have good suspension in the trot with a foreleg that moves out well with high knee action and a hindleg that steps under powerfully, as well as proud self carriage with a long vertical neck.

Stallion Selection

The selection of stallions is not only based on pedigree, but also on jumping and dressage talent for Riding Horses, harness talent for Harness horses, and either of the two for Gelders horses. The stallions must also have a good character, good semen quality, and good health and durability.