Horse
Pronunciation:
Hann-oh-VEH-rian
Breed Description:
The Hanoverian breed of horse is probably the best known of all the European warmbloods, of which there are many. It originated in Germany which has excelled at producing top quality horses, many of which have made it to the Olympic Games and to the World Games – and won. While the Hanoverian is undoubtedly one of the best dressage horses to ever have been bred, it is also a good choice for other Olympic disciplines including show jumping and eventing, as well as showing, hunting and leisure riding (or hacking).
Originally carriage or coach horses, Hanoverians were crossed with Thoroughbreds to lighten the breed. Selective breeding over time has lead to a horse that is athletic, strong and elegant. The legs are short, with short cannon bones and large, well-pronounced joints. The front legs are strongly muscled and the feet, hard and nicely shaped. The back of the Hanoverian is of medium length and broad, and the neck is long and relatively fine. The head is quite light and not very big. The breed has long sloping shoulders and pronounced withers. The quarters are muscular and loins powerful.
The most common colors seen in the Hanoverian breed are chestnut, bay, brown, black and grey. Horses with too much white as well as more unusual colors like buckskin, cremello and palomino are not allowed.
Foals that are accepted for registration are branded with a stylized letter H.
Temperament:
The Hanoverian breed of horse has a very willing temperament, and is reliable, sensible, bold and intelligent. They are very careful horses and are reputed to generally keep level-headed under difficult circumstances.
Height:
The Hanoverian breed of horse can stand anywhere between 15.3 and 17.2 hands, or 63-70 inches at the withers. A good average size is about 16.2 hands.
Weight:
The Hanoverian breed of horse weighs between 1200 and 1700 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Hanoverian breed of horse usually has very good health. This is largely due to selective breeding that prevents defects developing in their genes. This is vital because of the high demands of their sport, particularly jumping.
Living Conditions:
The Hanoverian breed of horse is normally stabled.
Exercise:
The Hanoverian breed of horse requires regular exercise to keep it fit and healthy, depending on what kind of work it is doing. During competition a daily exercise routine is essential.
Life Expectancy:
The Hanoverian breed of horse can live well up to between 20 and 35 years.
Grooming:
The Hanoverian breed of horse should be groomed often to keep the coat and skin clean, healthy and shiny.
Origin:
The Hanoverian breed of horse was established at Celle in the 18th century. The founding sires were 14 Holsteiners which were crossed with Thoroughbreds imported from England. Horses bred at the Celles stud were registered right from the start and detailed pedigrees were kept as a record of the selective breeding process. The Napoleonic Wars nearly wiped out the breed, but the stud was re-established in 1816 and more English Thoroughbreds imported to upgrade the existing stock. Today Hanoverians are bred in many parts of the world, including both North and South America. 