| By :
Josie Amani
The BWP or the Belgian Warmblood horse has made a spectacular breakthrough in the equestrian world in a relatively short period of time. Until the 1950's, breeding saddle horses was illegal in Belgium as the government wanted the country to focus on its renowned Brabant. The BWP had its beginnings in 1953 after the Belgian government finally made the decision to allow the breeding of warmbloods and an extensive breeding programme involving imported stallions and mares began. The result was a highly successful sport horse of sturdy conformation and robust health. The BWP has a compact, well built body with broad hindquarters and strong hind legs. The average height of the BWP is 16 to 17 hh and the breed has proven its worth in many different disciplines such as dressage and show jumping. The breeding programme is strictly regulated and only horses that fall under the stringent requirements of the breed are allowed to be bred. This has resulted in a strong bloodline that boasts the likes of Big Ben, Darco and Sapphire. At the age of 3 or 4 BWP stallions are subjected to a "Hengstenkeuring" (stallion evaluation test) which involves an inspection of the horses' confirmation and loose jumping ability. The horse also undergoes a veterinary evaluation and finally the horse is evaluated under the saddle. Horses that do not pass this test are not eligible for breeding. Mares are also evaluated but are not required to undergo an evaluation under the saddle. The aim of the BWP registry is to produce a horse that is easy to handle and ride, that has a pleasant temperament and that can be used as a sports horse as well as a riding horse. The breed registry places a lot of importance on health and conformation as well. The Belgian Warmblood is available in many colours such as grey, black, chestnut, brown and bay as well as tobiano colour combinations. The BWP has established itself as a superior dressage and show jumper as well as an accomplished sport horse and the breed has achieved worldwide popularity due to its hardy constitution and versatility. It is a force to be reckoned with in all the popular equestrian events. The Belgian Warmblood has become one of the most successful breeds in the world, it has achieved worldwide fame due to its versatility and strength. The BWP has excelled in almost every equestrian discipline and the sky is the limit where this breed is concerned.
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