Belgian Warmblood
Breeding Association (BWP/NAD)

There are two studbooks for mares approved for breeding by the BWP. The main studbook is for selected registered mares of a recognized sport horse breed, including most other European Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and some other non-gaited breeds acknowledged by the Belgian Verband. The auxiliary stud book is for other select mares of unrecognized breeds or of unverifiable pedigree. All mares must be three years or older, over 15.1 hands, to be eligible for inspections for inclusion into either book. All studbook papers are issued by Belgium.

Mares are evaluated on their movement, elasticity, conformation, and general impression. They are judged on the triangle at the walk and trot. Riders that choose to show their mares under saddle will have the opportunity at ribbons first through sixth. If accepted, they earn the Belgian Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal of Merit. An elite mare program has been implemented. It is advisable, but not necessary, to present mares prior to breeding to approved stallions.  Mares can be presented in foal.

Foals must be presented and inspected in their birth year by the Keuring jury in order to be registered and branded. Foals receive one of three designations; first premium, second premium, or accepted. Foals can be registered in the main or the auxiliary foal book only if both parents are approved and entered into one of the Belgium Studbooks. A Certificate of Pedigree may be issued by the BWP/NAD to foals providing one parent is approved for breeding by the BWP. Certificate of Pedigree horses are not eligible to participate in the breeding program, with the exception of fillies, that may be presented as three year olds for possible inclusion into the auxiliary studbook. National yearling and two year old futurity classes are offered for branded offspring at the Keurings.

New for 2010 Foal Futurity!


At the age of three, fillies and colts return for inspection as breeding stock. At that time, fillies who are approved go into the main or auxiliary stud books, granting them breeding privileges. Colts must pass testing to become approved stallions. Foals each year are named with the same letter of the alphabet. 2008 foals will be named with an I; 2009 - J and 2010 foal names will begin with an K.