Australian Warmblood By Australian Warmblood Horse Association Ltd The modern Warmblood horse is bred specifically to excel in the equestrian sports of dressage, show jumping, eventing driving. In other words a performance horse showing quality, correct conformation, correct movement with impulsion, balance cadence, a suitable character willing temperament, jumping ability, style technique. Warmblood horses evolved in Europe where selected imports were crossed judiciously by German nobles legislators to produce cavalry light draught horses. The Warmblood lines developed separately across Europe over centuries, taking their names from the geographic region in which they were bred. Breeding differed across countries even between studs, using various combinations of Spanish, Neapolitan, Thoroughbred, Arabian Draught blood crossed with local stock. From the Germanic warhorses of Charles Martel in 732, their role varied from war horse to work horse until after the Second World War, when peace mechanisation turned the equestrian world s attention to sport. Since then, the breeding emphasis has been on the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping eventing with major foundation German breeds like the Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Oldenburg Trakhener vying for glory with Australian, Belgian, British, Danish, Dutch, French, Swedish other Warmblood studbooks. A Warmblood is neither a hot blood (Arabians Thoroughbreds) nor a cold blood (Draught horse). Warmblood, derived from the German term Warmblut, means a manageable temperament, which is what is needed for a good riding driving horse that is neither intended for racing or agricultural work. The Australian Warmblood horse is bred using imported Australian Warmblood horses, in some cases, crosses with Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arabian or Arabian breeding. Warmblood horses, compared to other saddle breeds, are generally large horses that develop slowly. They may not attain their full development until they are eight years old. This slow rate of growth means that some breeders may not choose to start their youngsters until they are four or five years old. The Australian Warmblood Horse Association Ltd (AWHA), established in 1972, is the oldest largest Warmblood society in Australia. It is an Australia-wide organisation with branches in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensl, South Australia Western Australia. The AWHA began as the German Warmblood Horse Association in 1968; the year of the arrival of the first Warmblood imported to Australia a massive, four-year-old grey Holsteiner stallion named Flaneur. Flaneur was imported by Don Peg Paul of Tallangatta, Victoria. Selected by show jumping dressage rider Fritz Thiedemann to breed with local Thoroughbreds, Flaneur s success as a sire increased interest in breeding the Warmblood type in Australia. Today, the characteristics of strength, endurance speed, which made the Warmblood so prized as a cavalry mount farm horse, remain important in the competition arena. From a small, original breeding pool, the modern Australian Warmblood has established itself as the country s premier competition mount. Australian breeders have also built up a steady export market over the years. Beau Cheval Lady Eclipse with dam E.M. Remi Pinup Girl. Photo Catherine Reid Photography. Page 20 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 21
The imported Oldenburger stallion Smash Hit was imported to Australia from Germany in 2006 by David Ama Shoobridge of Revelwood Warmblood Stud. Photo Revelwood Warmblood Stud. Salwood Choral by Carbine (Imp/Dec) at Brookleigh Equestrian Centre, 2015. Photo Eric Lloyd Photography. The Australian Warmblood studbook The AWHA is not regulated or tied to a Verb this makes it possible for our members to benefit from breeding the best to the best. This means that breeders of the AWHA are able to select the most suitable stallion for their mare with no restriction placed on the Verb that the stallion may be associated with. For example, a Hanoverian mare may be bred to an Oldenburg stallion the mare s progeny registered into the AWHA Studbook appendix provided that both the mare stallion have passed AWHA Classification or, in the case of the stallion, it is approved by the AWHA for breeding. Breeding using imported frozen semen has also opened the genetic pool, allowing Australian Warmblood breeders greater versatility to breed the best to the best. Members are able to breed using imported frozen semen from stallions that are licensed (performance tested) registered with recognised overseas Warmblood Associations. The AWHA is an A Class member of the WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses) it was the first Warmblood breed society in Australia to be granted this honour. The WBFSH is the major connection between the breeding organisations of sport horses the international equestrian sport (FEI). Being an A Class member of the WBFSH means that pedigrees of AWHA studbook registered horses are accepted by other overseas breed societies they are also eligible to participate in the WBFSH Studbook Rankings, World Championship for Young Horses Young Breeders Championships overseas. The AWHA has two separate sections of its studbook: a breeding section a non-breeding section. Like Warmblood studbooks throughout the