A horse is a beautiful strong animal that cannot be admired. With her grace, nobility, speed and endurance, she has won many admirers and connoisseurs around the world.
Currently, there are a large number of horse breeds specially bred and trained for different purposes and purposes. Some are used in agriculture, others are used for leisure and entertainment. There are also breeds that are designed for equestrian sports.
These types of horses include the Dutch warm-blooded. Description of the breed, characteristics and history of the breed - later in the article.
What kind of animal is that? When and why was it bred? And how is it used now? Let's get it right.
Warmblood horses. What are they like?
To breed new breeds, to improve the basic properties and qualities of noble horses, crossbreeding or, simply, mating individuals belonging to different breeds is used. This process occurs under the supervision of a person and is carried out using scientific knowledge and calculations.
The warm-blooded horse is a fairly new breed of horses bred by crossing purebred and harness animals. Since many species and subspecies were involved in this process, the warm-blooded horse is not considered purebred and does not have a personal pedigree book. It still continues to evolve and improve.
This also applies to the Dutch warm-blooded horse.
Breed personality
This horse is classified as a sports horse. He takes part in international competitions of such a serious level as show jumping, eventing, dressage and driving.
Due to its popularity, first-class characteristics and enthusiastic reviews of owners and just amateurs, the Dutch warm-blooded has achieved worldwide recognition and was honored to have a stud book, which is rare among its class.
In our time, a whole expert program has been created, designed to identify and select each individual for belonging to this breed. All selected animals, distinguished by special properties and ideal characteristics, are recorded in the "generic" book, after which they put a special brand. The stigma of the horse is the figure of the king of beasts, depicted standing on his hind legs.
How did this breed appear? We will talk about this later.
A bit of history
The origin of the Dutch warm-blooded was due to the fashion of horse riding, which appeared in Holland in the mid-nineteenth century. From the very beginning, in this country, preference was given to draft horses - unprepossessing, but powerful and low-vulnerable, suitable for hard work. And yet, thanks to the widespread enthusiasm for beautiful racehorse stallions, some large stud farms decided to breed their own, special breed.
The first step was the crossing of two German breeds - gelderlander and groningen. Applicants were delivered from the UK, the United States and France. Each individual went through a thorough competition and selection.
Then, the mares obtained from this mating were decided to be bred with Trakenen stallions, and the stallions of the Gelderlander and Groningen breeds were combined with Holstein mares. Later, other excellent and famous breeds - Westphalian, Hanoverian and Oldenburgsky - were involved in the selection process. Thanks to this, an impressive result was achieved - the Dutch warm-blooded became the standard of excellence: graceful and strong, fast and hardy. All these qualities were combined in one breed, which at that time was an unusual and pleasant innovation.
Thanks to this, already in 1959, the Dutch warm-blooded received a studbook. Twenty years later, breed selection was revised and improved. As a result, the directors of the stud farms removed from their arsenal all females that did not meet new standards and indicators. To replace them, genetically correct mares with impeccable characteristics and properties were brought from far abroad. They entered the selection process, and after ten years the Dutch warm-blooded horse was recognized as a true "royal" breed.
Usage environment
From the very beginning, the breed was intended for equestrian sport. Therefore, now its representatives fully participate in world-class sports games and show the best results in competitions with obstacles and demonstration dressings.
Also, the Dutch warm-blooded takes part in many national sports and entertainment activities, brilliantly speaking with solo and group numbers at various shows and concerts.
View selection
The selection of animals for further breeding is carried out in accordance with accepted norms and standards. The modern competition is very serious and in-depth. This is necessary to prevent genetic flaws and prevent degeneration of the breed.
Here is how the selection of mares takes place: females undergo medical examinations (x-rays, biomaterial analysis) to identify hidden defects and diseases, and are also subjected to physical exertion and tests to assess their abilities and skills.
The suitability of the stallions for crossing is determined by even more severe conditions. First of all, they evaluate their appearance and state of health. Then they pay attention to running performance and suitability for sports.
A significant role in the selection is played by the character of a single instance (obedience to orders, instant reflexes, natural talent and grace, temperament).
Objective description of the breed
What about the detailed description of the Dutch warm-blooded?
