Australian Warmblood Horse
The Australian Warmblood is a breed of equines that were developed for the purpose of sporting and events. This breed is extremely versatile, and excels in activities like dressage and jumping, and is common in field events mostly in Australia. Though the breed is still in its infant stage and is good for slightly experienced owners, it has the ability to meet the standards of many of its European counterparts.
Australian Warmblood Horse Pictures
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- Australian Warmblood Horse Foal
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- Australian Warmblood Horse Images
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- Australian Warmblood Horse Mare
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- Australian Warmblood Horse Pictures
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- Australian Warmblood Horse Stallion
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- Australian Warmblood Horse
Quick Information
| Behavioral Characteristics | Spirited, active, even-tempered, alert, attentive |
| Physical Traits | Traits vary from individual to individual, however most have a robust and hardy physique, defined shoulders, developed crests and well muscled withers, chest, hips and back and wide hindquarters |
| Breed Type (by weight) | Heavy |
| Blood Type | Warm |
| Category | Sport Horse, Driving Horse, Eventing Horse, Show Horse |
| Coat Colors | Black, Bay, Gray, Chestnut |
| Size | 15-17 hands (average height for adult studs/stallions and mares) |
| Health Problems | Normally healthy with no breed-specific diseases |
| Uses | Show jumping, dressage, eventing |
| Ancestors (Bloodlines) | Various combinations of warm-blooded breeds like Spanish, Neapolitan, Thoroughbred, Arabian and Draught crossed with local stock |
| Popular Traits | Hardy, healthy, versatile, calm |
| Feeding/Diet | General horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
| Time of Development | 20th century (latter half) |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Association/ Registration/ Stud Book | AWHA Website Pedigree |
Video: Australian Warmblood Horse Field Event
History and Development
The warmblood horses developed in Europe by selective breeding with the purpose of creating cavalry and light draught horses. The breeding individuals were imported in different parts of the continent and were crossed judiciously by the legislators and the nobles from Germany in order to maintain specific bloodlines.
The Australian Warmblood, however, was bred with the sole purpose of producing a classic sport horse rather than retaining any specific bloodlines. Hence, quite many warm-blooded equine breeds were implemented in developing this new horse, and the registry too never fixed any specific guidelines relating to confirmation traits.
In the early 1970s, the ‘Australian Warmblood Horse Association’ (AWHA) was founded, and in 1985, the association adopted uniform breeding guidelines related to its standards. These guidelines were firmly based on early European practices but adapted for Australian conditions.
