By Amanda Ciejko
Zweibrücker (plural, Zweibrücken) – This breed, also known as the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar, originated in southern Germany on the Rhine River, in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. They are only distinguishable from other German Warmbloods by their branding on the left hip- a representation of the two bridges of Zweibrucken (the established royal breeding facility location) topped by the duke’s crown.
USDF All Breeds Participating Organization (Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International)
Cheval de Selle Français (translation: French saddle horse) – This breed originates from 19th century Normandy, mainly from native military mares crossbred with Thoroughbred or Norfolk Trotter stallions. Though most prominent in the show jumping circuits, the Selle Français have become quite successful in eventing and dressage.
Baden-Württemberger – This breed is a German warmblood breed that is selectively bred for dressage and show jumping. Origins come from many different breeds, but most prominently of Trakehner, Arabian, Anglo-Norman, Friesian, and Suffolk Punch lines. They are known to have excellent temperaments and to be easy keepers.
Pura Raza Espanola (PRE), which translates to Pure Spanish Horse, are registered horses of certain recognized bloodlines that trace back to the Andalusian horse. Over centuries, the Iberian War Horse has split into two main breeds that are genetically similar- the Andalusian and the Lusitano. They have been known to exist on the Iberian Peninsula since the 15th century, and have a long history as war and nobility horses. The Pura Raza Espanola registry (the Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE)) started in 1970s, and has since kept track of the PRE studbook.
USDF All Breeds Participating Organization (The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse)
Knabstrupper – This breed was established in Denmark in the early 1800s. Easily identifiable by its leopard spotted coat, the Knabstrupper was founded by a chestnut mare with the genetic mechanism called the leopard complex. This gene is also apparent in the Appaloosa horse, though the two breeds were developed separately- though Appaloosa genetics were introduced to the Knabstruppers in Denmark in the 1970s.
USDF All Breeds Participating Organization (Knabstrupperforeningen for Danmark) – Westfalen Verband NA also keeps a Knabstrupper studbook
