Danish Half-blooded Horse

The Danish half-blooded horse (Danish warmblood) is a prime example of one of those breeds that have been bred specifically for modern equestrian sports, primarily for dressage, show jumping (overcoming obstacles) and military parades.

The Danes are famous for their centuries-old tradition in horse breeding: the organization of the first Danish stud farm dates back to the 14th century. Nevertheless, the horse trade, especially in the last decades of the 20th century, has noticeably decreased. In a number of areas, the uncompromising dominance of mechanization has turned the horse from a necessary means of transportation into an animal "for leisure". At the beginning of this transformation, the Danes realized that their own tribes - the Frederiksborg horse and its relative the Knabstrupper (a popular circus horse) - could no longer represent competitive sports horses.

To remedy this situation, a breeding program was developed in 1962, according to which a new type of Danish sports horse was to be developed. The studbook was opened in 1964. Carefully selected stallions, especially English thoroughbreds, Swedish, Trakehner, Hanoverian, Holstein and Polish, were crossed with various domestic mares. Stallions and mares were strictly judged, and only the best of them were allowed to enter the studbook. This program has been very successful.

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Bred in this way, the Danish half-breed is a beautiful horse with perfect body proportions and a unique move. She combines courage with a lively temperament and is an excellent dressage horse.

Height at withers 160 to 173 cm (average 160-167 cm). Any color, but most often bay; white markings on head and limbs allowed.

Photographer Olaf Kosinsky

Body structure: expressive medium-sized head with large eyes and a straight profile; beautiful shoulder with a well-defined withers; deep chest; compact, strong, muscular back; long, slightly sloping croup with strong thighs; strong legs with well-formed hooves.

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The Danish half-blooded horse is a strong sport horse with a balanced temperament and an agreeable character. All members of this breed have good learning abilities.