We are Westphalia

Association of Westphalian Horse Breeders

A modern breeding association with over 100 years of breeding excellence and success

The history of the Westphalian Studbook Association, founded in 1904, spans an impressive 120 years—a period of change and progress in horse breeding. From modest beginnings, the association has grown into a modern umbrella organization representing Westphalia’s breeding families, stud farms, and breeding centers. Today, it represents the interests of more than 8,500 members across 24 districts and embodies the Westphalian philosophy of horse breeding. Our headquarters are located in Münster-Handorf, at the heart of the Westphalian Horse and Event Center.

Quality Matters to Us

We are dedicated to promoting and supporting horse breeding in Westphalia. We provide guidance to our members—including breeders, whether beginners or professionals, owners, riders, and horse enthusiasts — on all aspects of breeding, training, and marketing. In addition, the association is responsible for defining and implementing breeding programs, registering foals, issuing breeding certificates, and maintaining the studbook. Breeding events such as stallion licensing, elite shows, and registration appointments for foals and mares are part of our everyday activities, as is promoting the sale of breeding and riding horses and foals through auctions and private sales.

With a continuous focus on diversity and a commitment to improving both the health and quality of our horses, we have evolved over time. Whether riding horses, draft horses, ponies, Haflingers, Shetlands, Welsh ponies, or more exotic breeds such as Dülmen and Camargue, we now register and market horses and ponies of various breeds not only throughout Germany but increasingly internationally.

From paper-based record keeping, we have moved to extensive digital horse databases; from traditional branding, we now use state-of-the-art registration technologies. Small local auctions have developed into large-scale auction halls with broad audiences, and local events have expanded into hybrid OnLive events with bids from around the world. Yet throughout all these changes, one thing has remained constant:

Our Love for Westphalian Horses

This passion guides everything we do, along with our close connection to Westphalia’s breeders and horse enthusiasts. With our expertise, knowledge, and experience, we are always at your service. The Westphalian team looks forward to supporting you in breeding, training, presenting, and marketing your Westphalian horses.

Committed to Westphalia – Committed to You!

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