The Hanoverian is one of the most prominent breeds of riding horses in the world. The official stud-book comprises close to 19,000 active brood mares and 450 approved breeding stallions and Hanoverians are found in all five continents.
The breed began in Germany, with the foundation of the Landgestuet, the State-operated stable of stallions, in 1735. The aim initially was to produce a large, robust carriage horse, which was also suitable for military service. Towards the end of World War II, the breed goal was changed to be "a strong Warmblood horse, able to do all kinds of work on the farm but possessing enough blood, zest and quality gaits to be usable as a riding and carriage horse."
As mechanisation replaced horses as a work animal on farms, the Hanoverian began to increasingly be used as a riding horse. Reflecting this a new breeding policy was drawn up, still in force today, which states the Hanoverian must be: " a noble, big-framed and compact Warmblood horse with good rideability. A horse which, on the basis of its natural abilities, its temperament and character is suitable as a performance horse as well as a pleasure horse. "
Throughout these changing times the Hanoverian’s versatility has always been key. Be it in dressage, jumping or eventing, the Hanoverian is frequently seen excelling at international competition.
Find out more about hte Hanovarian breed at www.hanoverian-gb.org.uk
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