world, the studbook operated by the AWHA can be described as both Open Closed. Open because, subject to strict selection criteria, horses with no Warmblood breeding (such as Thoroughbreds) may be accepted as Foundation stock, when mated with AWHA Studbook horses, have their progeny eligible for inclusion in the AWHA Studbook via the AWHA Studbook Appendix. Closed because progeny from AWHA Studbook horses must also satisfy selection criteria (through Mare Classification or Colt Selection) before they themselves are included in the AWHA Studbook. Breeding section of the AWHA studbook In order for a mare to be accepted into the Breeding part of the studbook, she must have a documented paper trail of her pedigree going back at least three generations, in some cases, be DNA tested. The mare must also pass AWHA Classification with a score of 60% or higher. Mares scoring 70% or higher are entered into the AWHA Head Studbook, whilst mares scoring between 60% to 69.99% are entered into the Main Studbook. Bella Madonna (Imp) by Belissimo M NRW. Photo Caroline McLeod. Producing Premium Quality WARMBLOOD HORSES Warmblood Stud BEAU CHEVAL TRANSLATES FROM FRENCH AS BEAUTIFUL HORSE AND THAT IS OUR OBJECTIVE, TO BREED BEAUTIFUL HORSES WITH PROVEN PERFORMANCE BLOODLINES. Beau Cheval Warmblood Stud is proud to offer a range of quality youngstock for sale, from weanlings through to four year olds under saddle. All of our horses are by imported or imported frozen semen stallions out of mares with imported lines, the majority of which are Elite Head Stud Book mares. Expressions of interest are also invited for our pending foals. All progeny are registered with the AWHA Ltd /or HHSA. For a full list of available horses for sale, please contact us. Our horses are bred with the objective of ensuring that their conformation will allow them to excel athletically with good temperament also being of paramount importance. This, combined with careful hling, builds a relationship of confidence, respect, love trust, thus forming a solid foundation for a successful equine partnership. Photos: Catherine Reid Photography AUSTRALIAN WARMBLOOD HORSE :: Contact: Claudette Johnson at Beau Cheval Warmblood Stud :: Email: claudetj@au1.ibm.com Phone: 07 5544 9241 Mobile: 0407 375 870 :: www.beaucheval.com.au Page 22 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 23
The imported Brenburger stallion Lord Deniro, the first Approved Small Warmblood Stallion in Australia sting at 158 cms. In 2010, the AWHA Ltd M&A was amended to allow smaller Warmbloods in to the existing studbook. Photo Eric Lloyd Photography. Kohinoor Fortune by Fishermans Friend (Imp/Dec) with rider Hannah Barker. Photo Catherine Reid Photography. Sonique (Imp) with rider Marjorie Radford, Champion Ridden Warmblood Mare at the Perth Royal Show, 2012. Photo courtesy of Marjorie Radford. HVP L Moore D Eau, by an Australian Warmblood stallion out of a Quarter Horse mare. Photo Catherine Reid Photography. Two AWHA Mare Classifiers perform the Assessment the average score is used. Main Head Studbook mares are able to be promoted to the Elite Studbook if they meet the required performance criteria in Open Competition in the areas of dressage, eventing or show jumping. AWHA Mare Classification consists of a static assessment of their conformation, type overall impression, as well as an assessment of their movement. Mares must be at least three years old to be presented for Classification. The AWHA Mare Classifiers must pass a rigorous training program be approved by the Federal AWHA Board. Stallions must have proven parentage for at least four generations, be DNA tested they must pass AWHA Colt Selection, which comprises of a static assessment of their conformation, type overall impression, as well as an assessment of their movement their jumping ability. Colts are usually presented for AWHA Colt Selection between the ages of two a half years to four years old. However, older stallions can also be presented with approval from the AWHA Federal Board. Colts are assessed by a minimum of three AWHA Colt Selectors one Mare Classifier, the average score is used. Colts must also pass a veterinary examination for soundness freedom from genetic defects. Colts that pass AWHA Colt Selection gain the status of Approved are able to be promoted to Licensed if they meet the required performance criteria in Open Competition in the areas of dressage, eventing or show jumping, or through Progeny Testing of at least six of the offspring of the Approved AWHA Stallion. It is also possible to register imported stallions that have passed similar criteria overseas, as those that apply to the AWHA breeding stallion in Australia. AWHA Small Warmblood Studbook On 4th December 2010, the AWHA recognised the market dem for a smaller Warmblood horse. Thus, it established a Small Warmblood Studbook (SWB). This class includes Mares/ Fillies greater than 148 cm but less than 158 cm, Colts/ Stallions greater than 153 cm but less than 160 cm, which are, apart from their height, in all other matters of pedigree breeding acceptable for AWHA Classification. AWHA Studbook Appendix Progeny from AWHA Classified Mares Approved, Licensed or Performance Accepted Stallions are entered into the AWHA Studbook Appendix until they, in turn, go through the AWHA Classification process. Upon passing AWHA Classification, the colt or filly