The first Warlander she bred was, she says, “Extremely functional, collected very easily, was really comfortable to ride and had inherited the Friesian’s placid nature with the sensibility and bravery of the Iberian.”
They say the rest is history.
"Europe and North America is where we are seeing the Warlander flourish. To gain breed status, it first had to be recognized in Europe and in 2010 Warlander horses received full paper work according to European standards where they are now judged by the European classification system up to breeding approval including performance testing," says Karen-Maree'.
However, Amercia has played a big part in the Warlander horses history with the formation of the original mother studbook and USA breeders have taken the Warlander into the third generation," she continues.
"Importantly, we have five quality Warlander breeding stallions in the USA, and 'now' is the most exciting time for the Warlander horse in our country," says Lisa Oberman who heads the 'newly' formed Warlander USA.
"As the mother studbook now resides in Australia, it was important for North America to have our own organization. We are embarking on a journey to start up a national show circuit for the Warlander horse and more importantly, ensure the standards of the breed remain consistent in our country," says Lisa.
"The essence of a Warlander horse is their sweet, friendly and willing nature. The majority of Warlander owners have them because they want to 'connect' and have a lifelong friend and partner. A 'best friend' that is versatile, - and that is exactly what the Warlander offers," says Lisa.
"When it comes to versatility there are no hard set of rules for the Warlander. "Throw anything at them - dressage, western driving, haute ecole, jousting, trail riding, commercial work or pleasure pursuits and the Warlander will try their hearts for you.
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Koala Bears and Kangaroo's first spring to mind when you think of animals that come from Australia - certainly not a breed of horse called a Warlander.
However, 27 years ago from the 'land down under' is exactly where the Warlander horse began its journey and nowhere more so than North America, has it gained popularity, amongst pleasure riders and professionals alike.
Primarily, the Warlander is a baroque horse derived from the crossing of registered purebred Friesian and Iberian horse breeds. More specifically, to be registered 'Warlander' a horse must fit the requirements of a regulated breed standard set by the mother studbook for the breed - Warlander Studbook Society.
We talk to founder of the Warlander horse, Karen-Maree' Kaye of the Classical Sporthorse Stud in Western Australia. In 1990, Karen-Maree' began a dedicated breeding program, penned the first breed standard and named the breed after veterinarian Warwick Vale.
"The crossing of purebred Friesian and Iberian horse is not new. It is probable that during the crusades and later the 'Eighty Year War' that Iberian horses were bred to native breeds of the Netherlands including the Friesian," she tells us.
“I bred the Warlander for a future haute école (advanced classical dressage) horse for myself. But after the first one, I was amazed by how this hybrid developed and how complementary both base breeds were to each other, with the resultant progeny gaining the best attributes of both.”
The first Warlander she bred was, she says, “Extremely functional, collected very easily, was really comfortable to ride and had inherited the Friesian’s placid nature with the sensibility and bravery of the Iberian.”
They say the rest is history.
WARLANDER
"The crossing of purebred Friesian and Iberian horse is not new. It is probable that during the crusades and later the 'Eighty Year War' that Iberian horses were bred to native breeds of the Netherlands including the Friesian," she tells us.
“I bred the Warlander for a future haute école (advanced classical dressage) horse for myself. But after the first one, I was amazed by how this hybrid developed and how complementary both base breeds were to each other, with the resultant progeny gaining the best attributes of both.”
Kathi Stewart and Spyder
Kirt Ellert Photography