Warmblood growth?

Question

why is that warmbloods mature slower then other sport horses, like TB's or any breed really?

i mean, i understand size has something to do with it, but a 15.3 warmblood still matures slower then a 15.3 TB.

Answer 1

it's because TB's have light  weight and non dense bones so their bone growth is quicker whereas warmbloods have thick heavy bones and bodies, so their bones take longer to grow to maturity...

Answer 2

Yes. I have a Dutch Warmblood and he did not reach his full height until about 7. I don't know if its the size as much as the fact that they are just slow growing breeds. I understand Lipizzaners are also slow maturing, but they are not a large breed. So, I think its just more of a breed characteristic.

TB's mature faster because they race so young. Horses that are more mature at a young age are more likely to be successful, and more likely to be chosen for breeding.

Answer 3

It's the nature of the breed. Compare the cannon (leg) bone of a warmblood breed - Oldenburg, Hannovarian, Selle Francais - to that of a QH or TB. You can visibly see that the warmblood's leg bones are thicker, stronger. They've been bred to carry knights into battle, and now rider's round the jump or cross country course.

Look at the same horses when they're in their 20's - the warmblood will 9 times out of 10 have cleaner legs whereas the QH or TB will probably have leg splints. Also warmbloods tend to not have the genetic diseases like navicular.  

Not to mention - in your comparison to the 15.3 Warmblood to the 15.3 TB - the 15.3 TB is probably close to full grown but the 15.3 warmblood is younger and well on his/her way to being 17hh!!