Hanoverian

Hanoverian horse

The Hanoverian is a large German sport breed with balanced conformation, high trainability and outstanding ability in dressage and jumping.

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Breed information

Country: Germany
Height: 160–175 cm
Weight: about 650 kg
Coat: smooth, glossy coat; commonly bay, black, chestnut or grey
Suitable for: dressage, show jumping, eventing, driving, sport riding and rider education

Tags

horse riding sport horse trainable Germany

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 9/10

Trainability 9/10

Good with children 7/10

Shedding 4/10

Guarding 3/10

Care 7/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Hanoverian is one of Europe's best-known sport breeds. Typical features include balanced conformation, a long neck, deep chest and powerful hindquarters. Petsi lists a height of 160–175 cm and a weight of about 650 kg.

History

The breed has been developed in Lower Saxony since the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It began as a versatile horse for military, farm and driving work before selection shifted toward the modern sport type.

Use

Hanoverians are particularly successful in dressage, show jumping and eventing and are also used in driving and rider education.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

The breed combines energy with balance and high trainability. Good Hanoverians are willing partners and maintain concentration in demanding sport work.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

Sport condition requires regular training, adequate recovery and monitoring of the musculoskeletal system. Good hay and water form the feeding base, with concentrates and minerals matched to workload.