In 1962 the first Danish Sporthorse Breed Society was founded, and a registry for the Danish Warmblood was opened to register foals and approve of stallions for breeding. It is maintained by the Danish Warmblood Society. Danish breeders claim the Danish Warmblood to be of superior quality and more versatility than many of the comparative European breeds.

The brand of the horse is the Crown Over The Wave (hyper-link). It was drawn by I. C. Christensen and designed by the Georg Jensen silver smithy in 1963. The logo symbolizes a kingdom surrounded by water, and is used to identify the progeny of stallions and mares graded with Danish Warmblood.

ORIGINS
Formerly know as the Danish Sports Horse until 1980, the Danish Warmblood originated in Denmark in the mid-20th century. The Frederiksbork horse was crossed with the Thoroughbred. The mares resulting from this were then bred with Anglo-Norman horses, Thoroughbreds, and Trakehners This and selective breeding produced a Danish Warmblood. In order to maintain high standards of the breed, a "100 day test" is given to Danish Warmblood stallions before they are approved of for breeding. The test requires qualities such as easy riding and a strong competitive aptitude. The Danish Warmblood is the youngest of all European warmblood breeds.

PHYSICAL FEATURES / PHYSIQUE
Danish Warmbloods are large framed horses, standing from 15.3 to 17 hands. They have attractive heads with big eyes. Their shoulders are long and sloping with the withers well defined and pronounced giving a favorable position of the saddle. They have muscular necks with good length of rein, deep broad chests, and a strong compact back. The Danish Warmblood can be any solid color, though they are most commonly seen in black, chestnut, bay or dark brown.

TEMPERAMENT
The Danish Warmblood is a courageous horse, having an excellent temperament. They are also described as having a good, free action, and being eager to perform.

USES / ASSETS
Danish Warmbloods are used in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping and eventing . They are also sometimes used for Cross Country. Prior to 2004, the goal of the Danish Warmblood Society has been to breed an all-around sporthorse, but now breeding is more specifically pinpointed to create a top show jumper or dressage horse.

Similar to the Thoroughbred but having a more substantial build, Danish Warmbloods make elegant riding horses. They are known to be a very cooperative, intelligent, alert and sociable horse.

STATUS
Approximately 3,500 foals are registered every year. The National Committee for Horsebreeding is responsible for secure stud records. The Danish Warmblood is still an uncommon breed in the United States; however in 2001 a North American Danish Warmblood Association was formed to promote the breed in the U.S.