The Hanoverian was originally developed by combining the blood of Spanish, Neapolitan and Oriental stallions with native mares. They are one of the oldest Warmbloods.
History
During the 1700's Holstein stallions were crossed with Holstein, Neapolitan and Andalucian mares. Later the same century thoroughbred blood was added with the result being a lighter horse which still had plenty of strength and endurance. The aim was to breed a horse for military service but also with the strength needed for farm work.
The breed was threatened during the Napoleonic Wars. To help restore the population, more thoroughbred blood was added. This gave the Hanoverian more 'quality' and they were increasingly used as carriage horses towards the end of the 1800's and the beginning of the 20th century.
The reduction in the role of the horse in agriculture after World War II meant that the breeding began to move towards producing competition horses. Some Trakehner blood was introduced along with more Thoroughbred blood. Super Nova II ridden by Spencer Wilton is one of the top dressage horses in the UK.
Today Hanoverian's are found all over the world. There are 450 approved stallions and almost 19,000 brood mares.
Characteristics
Height: 15.3hh - 16.2hh
Colour: Any solid colour, but usually chestnut, bay, black or brown.
Conformation: Fairly plain head, long neck. Large and sloping shoulders with a deep girth and powerful quarters. Well- muscled legs with good, hard feet.
Temperament: Well mannered and easy to handle.
Used for showjumping, dressage and eventing.
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