Luxembourg Warmblood

Modern Formation

The Luxembourg Warmblood is above all a sport horse studbook, not a genetically fixed breed. It was established in the 1970s with the ambition of creating a national horse capable of competing with the major European warmbloods.

Genetic Influences

• Hanoverian: for strength and solid frame.
• Holsteiner: for jumping ability and hindquarter power.
• Selle Français: for elegance, suppleness and versatility.
• KWPN: for spacious gaits and competitiveness in dressage and show jumping.
• Occasional crossbreeding with Trakehner and Oldenburg.

Initial Objective

To select a versatile sport horse, suitable for show jumping, dressage and eventing, while establishing a distinct Luxembourg equestrian identity in a field dominated by neighboring studbooks.

Fixation

The studbook quickly adopted selection criteria similar to those used in neighboring Germany and France, ensuring quality, performance and growing international recognition.

National territory

Breeding is spread throughout the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with a concentration in the rural regions of the center and the south (cantons of Mersch, Esch-sur-Alzette, Capellen, and around Luxembourg City).

Main regions

• Gutland: fertile agricultural zone, favorable to breeding and equestrian facilities.
• Luxembourg Moselle: quality breeding in agricultural and wine-growing valleys.
• Northern region (Oesling / Luxembourg Ardennes): more rugged environment, fostering rusticity.

Equestrian infrastructures

Numerous riding centers and private stables contribute to the selection and promotion of the breed.

The Studbook du Cheval de Selle Luxembourgeois asbl, based in Luxembourg City, organizes breeding shows, stallion approvals, and international promotion.

International diffusion

Although mainly bred in Luxembourg, horses from the studbook are also exported to neighboring countries (Belgium, Germany, France) and compete internationally.

Recent and selective breed

The Luxembourg Warmblood is a young breed, officially structured since 1970, but it is built on solid foundations thanks to the contribution of prestigious studbooks (Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Selle Français, KWPN).

Strategic position

Located in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg has developed an open studbook, allowing the combination of high-value genetic lines from the best European warmbloods.

Genetic diversity

The studbook remains open to certain outside influences to avoid inbreeding and to maintain diversity within sport horse lines.

This helps strengthen specific aptitudes (for example, the Holsteiner’s explosiveness for show jumping or the Selle Français’ elegance for dressage).

Added value

• Continuous improvement of sport performances in Olympic disciplines.
• Contribution to the preservation of a national equine identity in a small country.
• Production of competitive horses in international competitions, even if the breed remains numerically limited.

Recognition

Although less well-known than the major German or French breeds, the Luxembourg Warmblood is recognized by the WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses), giving it an official place among international sport horse studbooks.

Before the 20th century

Luxembourg, at the crossroads of Europe, long used local horses for agriculture and transport. These horses were influenced by neighboring breeds: Ardennais (strength and hardiness), Trakehner and Hanoverian (frame and elegance).

Early sport crossbreeding (early 20th century)

With the decline of agricultural horses and the rise of sport riding, Luxembourg breeders introduced Holsteiner and Selle Français bloodlines to create more athletic horses suited for jumping and dressage.

Creation of the studbook (1970)

In 1970, the Studbook du Cheval de Selle Luxembourgeois was officially founded. Its goal: to select, improve, and promote a national sport horse, able to compete with the major European warmbloods.

From the outset, the studbook adopted a controlled openness to the best foreign lines, enabling the young breed to quickly reach a good quality level.

1980s – 2000s

• The Luxembourg Warmblood began to gain notice in show jumping, particularly through horses exported to Germany, Belgium, and France.
• The studbook tightened selection with strict stallion approval criteria, inspired by German models.

International recognition

The Luxembourg Warmblood obtained official recognition within the WBFSH, placing it among the select group of internationally recognized sport horse studbooks.

Current situation

Annual production remains limited (a few hundred births per year), but the quality level is high. Today, the Luxembourg Warmblood is exported, competes internationally, and is recognized as a small but prestigious niche studbook, reflecting the image of the country itself.

Temperament

• Balanced, willing, and energetic.
• Neither too hot nor too cold: combines responsiveness with calmness.
• Suitable for experienced amateurs as well as top-level professionals.

Character

• Intelligent, curious, and attentive.
• Easy to train thanks to strong learning ability.
• Generally docile and cooperative, with good human–horse relationships.

Sporting qualities

• Brave and determined, especially in show jumping.
• Highly motivated, perseverant in work.
• Smooth, expressive gaits, appreciated in dressage.

Social behavior

• Well integrated in herds, maintaining the typical gregarious behavior of warmbloods.
• Easily adapts to varied environments (stable, paddock, competition).

Major asset

Remarkable mental balance, combining sensitivity and reliability, making it a versatile horse, capable of performing in sport while remaining safe under saddle.

Strengthening national identity

Even though Luxembourg is a small country, the studbook aims to establish a strong national brand in the sport horse world, so that the Luxembourg Warmblood is recognized on par with major neighboring warmbloods.

Continuous improvement of sport performances

The studbook pursues strict selection, prioritizing:

• show jumping (main discipline),
• high-level dressage,
• eventing.
• The goal is to position the breed as internationally competitive.

Controlled genetic openness

The studbook remains open to crossbreeding with other renowned warmbloods (KWPN, Selle Français, Holsteiner, Hanoverian), ensuring genetic diversity and regular new blood.

Economic development and export

• Exporting horses to Western Europe and beyond.
• Promotion through Luxembourg horses competing in FEI and WBFSH circuits.
• A quality image that attracts foreign buyers, despite modest annual production.

Future challenges

• Increasing international visibility through sport performances and digital communication.
• Encouraging the training of local riders and breeders to ensure sustainable expertise.
• Developing cross-border partnerships with neighboring studbooks (France, Germany, Belgium) to maintain high selection standards.

General robustness

• Modern sport horse, well selected and generally robust.
• Strong bone structure and good-quality hooves, adapted to intensive work.
• Decent longevity for a sport saddle horse: often active in competition until about 15–18 years old.

Possible pathologies (common to warmbloods)

• Joint and bone problems: arthritis, hock and fetlock wear in intensive show jumpers.
• Tendon injuries (tendinitis) from repeated efforts.
• OCD (osteochondritis dissecans): some European sport horse lines are predisposed, but Luxembourg selection is vigilant on this point.
• Colic: as with all sport horses fed on concentrated rations, attention is needed regarding feeding and pasture management.

Recommended care

• Regular veterinary follow-up, with orthopedic and dental checks.
• Progressive, well-supervised work to limit premature wear.
• Careful farriery is essential (every 6–8 weeks).
• Balanced diet (quality forage + supplements adapted to sport horses).

Breed advantage

Thanks to controlled genetic diversity, the breed remains generally healthy, with no specific hereditary diseases identified in the Luxembourg Warmblood.