A true athlete (Hanoverian Horse)

Member Name: sweetpea01

Product:	Hanoverian Horse
Date:	04/07/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong, bold & talented horses

Disadvantages: Not for the inexperienced

As I have written a review about the Oldenburg horse I thought it was only fair to write about the Hanoverian as they are pretty similar in comparison and most Oldenburgs will have Hanoverian blood.

The breed happens to be very dear to me as my Aunt and cousin have both had Hanoverians, even to the point where they imported them over from Germany as youngsters. William, my own horse, also has Hanoverians in his bloodline, this meaning he could also be registered Hanoverian aswell as Oldenburg (which he currently is).

*~*~* The Horse *~*~*

The Hanoverian is a continental warmblood horse, the Hanoverian originates from Germany, from the area known as lower Saxony, this area was the former kingdom of Hannover, and this is where the Hanoverian warmbloods name is derived from.

The Hanoverian horse usually stands from 15.2 to 17.2 hands. They are usually bay, grey, chestnut, brown or black.Regulations prohibit horses with too much white, and buckskin, palomino and cremello horses from being registered. Hanoverian warmblood horses are bred for performance, consequently the Hanoverian warmblood is a well built, strong athletic horse with fantastic paces and exceptional jumping form. Hanoverians are what might correctly be considered horse athletes. As such, their body structures closely conform to athletic standards. At a maximum of 16.2 hands, a Hanoverian horse should have a lean but muscular body; long, powerful legs and a refined overall profile.

It is notorious the influence of the Thoroughbred in the physical aspect of the Hanoverian, especially in the clean lines and the medium head. The Hanoverian is probably one of the most sough-after warmblood horses and it has improved other warmblood breeds like the Brandeburg, the Westphalia, etc.

*~*~* History *~*~*

The Hanoverian stud book formally started in 1888, but breeding records date back to the early 1700s, when the Hanoverian warmblood was bred for coach and army work. The Hanoverian horse became one of the most sought horses in Europe. After the Second World War the Hanoverian warmblood horse was bred for performance, as there was high demand for quality riding horses and competition horses.

*~*~* Branding *~*~*

H brand - the Hanoverian trade mark - on their back left side, which takes its inspiration from the crossed horse heads at the gable of the breeding farms in Lower Saxony. To see this picture I would just recommend googling "Hanoverian" and you will normally be put straight to the society website.

*~*~* Uses *~*~*

They are renowned as dressage performers and also as show jumpers of exceptional talent at international levels. Hanoverians are found in every continent purely because they are an exceptional horse for their ability and talent. Hanoverians are also fantastic at dressage because of their build, elevated paces and natural talent, this is one of the reasons why most go on to be world famous on the dressage scene.

The Hanoverian was originally bred to pull carriages and help in agriculture. As a war horse, the Hanoverian was extremely appreciated.

*~*~* Health *~*~*

The Hanoverian has a relatively low incidence of health issues. They do require attention to grooming to prevent equine fugal and bacterial infections such as rain rot, scratches, ringworm or thrush. In the bigger horses care needs to be thought about in regard to their joints and muscles.

*~*~* Opinion *~*~*

Even though I love the Oldenburg horse (I am bias!) the Hanoverian is a truly wonderful breed. They have a wild but tameable temperament which when controlled properly they make superb companions and riding horses. Where I keep my own horses we have a few Hanoverians and they are just all so lovely. If I ever wanted another breed of horse this would be it, however their price is quite hefty and your looking at around £6,000 +

Hanoverian horses are ideally suited to riders with a reasonable amount of experience, especially if you want the horse to reach its full potential.

Summary: A perfect allrounder