will then be entered into the appropriate section of the AWHA Studbook. Getting a birth certificate from the AWHA begins when the foal is conceived. If using AI, then an AWHA Insemination Certificate is completed at the time of service by the inseminating veterinarian. After the mare is served, the owner of the stallion issues the mare s owner with a service certificate or pink slip. TS Wonder Woman TS Wicked x Avalon Yearling filly, expected to mature 16.2+ Foundation x TS Wildchild (Worldwide PB) Weanling colt POA A superstar of the future, beautifully up hill, light on his feet, oozing with presence. TS Worldclass Worldwide PB x Falcon Crystal Full brother to TS Wicked who was awarded 10 for ride ability at his stallion classification. Worldclass is a modern performance horse, he is elegant, athletic has a super temperament. $35 000 Tennyson Stud Claire Seidl 02 45767117 www.claireseidl.com.au TS Wanted Worldwide PB x Avalon 3 year old gelding 16.2 hh Magical personality, a smooth operator, always willing to please, fabulous athletic ability. $40 000 TS Waterford Worldwide PB x Falcon Crystal Weanling colt $16 500 Page 24 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 25
The white copy of the triplicate document goes to the AWHA Federal Registrar at the end of the breeding season the green copy stays in the stud s records. The next steps are sighting the foal before it is weaned. If a mare foal sighting is not completed, then full parentage validation by DNA analysis is required to provide additional proof of lineage. Foals that are conceived using imported frozen semen must be DNA tested to their sire, embryo transfer foals are required to be DNA tested to both their sire dam. All AWHA registered horses must be bred /or micro-chipped. Non-Breeding Section of the AWHA Studbook The Warmblood Performance Registration Book (WPRB) - previously known as the WID (Warmblood Identification Register) - records all male female horses which can demonstrate a minimum of 25% recognised Warmblood breeding in their pedigree, irrespective of what the other components are. Horses generally cannot be upgraded from the WPRB into the studbook, but females with acceptable breeding height may be eligible for classification into the Warmblood Foundation Mare (WFM) register at three years of age. Male progeny are not eligible for colt selection. The AWHA offers its members more than just the maintenance of a studbook a performance register. The AWHA is comprised of volunteers who are committed to passionate about promoting the Warmblood breed, also assisting AWHA members enjoy rewarding partnerships with their horses. Each AWHA Branch conducts their own activities to promote the breed, as well as members studs stallions. Some of the services on offer to AWHA members include free classifieds stud listings on the AWHA website Facebook page (currently with nearly 4,500 followers), promotion of the Warmblood breed via state award programs events, the ability to enter breed shows the AWHA National Tour, Mare Classifier Training (enabling members to improve the selection of Warmblood horses to suit their breeding program, or performance purposes). The objectives of the AWHA are: To encourage improve the breeding of the Warmblood horse in Australia; To promote the Warmblood horse as a performance horse at a national international level; To maintain sound breeding guidelines set stards for classification; To keep maintain a studbook for mares stallions approved for breeding, a performance register for nonbreeding purposes; To unite, throughout Australia, all people interested in the furtherance of the Warmblood horse; To promote encourage the use of the Australian Warmblood, both in Australia overseas, to support our Australian Breeders. TOP RIGHT: Edoras Jazmine by Jive Magic (Imp) during her mare classification at QSEC, 2013. Photo Catherine Reid Photography. RIGHT: The lovely Oldenburger stallion Srels (Imp/Dec). Much loved never forgotten, he leaves a wonderful legacy for Australian Warmblood breeders. Photo courtesy of Karingal Equestrian. Kinnordy GR Rudy with owner Shannon Breen, winners of the 2014 AWHA Jumping 6yo Breeders Cup. Photo Niki Pollock Photography CPE Fuerstenbelle (IIU), the Highest % Studbook Led in Australia on the AWHA Ltd 2014 National Assessment Tour scoring 91.79%. Photo Caroline McLeod. Stylish products for horse rider Presents Three Quality Warmblood Stallions at Stud Supreme Champion Stock for Sale Producer of 1st Reserve London Olympic Horse, FEI Dressage Horses, FEI Show Jumpers, Supreme Hacks When Temperament is Everything with no compromise on Conformation & Movement www.alsequestrian.com Visit www.ponderosastud.com Cheryl Hatswell 197 Kain Road Pinerton Plains SA 5400 Phone: 08 8527 2785 Page 26 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 27
