KWPN

KWPN stands for Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland, the Dutch breed registry for the Dutch Warmblood horse. It is the national body responsible for the registration, breeding standards, and performance evaluation of sport horses in the Netherlands. The KWPN is internationally recognized as one of the leading warmblood registries and serves as a central organization for breed development, pedigree tracking, and horse documentation.

History and governance: The KWPN was established in 1969 through the consolidation of several Dutch warmblood registries and operates under a royal charter. Based in the Netherlands, the organization is governed by a board and affiliated committees that oversee studbook management, breeding policies, and evaluation programs. The royal status underscores its role in maintaining breed standards and national breed identity.

Breeding programs and evaluation: The KWPN conducts foal registration and mare licensing, and it licenses stallions to ensure desirable breeding traits. Its evaluation system includes conformation, movement, and rideability, with performance tests and selective breeding criteria. Horses can earn designations such as Ster (star), Keur (quality), and Elite (the highest level) based on assessed criteria. The registry supports discipline-specific breeding tracks, including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and driving, each with tailored criteria to promote sport performance.

Discipline focus and impact: KWPN-bred horses have achieved strong results in international competition, particularly in dressage and show jumping. The registry maintains pedigrees and performance data, contributing to breed diversity and the global reputation of Dutch Warmbloods. It also provides registration papers and documentation for horses moving in and out of international competition and ownership.