Overview

Mission Statement

History

Stallion Performance Testing in The Netherlands
Photo Dirk Caremans

The KWPN is one of the largest sporthorse studbooks in the world and a very successful one. For years, the KWPN has held a top position in the studbook rankings of the international umbrella breeding organization, the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). This distinction means that KWPN horses routinely achieve exceptional success in international equestrian sports. For 2014, the KWPN again placed first in dressage and jumping, as well as fourth for eventing.

The KWPN Horse

The KWPN horse is a sporthorse with international appeal. It is willing, fearless, physically and mentally strong, and bred to perform at the highest level. It is also reliable, easy to handle, and pleasing to the eye. Because of the KWPN’s planned breeding policy, the KWPN horse possesses a sound mind in a sound body. The combination of an aptitude for sport and an uncomplicated temperament make these horses unique and very popular at all levels of equestrian sport and breeding. Most KWPN horses are purchased by breeders, amateur riders, and horse enthusiasts, while the best perform under top riders at Grand Prix level in international show jumping and dressage.

From Workhorse to Olympic Champion

The KWPN is a modern association with a rich history. It was founded at a time when the horse was valued exclusively for its pulling power. That practical function has long since been replaced by others. Nowadays, the Royal Dutch Sport Horse represents a completely different set of values: the ability to impress enthusiasts around the world with top performances in show jumping, dressage, and spectacular driving events. With the original farm workhorse as the starting point, four different breeding directions emerged over the years, each with its own breeding goal and breeding council. Depending on its bloodlines, conformation, and abilities, a KWPN horse is registered as a jumping horse, dressage horse, harness horse, or Gelders horse. This last type has remained closest to the common foundation horse and has proven to be the most versatile under saddle as well as in harness.

World-Class Sport and Hobby

With complete conviction and enthusiasm, the KWPN strives to achieve its goal: to breed modern sporthorses that perform at the top level of international equestrian sports. Likewise, it aims to breed healthy horses that happily and easily do what is expected of them. Achieving this goal has made the KWPN a worldwide name. However, the KWPN does not focus exclusively on world-class sport; after all, most riders do not have the ambition or opportunity to actively participate in equestrian sports as professionals. Therefore, the KWPN also considers facilitation of suitable matches between the large population of amateur owners and their horses a very important task. For this reason, the temperament of the Royal Dutch Sport Horse is just as important as its sport talent because ultimately everyone prefers a good, willing horse.

North America

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. The KWPN-NA has more than 1,300 members annually.

Through a multitude of programs, the KWPN-NA staff and volunteer board work tirelessly to encourage the participation of registered KWPN horses in equestrian sport, and structure appropriate awards programs that will acknowledge and promote excellence on the part of KWPN horses, breeders, owners, riders and trainers in North America. The KWPN-NA also maintains an extensive database that records detailed breed registration information, inspection and performance results, and ownership transfers and sales for all registered KWPN horses in North America; disseminates educational and informational data to breeders, owners and other interested individuals pertaining to the breeding, raising and approval of KWPN horses; schedules and conducts various inspections throughout North America of stallions, foals, mares and geldings; and promotes public awareness of the Royal Dutch Sport Horse.

Florianus II crown (Florestan I x Die Dame West ster pref by Damenstolz Hann); Dressage Type (DP), Photo: Terri Miller

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.

For additional information on Breeding Directions and Breeding Goals: