The Westphalian is a German Warm-blood that was bred at the State Stud in Warendorf in Westphalia and founded in 1826.
image by hwehrle
The breeding programme was shaped by large infusions of Hanoverian blood, and also Thoroughbred and Trakehner influences.
Stallions are performance tested to a high standard.
It is a lengthy affair taking into account, character and conformation and ability.
First tested at three and a half for tractive power, at four for riding ability and free jumping (without a rider) and at four and a half tested at dressage skills and jumping.
Warm blood horses image by Tequilla1160
The average height ranges from 15.3 – to a large horse standing at 17.2hh with coat colours of any solid colour.
With a noble head resting on a long neck this athletic horse has sloping shoulders and a well-muscled back and croup with strong legs and large joints.
The standard for all German riding horses calls for an appealing, long-lined, correct riding horse with bold, expansive, elastic gaits, suitable for all types of riding due to its temperament, character, and rideability.
The best way to identify the breed is by the brand on the left hip: a crowned shield containing the letter "W" which they receive when they are awarded their papers at a foal show.<
The breed today is used for general riding and competition work, being exceptionally good at dressage and show jumping.
They are also popular in North America in show hunter competitions.
They are bred to the same standard as the other German warmbloods and in particular exchange a great deal of genetic material with the nearby Rhinelander and Hanoverian.
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