Her physique is characterized by proportionality, a smooth profile and classical outlines of the whole figure.
The height of the horse at the withers ranges between 165 and 172 cm. Instances above the specified limit are considered professionally unsuitable for equestrian sport, since the higher the height of the animal, the greater the load on its legs and joints.
In relation to the suit, the Dutch warm-blooded is diverse in color and pattern. It can be bay and black horses, red and gray, plain or with white spots on different parts of the body.
This breed is characterized by a wide and strong chest, short, low-set croup, strong and muscular legs. It is distinguished by a light, correctly set gait, gracefully moves at a trot and gallop, while capturing a large space.
In terms of temperament, the Dutch horses are submissive and efficient, friendly and faithful, in difficult situations they can show unprecedented courage and courage. They have good health and enviable endurance, therefore they are rarely exposed to diseases and perfectly adapt in various climatic and weather conditions.
What are the general requirements and rules for the care of horses of this breed? We learn further.
Content method
There are several methods for breeding horses:
- Herding . This method is the cheapest and easiest. It implies keeping animals in vivo. A round-the-clock herd grazing in fields and meadows, light shelters from bad weather for nursing mares and male males - these are brief characteristics of this technique.
- Stable-pasture . This method is used by large horse breeders, since it involves the division of the herd into small groups according to age, gender and target considerations. Animals are kept in stable stalls, and in the warm season graze on special pastures, delimited by low fences.
- Stable . This option is a spacious, well-insulated stables, divided into separate stalls, as well as fenced areas for walking.
As you can see, the latter method is the most preferable for breeding sports horses. It is he who provides an individual approach and maximum care for the animal, taking into account its features and addition.
Thoroughbred horses, including the Dutch warm-blooded ones, need the highest comfort and attention.
Stable
What should be considered before the construction of the stables for representatives of the sports breed from the Netherlands?
First of all, you need to choose the right place: the building should be built on a hill in order to avoid spring flooding and excessive dampness.
The building itself must be built spacious and bright, away from places of possible fires and other hazards. It is recommended to carefully insulate the building, take care of high-quality ventilation and the absence of drafts.
The stable is best built from real wood and whitewashed with lime. In the future, it is very important to monitor the cleanliness and not litter the room.
The size of the stall for Dutch warm-blooded animals should be at least fourteen square meters, and the height of the walls - about two and a half meters.
An important thing is the proper placement of feeders and drinking bowls. They should be at the chest level of each individual horse.
How should I feed this breed?
Food
Despite endurance, strength and athletic achievements, the Dutch warm-blooded people have a very vulnerable digestive system, so when feeding them, you must carefully follow certain standards:
- The number of meals should not exceed three or four per day and should take place exactly in the allotted time.
- When composing the menu, one should take into account the sex, age, and physical activity of the animal.
- Feed should be used fresh and of high quality, prepared in accordance with the rules and recommendations.
- Water is best given immediately before feeding, its optimal temperature varies between eight to twelve degrees.
- In the daily diet, fortified feeds should occupy a large part, which will facilitate the rapid digestion of foods.
Here is an approximate daily serving of food per head:
- Compound feed (grain) - 4 kilograms.
- Meadow hay - 4 kilograms.
- Raw root crops (beets, carrots) - 0.5 kilograms.
- Green feed (fresh grass) - 2 kilograms.
- Straw - up to 1 kilogram.
- Steamed potatoes - up to 1 kilogram.
This diet is given taking into account the average load. If the horses undergo intensive training, then you can add a few legumes. And, of course, do not forget about natural walking.
Care Features
The Dutch, like most sports horses, need careful care.
First of all, these are regular baths (once every five days) using specialized soap and shampoo. The water in these procedures should be cold, but not icy.
Bathing animals is best in a natural reservoir or pool. But if this is not possible, hoses or buckets will do (the main thing is not to get into your ears and nostrils).
In the process of washing, it is important to rub the wool with a brush.
After each training session, the horse's legs should be washed thoroughly, without the use of detergents.
Finally
As you can see, the Dutch warm-blooded is a very beautiful and hardy breed that requires care and attention. If you follow the general rules and instructions for the care of these horses, they will delight their owners with a healthy appearance and brilliant sporting victories for a long time.