Hanoverian Horses (German: Hannoveraner) are one of the most
well-loved and wide-spread of the European warmbloods, and they have made a
name for themselves in Grand Prix competitions and the Olympic Games.
Hanoverian horses were established in Celle, Germany in 1735
by George II, King of England (1727-1760). They were initially refined with
Thoroughbred blood, giving their movement more freedom and lightness. The ideal
result was a horse swift and strong enough for competitions while remaining
tough enough for general work. By the end of the 18th century there were
detailed logs of bloodlines which were carefully monitored. During the
Napoleonic Wars much of the Celle stock was depleted, however it picked up
again after 1816 and earned a stronger Thoroughbred influence making the
resulting stock too light for real agricultural use, so attempts were made to
thicken the stock back up again.
By 1924 breeding spread to Osnabruck-Eversburg where after
the second world war Trakehners made their way into the Hanoverain bloodline
helping to further refine a solid sport horse.
They are now bred extensively
in North and South America, as well as Australia.
Hanoverians
are elegant, strong, and robust. They are bred to be willing and trainable, and
have a strong back, powerful body, athletic movement, and strong limbs.
Chestnut, bay, black, and gray colors are found the most often. Regulations
prohibit horses with too much white, and buckskin, palomino and cremello horses
from being registered. They can be 15.3–17.2 hands (63–70 inches, 160–178 cm)
high, but most are in the range of 16–16.2 hands (64–66 inches, 163–168 cm).
About Hanoverian Horses
