Westphalian

The Westphalian is a German warmblood horse from Westphalia in North Rhine-Westphalia, shaped by the state stud at Warendorf and a long tradition of breeding riding and carriage horses. Earlier Westphalian stock served agriculture, cavalry, and transport, but the modern breed is selected mainly for sport. Hanoverian, Thoroughbred, Trakehner, and other approved warmblood lines have contributed over time. Today's Westphalians are usually tall, athletic horses with strong backs, elastic gaits, a capable jump, and a temperament intended for serious training rather than hot-blooded racing speed.

The breed is prominent in dressage and show jumping, with many horses also used for hunters, eventing, and amateur sport riding. Westphalian breeding is organized through a studbook system that inspects mares and stallions and uses performance information to guide selection. For owners, the practical issues are those of a large sport horse: correct conditioning, turnout, hoof balance, saddle fit, and feed that supports muscle without making the horse too heavy. Prospective buyers should study the individual record, veterinary findings, rideability, and family tendencies, because the range runs from steady amateur mounts to high-powered international prospects.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White