Studbook Sporlight: The Westphalian Studbook, Warmblood Studbook of Ireland, and Swiss Warmblood Studbook

Competition kicks off today at the Longines Tops International for the second edition of the WBFHS Studbooks Jumping Global Champions Trophy. As we close out the summer season this weekend in Valkenswaard, we take a look at some of the elite studbooks set to take part in this prestigious event.

The Westphalian Studbook 

Modern breeding association with over 100 years of breeding and success

The history of the Westphalian Studbook founded in 1904 spans a proud 120 years - A time of change and the future of horse breeding. From small beginnings, the association has developed into a modern breeding association as an umbrella organization for Westphalian breeding families, breeding facilities and stud farms, which today represents the interests of over 8,500 members in 24 districts and embodies the Westphalian idea of horse breeding. We are “at home” in Münster-Handorf, where the office is embedded in the horse and event centre of the Westphalian association.

The Warmblood Studbook of Ireland

The Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI) was founded in 2009 with the goal of developing an Irish breed of warmblood sport horse that is competitive in showjumping, eventing, and dressage at top levels of sport. WSI stays at the forefront of the Irish equestrian industry by using rigorous and sophisticated selection systems, including genomic selection, and by offering breeders access to helpful resources and a supportive network of experts.

WSI breeders have established a reputation for producing versatile and talented sport horses with exceptional athleticism and character, and with valuable pedigrees based on continental warmblood genetics. Every Irish Warmblood has a sire and damsire that is either approved by a WBFSH studbook or is a Thoroughbred or other purebred, an important characteristic that differentiates WSI in Ireland.      

Whether you are an established breeder or just starting out, WSI provides the guidance and assistance necessary to succeed in the competitive world of sport horse breeding.  Join WSI members and breeders in a dozen countries and be part of Ireland’s proud tradition of producing world-class equine athletes.

Zuchtverband CH-Sportpferde ZVCH - Swiss Warmblood

The breeding of warmblood horses has a long tradition in Switzerland, dating back to the monks of Einsiedeln Abbey in the Middle Ages.

Today, Swiss breeders utilise the best genetics from the European high breeding areas. Around 80% of the horses are bred for jumping. Around 400 foals are born per year. Around 40-50 of them are marketed at 2 auctions.

At the age of 3, the horses pass the field performance test (conformation, free jumping, test under the rider). The best horses are selected for the Swiss Breed Classic and the super final at the CHI Geneva in December.

A highlight is the annual Swiss Championships for Young Horses in Avenches in September.

Currently well-known show jumpers from Swiss breeding are Priam du Roset by Plot-Blue - Tanael du Serein - Filou (breeder: Family Rizzoli , Genthod), who became German Show Jumping Champion in 2023 with Markus Ehning, and Blues d'Aveline CH by Baloussini – Coriall (breeder: Family Bussmann , Zug), who won the World Cup jumping competition in Leipzig with Gerit Nieberg in 2023.

The ZVCH currently has around 1,500 members. It is based in Avenches at the Swiss National Stud.

Don't miss a moment as we close out the 2024 season. Get your tickets now!