The KWPN-NA is a not-for-profit organization [IRS Code Sec. 501(c)(5)]. THE KWPN AND THE KWPN-NA
HISTORY
The KWPN is one of the largest Warmblood studbooks in the world. Every year, the KWPN has held a top position in the studbook rankings of the international umbrella breeding organization, the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). This distinction means that KWPN horses routinely
achieve exceptional success in international equestrian sports. THE KWPN HORSE
The KWPN horse is a sporthorse with international appeal. It is bred to have the qualities to perform at the highest level. Because of the KWPN’s planned breeding policy, the KWPN horse possesses a sound mind in a sound body. The combination of an aptitude for sport and an uncomplicated temperament make these horses unique and very popular at all levels of equestrian sport and breeding. Most KWPN horses are purchased by breeders, amateur riders, and horse enthusiasts, while the best perform under top riders at Grand Prix level in international show jumping and dressage. FROM WORKHORSE TO OLYMPIC CHAMPION
The KWPN is a modern association with a rich history. It was founded at a time when the horse was valued exclusively for its pulling power. Nowadays, the Royal Dutch Sport Horse represents a completely different set of values: the ability to impress enthusiasts around the world with top performances in show jumping, dressage, and spectacular driving events. With the original farm workhorse as the starting point, four different breeding directions emerged over the years, each with its own breeding goal and breeding council. Depending on its bloodlines, conformation, and abilities, a KWPN horse is registered as a jumping horse, dressage horse, harness horse, or Gelders horse. This last type has remained closest to the common foundation horse and has proven to be the most versatile under saddle as well as in harness. WORLD-CLASS SPORT AND HOBBY
With complete conviction and enthusiasm, the KWPN strives to achieve its goal: to breed modern sporthorses that perform at the top level of international equestrian sports. Likewise, it aims to breed healthy horses that happily and easily do what is expected of them. Achieving this goal has made the KWPN a worldwide name. However, the KWPN does not focus exclusively on world-class sport; after all, most riders do not have the ambition or opportunity to actively participate in equestrian sports as professionals. Therefore, the KWPN also considers facilitation of suitable matches between the large population of amateur owners and their horses a very important task. For this reason, the temperament of the Royal Dutch Sport Horse is just as important as its sport talent because ultimately everyone prefers a good, willing horse. SPECIALIZED BREEDING DIRECTIONS
For decades, KWPN horses have been split into three distinct breeding directions: the Riding type (RP), the Gelders type (GP) and the Harness type (TP). In the breeding program of Riding horses, the KWPN decided to further split this breeding direction; into the Dressage (DP) and Jumper types (SP). In North America there is also a third type: the Hunter type (HP). A breeding goal has been formulated for each breeding direction. As of January 1, 2007, Riding type foals in North America are registered as a Dressage, Jumper or Hunter type. The birth declaration will contain a box to mark the desired breeding direction. If needed, the KWPN-NA office will advise on a breeding direction based on the pedigree. As an adult, the breeding direction of a horse may be changed upon request of the owner or the advice of the KWPN keuring jury, if the horse would clearly fit better in another breeding direction and meets the criteria for that breeding direction. This is possible during the studbook inspection or after completion of an IBOP or presentation of a sport record. For additional information on Breeding Directions and Breeding Goals:
https://kwpn-na.org/breeding/breeding-goals/
NORTH AMERICA
In 1983, the Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America was established as the North American Department of the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN) in order to promote breeding and enjoyment of the KWPN horse in North America. In 1997, the name of the NA/WPN was ‘Americanized’ to The Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America in order to be more easily recognized as the North American Department of the KWPN. As of January 1, 2006, the organization became known as the KWPN of North America, Inc. ROLE OF THE KWPN-NA
For over thirty years, the non-profit KWPN-NA association has brought the passion and focus of the Dutch breeder home to North America, where breeders are now producing top international horses competing around the world in a variety of disciplines. With more than 1,300 members and an average of more than 420 registered foals annually over the last decade, the KWPN-NA has grown to become one of the continent’s largest Warmblood organizations. Through a multitude of programs, the KWPN-NA staff and volunteer board work tirelessly to encourage the participation of registered KWPN horses in equestrian sport, and structure appropriate awards programs that will acknowledge and promote excellence on the part of KWPN horses, breeders, owners, riders and trainers in North America. The KWPN-NA also maintains an extensive database that records detailed breed registration information, inspection and performance results, and ownership transfers and sales for all registered KWPN horses in North America; disseminates educational and informational data to breeders, owners and other interested individuals pertaining to the breeding, raising and approval of KWPN horses; schedules and conducts various inspections throughout North America of stallions, foals, mares and geldings; and promotes public awareness of the Royal Dutch Sport Horse. MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission includes the following points:
- Establish, maintain and operate a non-profit association of breeders, owners and other interested individuals for the promotion and preservation of the registered (KWPN) Dutch warmblood horse in North America.
- Encourage the participation of registered KWPN horses in the various equestrian disciplines and structure appropriate awards programs that will acknowledge and promote excellence on the part of KWPN horses, breeders, owners, riders and trainers.
- Maintain a database that records: detailed breed registration information, inspection and performance results, including ownership transfers and sales for all registered KWPN horses in North America.
- Disseminate educational and informational data to breeders, owners and other interested individuals pertaining to the breeding, raising and approval of KWPN horses, including scheduling and conducting various inspections throughout North America of stallions, foals, mares and geldings.
- Promote the public awareness of the KWPN horse through targeted advertising.
- Cooperate with other associations, breed registries and/or government agencies on matters and issues pertaining to the horse industry in North America, including health and safety standards and other guidelines and regulations that may impact the activities of breeders, owners, riders and trainers of horses.
