Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds primarily originating in
Europe and registered with organizations that are characterized by
open studbook policy,
studbook selection, and the aim of breeding for
equestrian sport. The term distinguishes these horses from both heavy
draft horses ("cold bloods") and refined light saddle horses such as the
Thoroughbred and
Arabian ("hot bloods"). Although modern warmbloods are descended from heavier agricultural types systematically upgraded by hotblood influence, the term does not imply that warmbloods are direct crosses of "cold" and "hot".