Editing Warmblood (section)

== Breeding policies ==

Open studbook policies are different from "true breed" studbooks—such as those for [[Thoroughbred]]s, [[Arabian horse|Arabians]], [[Percheron]]s, and [[Morgan horse|Morgan]]s—which have [[closed stud book]]s and require two [[purebred]] parents to register an offspring. Instead, most warmblood registries accept breeding stock from other similar populations to continuously improve their own, and do not consider their own horses to be a discrete "breed". The [[Trakehner]] is an exception, as although some other breeds are used within the breeding population, this horse is considered a true breed. The [[Hanoverian (horse)|Hanoverian]], [[Holsteiner (horse)|Holsteiner]], and [[Selle Français]] studbooks are also considered slightly less open than others. Most warmblood registries recognize breeding stock from any other registry that is a member of the [[World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses]] which is affiliated with the [[International Olympic Committee|Olympics-recognized]] [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports]].

A defining characteristic of a warmblood registry is [[studbook selection]], though even some purebred breeds in Europe use this practice. Studbook selection is the use of external evaluation to critique [[equine conformation|conformation]] and movement of potential breeding stock to cull unsuitable breeding horses and direct the evolution towards a particular goal. Today, studbook selection usually entails a performance proof in addition to external evaluation, particularly for [[stallion]]s. 

Standards of conformation and movement are not designed to perpetuate a particular ancestral type, but rather to meet a particular need.   This concept is illustrated by the history of the [[Oldenburg (horse)|Oldenburg horse]] through the past 150 years: in the late 19th century, the standard called for a heavy but elegant, high-stepping [[carriage]] horse, in the early 20th century for a heavier, stronger, economical farm and artillery horse, and since 1950 for a modern [[sport horse]]. 

The most critical characteristic of a warmblood registry is that its breeding goal (or "breeding aim") is to breed sport horses. Each registry has a slightly different focus, but most breed primarily for [[show jumping]] and [[dressage]]. Many include [[combined driving]] and [[eventing]] as well. The breeding aim is reflective of the needs of the market. In eras and regions which called for cavalry mounts, warmbloods were bred to fit that need; when and where horses for light to moderate agricultural work<!--as opposed to draft horses--> were needed, warmbloods have also filled those roles. The purposeful evolution of the standard breeding aim is another characteristic of the warmbloods.

Warmbloods have become popular since the end of [[World War II]] when mechanization made agricultural horses obsolete, and recreational riding became more widespread in the western world. The ancestral warmblood types are referred to as the [[heavy warmblood]]s and are preserved through special organizations. The heavy warmbloods have found their niche as family horses and in [[combined driving]].