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The Belgian Warmblood North American District
The Belgian Warmblood Association North American District, was established in 1987 as a non-profit organization. It was formed by a group of breeders and owners dedicated to the recognition, promotion, breeding and preservation of the Belgian Warmblood in North America. BWP/ NAD is a fully recognized district of Belgium, BWP/BE and serves as the sole administrating office for promotion and breeding practices in North America. BWP/NAD is a member of the WBFSH under BWP.
In 1988, the North American District hosted the first official Keuring Tour for the inspection of breeding stock in the United States by Belgian Judges. Since then, the annual event has grown to encompass more than two dozen Keuring inspection sites throughout the continental US and Canada each year. These Keurings serve to guarantee the continued quality and success of BWP horses bred in North America. Through dedication, hard work, and strong breeding practices, BWP/NAD has grown to be one of the strongest & most respected breed registries in North America.
Only top quality horses are admitted to the registry through the visual inspection and evaluation of stallions, mares and foals. Using the same stringent judging criteria from inspections in Belgium, the Belgian Jury looks for modern horses that have correct conformation for soundness, athletic potential for the Olympic disciplines, proven bloodlines for performance, good temperament for ride ability, and above all, the potential to pass these traits on to their offspring. As a result, this selectivity ensures that buyers, riders, and breeders of Belgian Warmbloods are getting the highest quality horse possible.
BWP/NAD fosters a unique relationship with our European counterpart in that all passports and papers are still generated by Belgium. The registry follows the rules and guidelines of Belgium for breeding, judging criteria and registration. All of the NAD Stallions that are approved in North America are fully approved and recognized in Europe. This reciprocity sets the BWP/NAD apart from other breed registries.
The Registry began with 8 approved stallions and has since grown to over 60 National & International performance stallions. There are now and impressive 34 “Elite” Stallions, 58 “Elite” Mares, and 7 “Ambassadors” owned by BWP/NAD Breeders. In 2014, the BWP/NAD was awarded our first “Ambassador” with “Rebozo La Silla aka HH Rebozo” (Dollar de la Pierre x Ramiro) owned by BWP/NAD breeder Double H Farm. In 2015 our second “Ambassador” was awarded to “Imothep” (Indoctro x Calvados) owned by BWP/NAD breeder Vicky Castegren of Hyperion Stud, LLC and in 2018 we were pleased to have the Olympic Gold Medal winner “Big Star” (Quick Star x Nimmerdor) owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, awarded as our third “Ambassador”.
In 2019 we had a record number of Ambassadors presented including “ASB Conquistador aka Bush vd Heffinck” (Clinton x Heartbreaker) owned by Sign Ostby & Pomponio Ranch, “Bull Run’s Faustino” (Berlin Darco) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC, “Flexible” (Cruising x Safari) owned by Rich Fellers Stables, and “Ultimo vt Moude” (Capitol I x Major de la Cour) owned by Stal Hendrix. We had our first BWP/NAD Stallions debut into the top 100 WBFSH Sires list for 2018; #39 Ambassador Dulf vd Bisschop (Heartbreaker x Libero H) and #94 Ambassador Ultimo vt Moude (Capitol I x Major de la Cour). Ultimo’s offspring, Rouge de Ravel, reached #22 in the 2019 WBFSH standings. Bull Run’s Faustino de Tilli continues his over $1million in career winning prize money and over 50 FEI Grand Prix wins with his rider Kristen Vanderveen.
Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili, Berlin x Darco, BWP/NAD Ambassador, owned by BullRun Jumpers 5. Photo: Sportfot
