Horse
Pronunciation:
Hol-STY-nuh
Breed Description:
The Holsteiner breed of horse is considered to be the oldest of the German Warmbloods.
The breed takes its name from the region where it originated in the 13th century, which is the district of Schleswig-Holstein where it is still bred today. However many Holsteiners have been exported from Germany, and they are now bred all over the world.
Holsteiners are medium-sized horses and incredibly athletic. They make wonderful show jumpers and eventers, many of which have made their mark at the Olympic Games and the World Games, the most prestigious shows in the modern Western world.
While the Holsteiner breed of horse started out as a very plain and heavy horse, the introduction of lighter Thoroughbred blood has enabled breeder to develop a much more refined looking animal. Characteristically it has big, bright eyes and a pleasant expression. It has a body that combines strength with good looks. It has sloping shoulders and its withers are typical of riding horses. It also has a deep chest and strong, muscular loins and back. Its legs are clean and well-formed, with short cannon bones and well-formed hocks. Selective breeding has improved the quality of the Holsteiner's hooves over time. This horse breed has very powerful quarters, which is why it jumps so well. It also carries its tail well.
While all colors are allowed, typically Holsteiners are bay or brown with black points. Grey is also a common color while chestnut is not very common.
All registered Holsteiners are branded with a crowned shield brand that has two numbers below it on either side. These correspond with the life number in the register.
Temperament:
The Holsteiner breed of horse has calm, gentle and very willing and intelligent nature.
Height:
The Holsteiner breed of horse averages between 16 and 17 hands, or 64 to 68 inches at the withers. Approved stallion must be at least 16 hands, and mares cannot be smaller than 15.2 hands. If they do not meet the standards, they cannot be registered.
Weight:
The Holsteiner breed of horse weighs between 1,200 and 1,700 lbs.
Health Problems:
The Holsteiner breed of horse is usually a very sound and problem free horse.
Living Conditions:
The Holsteiner breed of horse should usually be stabled and then turned out during the day. However they are hardy enough to live out for most of the year if they are not in work. Like all horses, if they live out in winter they will tend to develop a thick woolly coat.
Exercise:
The Holsteiner breed of horse is normally used for competition these days, and therefore should have a regular exercise routine, especially during competition periods, to keep the horse fit and healthy.
Life Expectancy:
The Holsteiner breed of horse can live up to 20 or even 30 years.
Grooming:
The Holsteiner breed of horse needs a regular grooming routine to keep the horse and its coat healthy and shiny.
Origin:
The Holsteiner breed of horse was originally a harness horse that was bred to draw a carriage. It was a heavy horse but powerful and valued in the community. Traditionally it had very strong shoulders, enabling it to pull carriages successfully, and it also had a pronounced knee action that is typical for carriage horses.
With the introduction of the motor car in the 19th century, the need for carriage horses dwindled. But breeders recognized the value of the Holsteiner breed of horse and began introducing English Thoroughbred and Yorkshire Coach Horse blood to the line. As a result the Holsteiner is a very different looking horse today. 