Dutch Horse Breeding Takes a Scientific Leap to Secure Healthier Generations
Wageningen, Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
The Dutch horse breeding industry has partnered with Wageningen University to tackle hereditary diseases and genetic diversity through the ‘Behouden Paard’ project. This groundbreaking initiative uses data-driven breeding programs to ensure long-term health and resilience in horse populations. With 15 Dutch studbooks participating in workshops, the project aims to create sustainable knowledge within the industry, moving beyond one-time advice. The collaboration sets a new standard for ethical breeding practices, potentially serving as a model for other livestock sectors in the Netherlands.
A Pioneering Partnership for Equine Genetic Health
The Dutch horse breeding sector has taken a significant step toward sustainable and healthy equine populations through a new collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The joint project, titled ‘Behouden Paard’ (Preserving the Horse), officially launched during ‘De Week van het Paard’ in June 2026, aims to address critical challenges in horse breeding, including the preservation of genetic diversity, reduction of hereditary diseases, and implementation of sustainable population management strategies [1]. This initiative reflects a growing trend in agritech and animal husbandry, where scientific innovation is leveraged to ensure ethical and sustainable breeding practices [GPT].
The Science Behind Sustainable Breeding
Researchers from WUR are working closely with approximately 15 Dutch horse studbooks to develop data-driven breeding programs that prioritize long-term health and resilience in horse populations [1]. The project is structured into three distinct work packages: 1) Collaboration with the Koepel van Stamboeken voor Paardachtigen (KSP) on workshops for all Dutch horse studbooks, 2) Focused research on the Friesian horse through the Koninklijke Vereniging ‘Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek’ (KFPS), and 3) Research on the Dutch Warmblood via the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN) [1]. These workshops cover essential topics such as population analyses, genetic diversity, inbreeding, health trait registration, and the application of DNA techniques [1].
From Data to Action: Building Long-Term Knowledge
The ‘Behouden Paard’ project emphasizes sustainable knowledge building within the studbooks themselves, rather than providing one-time advice [1]. Mira Schoon, researcher and coordinator of the project, underscores this approach: “Het draait niet om een eenmalig advies, maar om duurzame kennisopbouw binnen de stamboeken zelf. […] Door bestuurders, fokkers en organisaties actief te betrekken, ontstaat een basis om ook op lange termijn gericht te kunnen sturen op gezonde fokkerij” [1]. This methodology ensures that the Dutch horse breeding sector can independently manage genetic health in the future.
Balancing Health, Performance, and Genetic Diversity
The initiative utilizes pedigree data, health registrations, and modern DNA techniques to improve breeding decisions while preserving genetic variation [1]. The goal is to strike a balance between health, performance, and genetic diversity, ensuring that breeding practices remain sustainable and ethical [1]. Bart Ducro, project leader, highlights the importance of collaboration: “Goed populatiemanagement begint bij goede data, maar vooral bij een fijne samenwerking. Tussen het bestuur van een stamboek en haar leden, tussen de fokkers onderling en vaak ook tussen verschillende stamboeken. En juist de gezamenlijke aanpak van stamboeken in dit project is een belangrijke meerwaarde” [1].
A Model for the Future of Livestock Breeding
The ‘Behouden Paard’ project is a Public-Private Partnership funded by the Koepel van Stamboeken voor Paardachtigen (the umbrella organization of studbook associations) and the Koninklijke Vereniging ‘Het Nederlandse Rundvee’ (Dutch Cattle Association), with contributions from Wageningen University & Research [1]. This collaboration is expected to serve as a model for other livestock sectors in the Netherlands, demonstrating how partnerships between academia and industry can drive meaningful improvements in animal welfare and genetic sustainability [1].
Voices from the Field: Breeders Embrace Change
Breeders and studbook representatives have expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential. Marjolein Meerburg-Neuteboom, from the Stamboekkantoor NWPCS Welsh Stamboek and a breeder herself, shares her perspective: “Het is een verrijking om samen met de WUR en de andere stamboeken bezig te zijn met ons ras op populatieniveau. […] Het brengt dus zowel kennis als een fijn netwerk!” [1]. This sentiment reflects the broader industry’s readiness to embrace scientific advancements for the betterment of equine health.
Addressing Industry Challenges Head-On
The Dutch horse breeding sector faces several challenges, including increasing inbreeding, small population sizes, and the risk of hereditary defects [1]. These issues are not unique to the Netherlands but are particularly pressing given the country’s prominent role in global horse breeding [GPT]. The ‘Behouden Paard’ project directly addresses these challenges by providing studbooks with the tools and knowledge to make informed, data-driven decisions that prioritize genetic health [1].