TOP LEFT: Cassiago (Imp) competing at the Australian Showjumping Championships. Cassiago was imported to Australia by Kerri Parker of Cera Performance Horses is now under Australian Olympic rider Chris Chugg. Photo Derek O Leary. LEFT: Brookwood Park Lortina by Loredo (IFS) under rider Victoria Weir. Photo Mary McBurnie. Lontano by Lucano (Imp/Dec). Lucano was imported to Australia in 1971 by Warrick Cozens. Lucano s sire Luciano also sired the imported Oldenburger stallion Ludendorf who was imported to Australia in 1984. Ludendorf was a prominent Advanced level eventer as well as Gr Prix dressage stallion. Photo courtesy of Ponderosa Stud. The AWHA is committed to the recognition growth of Australian-bred Warmbloods to the promotion of our Australian AWHA Breeders. The AWHA believes in supports our Australian-bred market strongly encourages you to buy Australian. The AWHA also has considerable depth of qualified judges classifiers. So much so, in fact, that after pairing local assessors with international judges during the 2013 2014 AWHA National Assessment Tours, it became the first Warmblood breed society in Australia to solely utilise Australian assessors to officiate at the 2015 AWHA Annual National Tour. The Australian Warmblood today There is abundant well-documented diversity of bloodlines that can be traced back, in many cases, for centuries. The history books tell us that the ancient Egyptians were the first people to take an interest in tracing their horses antecedents. The idea caught on, as written records replaced oral history, the first studbooks were born. None of the Warmblood strains are, or ever have been, purebred, as bloodlines have been infused to produce the type of horse required at different points in history. Thoroughbred Arabian blood has been used to add refinement, heavier breeds were used to provide substance temperament. Thanks to many generations of selective breeding for type toughness, the Warmblood is generally a sound hardy animal. Other societies in Australia As well as the AWHA, a number of breed-specific societies exist, such as the Holsteiner Horse Association Australia, Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia Trakheners Australia Inc. There are also breed registries in Australia, some of which are privately owned, which don t always require proven parentage in order to issue papers. Currently, there is no legislation or regulation that controls the establishment of breed societies or registries in Australia. Accordingly, it is important that breeders buyers underst the distinctions between them the possible flow on effects to a horse s eligibility for registration with the AWHA. The AWHA is a breed society. It has stringent breeding guidelines that define the criteria that must be met before horses are accepted into the studbook. These guidelines include proven pedigrees, mare classification stallion licensing, they are designed to guide improvement in the breed. Studbooks have different categories. When you are buying a Warmblood, you need to ensure that the category in which the horse is registered will allow you to do the things that you want to do with your horse. Some horses have dual registration some even have triple registration. Australia s premier jumping stud Sting again this season, three outsting imported warmblood stallions The stallion Baluga Conquistador/Vivant mare Lafayette with her filly foal Harris Park Florence. Photo Tammy Stephens. The lovely Australian Warmblood stallion APPH Gre Farnese with rider Nat Davies, Australian made grown! Photo David Kelly. Baluga imported Hanoverian stallion, bay, 16.2hh, 8 years old A stallion of outsting quality character. Producing fabulous foals, correct, upsting, great legs feet Good movers, many with the added bonus of bling! $2500 live foal guarantee Also available by frozen semen, Vivant, Conquistador Please see our website from full pedigree, performance, progeny service contract information. Youngsters occasionally available for purchase. Diamondbfarm.com.au or find us on Facebook All enquires Helen Chugg, -- helenchugg@gmail.com 0438 27 41 70 Filly by Baluga Page 28 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 29
Jaybee Royalty by Rotspon (IFS) with rider Robyn Todd. Photo BRAY Photographics. Warmblood breeders in Australia From 1970 to 1990, the AWHA had registered the progeny of more than 100 Warmblood stallions sting at stud in Australia. Of those, just over 50% were bred here, with the rest imported from Europe. In 1991, there were approximately 5,000 registered Warmbloods in Australia, including 60 stallions with breeding permits. In 1992, there were 5,500, including 67 approved or licensed stallions. In 1994, the numbers had swelled to 7,000 registered Warmbloods, including 70 stallions with breeding permits. Today, the AWHA Studbook consists of over 25,500 horses online, boasts an impressive field of both approved licensed locally bred imported Warmblood stallions mares classified as Elite, Head Studbook, Main Studbook Foundation stock. The AWHA currently has over 400 members, with 67 active studs listed as breeders on its website. While no system is perfect, predicting the desirability of progeny from classified parents is more certain than guessing the outcome of a mating between unregistered parents that may have flawed conformation or genetic defects. Conclusion The Australian Warmblood is a versatile breed breeders are crossing them with other Warmblood types, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo-Arabs, Australian Stock Horses even ponies - dependent upon what their ultimate goal is for the career use of the horse. APPH Gre Farnese. Photo: David Kelly WHY JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN WARMBLOOD HORSE ASSOCIATION LIMITED The use of imported frozen semen was not a reality until the late 1980 s when one of the first semen importers for Warmblood horses opened for business