The Knabstrupper breed was first established in 1812 in Denmark, and now has breeding programs in many countries including Germany and North America. The signature of the Knabstrupper breed is the spotted coat, generally in a leopard pattern but coming in many varieties, including solid coats. Grey coats are however excluded.

Two basic types of Knabstrupper horses are registered – the Sport type and the Baroque type. Westfalen follows the same standard as the Danish KNN, registering foals and young horses, and inspection mares and stallions for entry into the breeding books. Crossbreeding with Warmbloods, TB’s and Arabians is allowed for the Knabstrupper, though some restrictions apply. This noble, strikingly unique breed is versatile and used for many different disciplines.