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History and Origin of the Breed
The Hanoverian horse is a warmblood horse which is bred to excel in the
equestrian disciplines of jumping, dressage, eventing and driving. The
breed originated in northern Germany in the state of Lower Saxony, the
former kingdom of Hannover, where a flourishing horse-breeding industry
has existed for 400 years. The State Stud was established at Celle in
1735, and the Hanoverian Studbook was officially begun in 1888.
 Refining stallions, primarily Thoroughbreds were crossed with domestic
mares to improve the quality of horses for cavalry and farming. Through
the years the Hanoverian breeding program has adapted to the need for a
more athletic riding horse, introducing other breeds as appropriate. The
result is the modern Hanoverian horse.
The breed retains the substantial bone, sturdiness and stamina of its
heritage: nearly 300 years ago the Hanoverian was bred to serve as a
robust carriage and military horse. Since the end of World War II, the
breeding goal has been exclusively to produce a versatile performance
horse. Breeding stock is carefully selected for correct conformation,
athletic ability and inner qualities such as disposition and trainability.
The Hanoverian has natural impulsion and light and elastic gaits
characterized by a ground-covering walk, a floating trot and a round,
rhythmic canter.
The success of Hanoverian horses in competition proves
the soundness of this breeding program - 13 medals in the 1992 Olympics
and four consecutive World Breeding Championships as well as five gold,
one silver and two bronze medals in dressage and show jumping at the 1996
Olympics.
With kind permission of the
American Hanoverian Society |