in Australia. The use of imported frozen semen has contributed to the expansion of the genetic pool for Australian breeders to choose from. Characteristics of the Warmblood Centuries of European breeding for type performance have proven that the best way to select superior stock is through classification performance testing of mares stallions - a philosophy adapted by the AWHA. The Warmblood is bred to specific characteristics, displaying quality, correct conformation soundness for a long working life. A rectangular, uphill riding horse, its movement must be correct with good impulsion, balance cadence. Nobility refinement of type are essential, along with the temperament, attitude character that make for good rideability. The Warmblood should also show aptitude for jumping - displaying style technique. In addition to pedigree other eligibility criteria, the AWHA grades the best breeding horses by means of classification. This grading process, described above, also applies to imported horses unless they have already passed similar testing from a recognised Warmblood breed society overseas. The stard is high, previously, rarely more than 1% of colts presented worldwide passed the selection phase. As with registration, classification enhances a horse s value, particularly in the case of stallions colts. Australian-bred Warmbloods have represented Australia at the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games other prestigious overseas events. However, due to their versatility, their popularity as a superior general purpose riding horse has also gained huge momentum over the years they can be seen at pony clubs, agricultural shows adult riding clubs. The euphoria that one can feel when riding a Warmblood, with their power, scope temperament, is second to none! The striking elegant Australian Warmblood remains a treasured breed in Australia its ability to perform at the highest levels has ensured their continued popularity for riders of all ages. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Australian Warmblood Horse Association Ltd is the longest-sting Warmblood organisation in Australia represents the Warmblood breed, as well as its members. To find out more about the AWHA, visit www.awha.com.au. AUSTRALIAN WARMBLOOD HORSE The AWHA Ltd is the oldest Warmblood organisation in Australia, founded in the early 1970s. An A class member of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) ensures pedigrees of AWHA Ltd registered horses are accepted by overseas breed societies enabling them to compete in competitions such as the World Equestrian Games (WEG) World Championships for Young Horses. The WBFSH is the major connection between the breeding organisations of sport horses the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The AWHA Ltd is comprised of volunteers who are committed to passionate about promoting the Warmblood breed also assisting AWHA Ltd members enjoy rewarding partnerships with their horses. Benefits to current financial members can include but is not limited to: * The AWHA Ltd is a breed society, not a registry. * Our members have voting rights at Branch Federal level meaning that you have a say in how the AWHA Ltd is run. * Services such as membership, horse registration, classification, DNA typing foal sighting. * Ability to register classify eligible mares colts with the AWHA Ltd. * Participation in the annual National Assessment Tour for AWHA Ltd members registered horses with judges sourced both locally internationally. * Ability to enter in more classes participate at Gala Day events as well as entry into Warmblood breed classes at agricultural shows. * Free classifieds on the AWHA Ltd website with links provided from the AWHA Ltd Facebook page, currently with over 4,100 followers. * Free annual stud listings on the AWHA Ltd website. * Active promotion of breeders via free advertising of studs stallions at promotional events such as the Queensl Festival of Dressage, State Dressage Championships publications like Horse Deals Horsezone. * Mare classifier training which enables members to benefit from the many years of experience of our mare colt classifiers. This assists members to improve the selection of Warmblood horses to suit their breeding program or performance purposes. * Promotion of the Warmblood breed via state award programs, such as Branch Horse of the Year awards, Queensl State Dressage Championships, performance medallions, etc. * Ability to purchase raffle tickets for items such as stallion services. What s Colour, a homozygous brown Tobiano (100% colour producer) imported KWPN stallion. In 2007, the AWHA Ltd M&A was amended to accept broken or dilute coloured Warmbloods into the studbook. Photo Danna Lingard. The quality of Australian Warmbloods has improved over the last 45 years through rigorous classification selection processes. Foundation mares must also be classified in order for their progeny to be eligible for the studbook. Stallions elite mares are also performance tested in open competition; thus further increasing their progeny s chances of a long healthy riding career. Mellizo Park Royal Legacy by Royal Hit (Imp/Dec) with rider Nicole McOwn. Photo Mellizo Park. Catherine Reid www.awha.com.au Julie Wilson Catherine Reid Page 30 HORSES PEOPLE Phone: 07 5467 9796 admin@horsespeople.com.au www.horsespeople.com.au HORSES PEOPLE Page 31