This blog post was written by: HorseloverMargaux

Breed spotlight: the Hanoverian
This blog is about one of the best sport horses in the world, the Hanoverian. This breed is extremely suitable for both jumping and dressage. The breed originally comes from Germany, from the former province of Hanover, which merged into the state of Lower Saxony after the 2nd World War.

History
The German cavalry horse of the Middle Ages is the ancestor of the Hanoverian. This was a cross between Spanish and Arabian horses. (After the 2nd World War, it was also crossed with English thoroughbreds). From 1735, the Hanoverian was officially bred.

Over time, the Hanoverian was refined by crossing with English thoroughbreds and Trakehners. Especially after World War II, horses were used less and less as working animals. The focus became on breeding a reliable sport and leisure horse.

King George II founded the Celle State Stud, where the Hanoverian is still bred to this day. The studbook, called 'Verband Hannoverischer Pferdezüchter', was founded in 1922 and is the largest studbook in the world.

Appearance
Hanoverians are true sport horses, and this is clearly reflected in their appearance. They are fairly large (between 1.60 m and 1.75 m), have a long muscular neck and powerful legs. They have a noble head, long ears and large nostrils. Their friendly look is extremely beautiful. They usually come in the colours chestnut and bay, but sometimes also in black and grey.

Character
Hanoverians are known for their reliability. They are very eager to learn and have a balanced temperament. This is because they were used in military service in the past. They have a long, energetic trot and a resilient canter.

Did you know that...?
- Salinero, the horse with which Dutch dressage champion Anky van Grunsven won two gold medals at the Olympics, was a Hanoverian?
- The breed can be used in all disciplines of equestrian sports? They are solidly built, making them even suitable for driving.
- Because of their success in competition Hanoverian stallions, as well as mares and foals, can be quite expensive?
- In Verden, the 'Hannoveraner Verband' holds a big auction once a year. The most expensive horse ever auctioned there was a two year old stallion which costed a little over 2 million euros!

I really appreciate that you've read this blog! Do you also like this breed so much?

Thumbnail image by Unknown author @Wikimedia commons