KWPN horses have built a strong reputation in international dressage. For many years, they have achieved success at the highest level, and Dutch dressage horse breeders have consistently ranked highly in the WBFSH rankings. The goal-oriented breeding policy clearly contributes to this. Dutch dressage horses demonstrate that great athletic talent goes hand in hand with a willing and pleasant character. The dressage horse possesses three correct, pure, active, and powerful basic gaits, in which natural balance and self-carriage are essential.

Inspection standard

In the inspection standard, the functional aspect for sport is central. It evaluates whether a conformation trait helps or hinders a horse in performing the required tasks. For example, if the shape of the withers influences the learning and execution of dressage exercises, the inspection standard specifies what the ideal withers should look like.

Developments

The inspection standard is not a fixed document. New scientific insights, developments in sport, and changes in the market may lead to a reconsideration of the standard. For example, developments within the FEI are closely monitored: what is expected of a dressage horse in the arena?

Objective and uniform assessment

The inspection standard contributes to an objective and uniform evaluation of horses. It provides clear guidelines for judges, reduces the influence of personal preferences, and increases the reliability and repeatability of assessments.

The desired KWPN dressage horse

Conformation:

  • built in a rectangular frame;
  • long-lined and well-proportioned;
  • with an uphill body;
  • long-legged;
  • with a light head–neck connection;
  • with an upward, long neck featuring good curvature and muscling in the topline;
  • with a strongly built and well-muscled back and loin;
  • with a correctly positioned and solid foundation (legs and feet);
  • with presence.

Movement:

  • walks in a correct four-beat rhythm, active with suppleness and impulsion;
  • trots in a correct two-beat rhythm, active with suppleness, impulsion, balance, and self-carriage;
  • canters in a correct three-beat rhythm, active with suppleness, impulsion, balance, and self-carriage;
  • can easily lengthen and shorten the stride while maintaining rhythm, balance, and self-carriage;
  • shows an uphill tendency;
  • has good self-carriage;
  • is light-footed;
  • shows joint articulation, with the hind leg stepping under the body and the foreleg moving freely from the shoulder with a light lift of the knee.

Character:

  • willing, diligent, and honest;
  • intelligent;
  • has the desire to perform;
  • easy to handle;
  • responds quickly to aids.