Hanoverian
Breed Description:
The Hanoverian is a warmblood bred specifically for jumping, eventing, and dressage. According to the American Hanoverian Society, "The goal of the Hanoverian breeding program is to produce a noble horse with a cooperative temperament, elastic gaits, correct conformation, and outstanding ability in international equestrian disciplines."
Average Height:
15.3 - 16.2 hands
Colors:
Bay, black, chestnut, grey
Conformation:
Hanoverians are large but refined, with long necks, sloping shoulders and pronounced withers. The Hanoverian is characterized by a strong build, muscular hidquarters, and hard hooves. The head should be medium sized, and the eyes should be large and expressive
Temperament:
The Hanoverian has an honest and very willing disposition.
Members of this breed often excel in the following disciplines:
Jumping
Dressage
Eventing
Breed History:
The Hanoverian originated in northern Germany, in a region knows as Lower Saxony in the former kingdom of Hannover. The Hanoverian Studbook officially began in 1888, though horses of Hanoverian type have been recorded in the State Studbook since 1735. The breed's original purpose was to serve as a carriage and military horse. At the end of World War II, the Hanoverian's purpose became performance.
The Hanoverian breed has been greatly influenced by the Thoroughbred and Trakehner. Today, Thoroughbreds are still regularly used to improve the breed.
Native Country Breed Association:
Hannoverian Verband
Postfach 17 43
Verden,
D-27267
Germany