dutch law has made branding illegal, so today only the oldest dutch warmbloods from the netherlands still bear the lion-rampant brand on the left hip. instead, the horses are microchipped. however, north american dutch warmbloods may still be branded. to become a breeding horse, mares must stand at least and stallions at least at the withers. there is no upper height limit, though too-tall horses are impractical for sport and not desirable.