Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland

About the association KWPN (Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland) is the national studbook of the Netherlands and one of the most influential in the world for dressage and show jumping breeding. The association covers three breeding directions: riding horse (dressage and jumping), Gelderlander, and harness horse. Studbooks & registers Veulenboek (Foalbook) — Foals registered here are by a KWPN-approved stallion out of a mare already in the studbook or Register A. This is the standard entry point for foals with full KWPN ancestry on both sides. Register A — For foals whose pedigree partly falls outside KWPN, for example through a foreign ancestor. Since 2018, Register A horses can follow the same path to studbook entry and the Ster predicate as foalbook-born horses, without further requirements. Register B — For foals that don't meet the Register A requirements. These horses cannot take part in keuringen (inspections), but can compete in young-horse competitions such as the Blom Cup and Pavo Cup, and the World Championships for young dressage and jumping horses. Stamboek (Studbook) — The main studbook, for mares, geldings, and unapproved stallions from age three. Requires a passed inspection at a stamboekkeuring. Aanvullend Veulenboek / Aanvullend Stamboek (Auxiliary Foalbook/Studbook) — For horses from other studbooks officially recognized ("Erkend") by KWPN. Functions as an international entry track, comparable to Holstein Global at the Holsteiner Verband. Breeding program KWPN's breeding program is built on a predicate system layered on top of studbook membership: Ster – approved conformation and sufficient aptitude for dressage or jumping Keur – higher quality than Ster, requires a passed performance test (IBOP or EPTM) plus additional veterinary requirements Elite – the highest level, also requires proven offspring or competition merit Preferent – awarded for documented good breeding quality through the horse's offspring Prestatie – based on the horse's own competition results A mare can therefore be in the same studbook as another, yet differ entirely in quality level depending on predicate. Events Stamboekkeuring (studbook inspection), Centrale Keuring, Nationale Merriekeuring, and Hengstenkeuring (stallion inspection/licensing) are the recurring events in KWPN's breeding calendar.