Horse breeds / Warlander
Photo: Spanish_Girl1 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Warlander
The Warlander is a relatively recent warmblood-type breed developed in Australia, created by crossing Warmblood horses with Friesian lines and the Australian stock-horse type. It was bred to produce a versatile, athletic horse with a strong frame and a willing attitude for riding and driving.
Warlanders are generally described as calm, cooperative and sensible, with the bold, floating movement of a warmblood. Many owners find them suitable for capable novices who can work with a steady, forgiving horse, though an experienced hand helps with a young or unstarted animal. Their size and presence make them impressive under saddle or in harness.
Day to day, a Warlander does best with regular work, room to move, and the company of other horses. Their sociable nature means they tend to do poorly when isolated for long periods. Consistent handling, good turnout and a predictable routine help them stay settled and happy.
Good for: Riders seeking a versatile, athletic all-rounder
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1102–1323 lb |
| Height | 62–67 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Australia |
Choose a well-started horse and get a vet and experienced trainer involved early, since Warlanders need consistent work and careful feeding.
Living with a Warlander
Exercise
Most Warlanders need several days a week of ridden or in-hand work, with daily turnout whenever possible. Too little exercise can lead to excess energy, stiffness and weight gain, particularly in easy keepers.
Grooming
The coat is typically short and easy to maintain, with a seasonal change in spring and autumn. Mane and tail need regular brushing to prevent tangles. Hooves should be trimmed or shod every 6 to 8 weeks, and clipping is only needed for horses in heavy work during cold months.
At home
Warlanders are typically kept in pasture with daily turnout, and they handle Australian conditions well with reasonable shelter. They generally cope with the weather better than many thin-skinned breeds. They are happiest in a herd and should not be kept alone for long. Most adults are moderate keepers, so feed is usually based on forage with a balanced ration matched to workload and body condition.
Training
Warlanders learn quickly and respond well to clear, consistent cues and patient handling. They are good candidates for dressage, eventing, trail and general riding, and their athletic build suits light jumping. A green Warlander usually needs time to build topline and balance, so expect steady progress rather than quick results.
Health
As a newer breed with a mixed warmblood background, Warlanders are not known for a single well-defined set of inherited conditions. Common concerns in horses of this type include soundness issues and metabolic risk if overfed. Ask a veterinarian about screening and preventive care suited to your horse.
- Soundness issues
- Metabolic risk
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Warlander
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 Warlander 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 Warlander
Shelters and breed rescues list Warlanders and Warlander mixes every week. Search adoptable Warlanders on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Warlander right for you?
- Yes if you want one horse for dressage, trail and light jumping
- Yes if you prefer a calm, cooperative temperament
- Yes if you can provide regular work and herd turnout
- Think twice if you want a fully finished horse right away
- Think twice if you have limited time for daily care
Questions owners ask
Are Warlanders good for beginners?
They can suit capable beginners, especially with a calm, started horse. A knowledgeable trainer or instructor should help with a young or green animal.
How much do Warlanders cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training and bloodlines. Expect to pay more for a started or proven horse, and check with breeders for current figures.
How tall do Warlanders get?
Adults usually stand around 158 to 170 cm at the withers, which is roughly 15.5 to 16.5 hands.
How long do Warlanders live?
With good care, many live into their mid-20s to around 30 years, similar to other warmblood-type horses.
Are Warlanders easy keepers?
Most are moderate keepers, but individuals vary. Monitor body condition and adjust forage and feed to keep weight in a healthy range.
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.