But in fact, it is easy and simple. To show you, we have created this Q&A with some of the most common questions we get from US breeders who already are breeding DWB horses, or who would like to get started.
 

About NADWA

Q: What does NADWA stand for:
A: NADWA stands for North American Danish Warmblood Association and was founded in 2001.
 
A: Is NADWA part of Danish Warmblood or is it a different organization? 
Q: NADWA is a registered not-for-profit association in USA and is part of Danish Warmblood and handling all DWB business in the US and Canada.
 
Q: Is there a NADWA office in the US?
A: Yes – NADWA has an office in the US. The office is situated in Colorado and is run by Jane Hayes. Find contact info HERE
 
  

Breed papers & registration

Q: Do I need to bring my foal to an inspection to get DWB papers?
A: No – Foal Shows are completely optional and are not considered a grading, but an informal and provisional evaluation. So, the foal does not need to attend an inspection to get DWB breed papers.
But of course, certain requirements regarding pedigree, microchipping etc. must be met. Get full info HERE
 
Q: Can I get Danish Warmblood breed papers on my foal out of a DWB mare that hasn’t attended a DWB mare inspection?
A: No. The mare must have been presented for grading in DWB.
 
Q: Does Danish Warmblood accept Andalusians, Frisians, Lusitanos etc.?
A: No. DWB approves horses from many different studbooks including thoroughbreds and Arabian pedigrees, but not the above mentioned. For the full list of Studbooks approved by DWB, click HERE

  

Mares, gradings & sires

Q: Does a grading at a NADWA event in the US count for the same as a DWB grading done in Denmark?  
A: Yes – without any exception
 
Q: What does DS, DH, RDH, FOR etc. stand for?
A: The capital letters often seen in connection to a mare’s name show the mares grading status and studbook.

DH: Danish Main Studbook (requires an overall score of minimum 8 and no single scores under 5)
DS: Danish Studbook (requires an overall score of minimum 6)
DR: Danish Register (requires an overall score of 5)
FOR: Preliminary Studbook for mares with unknown, incomplete or not approved pedigree. “F1” is the lowest category with no approved pedigree. “F3” is the highest category, and a daughter of a F3-mare can be graded in the main studbook (of course depending on quality).
R: If an “R” is added to the mare’s grading status, it means that the mare has passed a riding test or has achieved the required results in sport.
E: The “E” is added to the grading status and means “Elite mare”
G, S or B: Added to the grading status when the mare has been awarded a breeder’s medal in Gold, Silver or Bronze.

  
Q: What is the height requirement for my mare?
A: For a grading in DH, the mare must stand at 15.3 hands /160 cm as a minimum. For a grading in DS, the mare must stand at 15.1 hands / 155 cm as a minimum. For a grading in DR, the mare must stand at 14.2 hands / 148 cm as a minimum.
For stallions to be licensed, they must stand at 16 hands / 162 cm as a minimum.
 
Q: My mare doesn’t have Danish Warmblood breed papers; can she be approved as a brood mare with Danish Warmblood?
A: Yes – she most likely can. If your mare has breed papers from another warmblood studbook, it is likely that she can be Danish Warmblood approved. DWB approves breed papers such as Thoroughbred and Arabian pedigrees as well as number of other studbooks such as KWPN, SF, OLD, HOLST, HANN, WESTF, TRAK just to mention some.
For the full list of studbooks approved by DWB, click HERE
  
Q: My mare doesn’t have any breed papers at all; can she still be approved as a brood mare with Danish Warmblood? 
A: Yes, she can. If the mare doesn’t have any breed papers at all, she can be graded into the preliminary studbook (FOR) provided that she is presented for grading, meets the height requirements (see above) and receives an overall score of minimum 5.

Q: Can I use a stallion not on the Danish Warmblood stallion list?
A: Yes, you can – but:
 
The stallion you wish to use must be approved by another of the DWB approved studbooks (see full list HERE)
The stallion must also meet the specified quality demands regarding the stallion’s breeding value.
Finally, you must file an application form. You can find detailed information on the application form HERE
We highly recommend checking the status of the stallion of your choice before breeding. Contact Jane Hayes at the NADWA office for help with this.
 
  

Inspection

Q: How often are there DWB inspections in the US? And when is the next inspection?
A: As a rule of thumb, the DWB inspections take place every second year. The next inspection will be in October 2024.

Q: The judges that are judging the NADWA inspection, are they the same judges who judge in Denmark?
A: Yes, they are – a team of two judges travel from Denmark to the US for the inspection.
 
Q: What do I need to bring to the inspection?
A: Breed papers of the horse!

Q: Does my foal need to be microchipped before I get to the inspection?
A: Yes – the foal must be microchipped before inspection. The NADWA office will mail you the microchip when you send in your inspection entry and fees.

Q: How do I sign up for an inspection?
A: If you are interested in presenting horses at the next inspection, please contact Jane Hayes from the NADWA office as soon as possible.
 
Q: Do I need to pay my inspection fees before the inspection?
A: Yes – the entry form, inspection fees and DNA results with parent verification (only for the foals) must be mailed to the NADWA office

Q: Do I need to be a member of NADWA in order to present a horse for the inspection?
A: Yes, you need to be an active member in good standing.