Horse breeds / Austrian Warmblood
Photo: Wald1siedel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Austrian Warmblood
The Austrian Warmblood developed in Austria as a sport and riding horse, bred to combine the athleticism of a warmblood with the refinement and elegance valued in classical riding. Breeding programs drew on established warmblood and Thoroughbred lines to produce horses suited to dressage, eventing, and show jumping.
As a rule, these horses are bold, willing, and intelligent, with a balanced, athletic way of going and good scope over fences. They tend to be most comfortable with riders who can give clear, consistent aids. Beginners can do well with a quiet, experienced individual, but a green rider may find the more forward ones demanding. A well-started Austrian Warmblood is a pleasure to ride.
Day to day, they need regular, purposeful work and a structured routine, along with turnout that lets them move freely. They do best with daily contact, whether that's riding, lungeing, or handling, and they are social animals who should have equine companionship.
Good for: Experienced riders, dressage and eventing sport
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1102–1323 lb |
| Height | 63–67 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Austria |
Choose a well-started, quiet individual, since the breed's athleticism and sensitivity can overwhelm inexperienced owners.
Living with a Austrian Warmblood
Exercise
Most Austrian Warmbloods need several days a week of structured riding or work, supplemented by daily turnout. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation they can become bored, tense, or prone to misbehavior.
Grooming
Their coat is typically short and easy to maintain with regular brushing. Manes and tails usually need only routine care and occasional detangling. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, and clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy work during winter.
At home
Austrian Warmbloods are generally hardy and adapt well to either stabling or turnout, though most thrive with plenty of daily movement in a paddock or field. They usually do well in a herd, which supports their social needs. Their feed requirements vary by individual, and many are moderate keepers who need a balanced diet matched to their workload; a vet or nutritionist can help you tailor it.
Training
These horses are generally quick to learn and respond well to patient, systematic schooling. They are best suited to dressage, eventing, and show jumping, with many performing at a high level in those disciplines. A green Austrian Warmblood will usually need months of basic groundwork and flatwork before it is ready for serious competition, and progress is steady rather than instant.
Health
Like many warmblood breeds, Austrian Warmbloods can be affected by joint and musculoskeletal conditions, and careful management of workload and footing matters. Ask a veterinarian about a pre-purchase exam and any breed-specific screening relevant to the horse you are considering.
- Musculoskeletal and joint problems
- Laminitis
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Austrian Warmblood
Forage and water, adult
18–30 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1102–1323 lb, and 11–19 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,300–$5,550
Hay about $2,102, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Austrian Warmblood is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Austrian Warmblood
Shelters and breed rescues list Austrian Warmbloods and Austrian Warmblood mixes every week. Search adoptable Austrian Warmbloods on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Austrian Warmblood right for you?
- Yes if you want a refined, athletic partner for competition
- Yes if you can commit to regular, structured schooling
- Think twice if you are a first-time owner seeking an easy ride
- Think twice if your riding time is limited to occasional weekends
- Yes if you enjoy a sensitive, responsive horse that rewards good riding
Questions owners ask
Are Austrian Warmbloods good for beginners?
Not usually as a first horse. A calm, experienced individual can suit a capable beginner, but most do best with a rider who has solid foundation skills.
How much do Austrian Warmbloods cost?
Prices vary widely with training, pedigree, and age. Well-bred, trained horses often cost significantly more than unstarted youngsters.
How tall are Austrian Warmbloods?
They typically stand around 160 to 170 centimeters at the withers, though individual height varies with bloodlines.
How long do Austrian Warmbloods live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid-to-late twenties or beyond, similar to other riding horses.
Are Austrian Warmbloods easy keepers?
Most are moderate keepers. Feed should be adjusted to workload and body condition, and a vet or nutritionist can help set the right plan.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.