Horse
Pronunciation:
oh'-ber'land-der
Breed Description:
The Oberlander breed of horse is a German working draft breed, best known for its abilities in forest work. It is a powerful horse, used for log pulling and as a working driving horse in southern Germany, The Oberlander is an elegant draft breed, with a powerful neck and shoulders, but with smooth paces and light through its back and hindquarters. It has some leg feathering. It is a popular working breed in southern Germany, where over 4000 examples remain, making it among one of the most popular working draft breeds today. The Oberlander comes almost exclusively in chestnut, usually with a lighter, flaxen mane and tail.
Temperament:
The Oberlander breed of horse has an excellent temperament, being friendly and co-operative.
Height:
The Oberlander breed of horse stands 15 to 16 hands.
Weight:
The Oberlander breed of horse weighs 1500 to 1600 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Oberlander breed of horse has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Oberlander breed of horse is hardy and can be kept outside in most conditions.
Exercise:
The Oberlander breed of horse enjoys work, and although it can be kept idle for a period of time, it appreciates regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Oberlander breed of horse lives into its mid to late twenties.
Grooming:
The Oberlander breed of horse is shown with a natural appearance. A thick mane and tail and some leg feathering mean that the Oberlander requires regular grooming.
Origin:
The Oberlander breed of horse traces its acentry back to descendants of Roman war horses brought to northern Europe, especially the Noriker or Pinzgauer in Austria. Organized breeding began in the mid 18th century, and the breed has benefited from strict breeding and selection practices ever since. Additions of Holsteiner horses have given the breed elegance and athleticism, and it is a comparatively light draft breed. Additions of other breeds were frequent but of limited impact. An official breed type was established in the 1950s, but the Oberlander did not find extensive popularity until the 1970s. Today, its elegance, athleticism, and temperament are making it increasingly popular as a driving horse breed, and it is now found in some number in North America as well as norther Europe.
