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The Hanoverian horse is a warmblood horse which is bred to excel in the equestrian disciplines of jumping,
dressage, eventing and driving. The breed originated in northern Germany in the state of Lower Saxony, the
former kingdom of Hannover, where a flourishing horse-breeding industry has existed for 400 years. The
State Stud was established at Celle in 1735, and the Hanoverian Studbook was officially begun in 1888.
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Refining stallions, primarily Thoroughbreds were crossed with domestic mares
to improve the quality of horses for cavalry and farming. Through the years the Hanoverian breeding
program has adapted to the need for a more athletic riding horse, introducing other breeds as appropriate.
The result is the modern Hanoverian horse. |
The breed retains the substantial bone, sturdiness and stamina of its heritage: nearly 300
years ago the Hanoverian was bred to serve as a robust carriage and military horse. Since the end of World
War II, the breeding goal has been exclusively to produce a versatile performance horse. Breeding stock is
carefully selected for correct conformation, athletic ability and inner qualities such as disposition and
trainability. The Hanoverian has natural impulsion and light and elastic gaits characterized by a
ground-covering walk, a floating trot and a round, rhythmic canter.
In competition, the success of Hanoverian horse proves the soundness of this breeding program: 13 medals in
the 1992 Olympics and in the World Breeding Championship for Sporthorses, the Hanoverians won the team
rankings in show jumping and dressage - in addition to the individual showing jumping title. Since the
WBCSH was started seven years ago, Hanoverians have won their show jumping title five times. At the 1996
Olympics, Hanoverians won eight medals - five gold, two silver and one bronze - in dressage and show
jumping.
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