Horse breed Hanover nickname first-born. Breeds: Hanoverian

The birthplace of the Hanoverian breed of horses is the city of Celle, located in the state of Lower Saxony, the capital of which is Hannover.

It was in this city that in 1735 the English king and Elector of Hanover George II ordered the creation of a state stud farm, which was supposed to provide the city with inexpensive, but hardy, versatile horses.

From the history of the Hanoverian breed

The plant produced horses not only for the needs of the population, but also for the army, and later they became the basis for breeding a sports breed. It is noteworthy that on the coat of arms of the dynasty of the Hanoverian dynasty of British kings, of which George II was also a representative, a unicorn flaunts - a mythical white horse, which is not at all typical for representatives of the Hanoverian breed of horses. See photo 1.

The fact is that albino horses were really bred at the stable in Hannover, which were used exclusively for the royal stable - snow-white horses in elegant harness harnessed to gilded carriages looked very effective and beautiful.

But among the population and the military, white horses were not popular because of their easily soiled color and capricious nature. Therefore, they were gradually withdrawn, and now they remained only on the coat of arms of the Hanoverians. Although it is believed that the progenitors of modern Hanoverian horses are precisely white horses, which were crossed with Arabian horses and. As a result, individuals of bay, red, black, karakov or gray colors were obtained, as in photo 2.

At first, the stock of the factory consisted of 14 Spanish stallions, and by 1750 their number increased to 50 individuals of the East Prussian, Holshitn, Danish, Neapolitan and Andalusian breeds. In 1800, there were already 100 stallions at the factory. The enterprise supplied universal riding and carriage horses, and work horses for agriculture.

The Hanoverian breed was improved by crossing with another breeding German breed - the Trekenen, and a thoroughbred riding breed. Best Quality and the characteristics of these animals were embodied in the modern sport horse of the Hanoverian breed.

Stallions, which should become the genetic basis for breeding and improving the breed, undergo a thorough selection at the stud - testing for exterior, performance, endurance, character. Only those who meet the established standards and norms for all criteria, and have a calm, balanced disposition, are allowed to breed.

Characteristic features of Hanoverian horses

Currently, the Hanoverian horse breed is the most numerous half-breed breed in Europe, and one of the most athletic breeds in the world. Today they are bred in Australia, Northern and South America, and mark with a brand in the form of the Latin letter "H". See photo 3.

Representatives of the breed are characterized by well-formed chest, back of medium length, long and muscular neck with a graceful curve, powerful hips, strong legs, hooves of the correct form. Weight 500-600 kg, height at the withers 160-175 cm - good growth allows them to overcome high obstacles and barriers.

Horses of the Hanoverian breed constantly take part in international competitions in equestrian sports and often win prizes due to such qualities as speed, obedience, and perfect conformation. Hanoveran horses are graceful, free of movement, easy to train, they are ideal for show jumping and dressage.

Breeding the Hanoverian breed in Russia

In the photo, a Hanoverian stallion takes an obstacle

In Russia, horses of the Hanoverian breed began to be bred only in the middle of the 20th century, in the stables of the Kaliningrad stud farm "Georgenburg". For these purposes, four stallions and 66 mares were brought from Germany, which were distinguished by their large mass and large body.

Later, German Holsteiners and Trakens were brought to the plant to improve the breed. Interest in it in our country increased at the end of the last century, when such disciplines of equestrian sports as dressage and show jumping became popular.

Currently, horses of the Hanoverian breed in Russia are bred at the Weedern plant in the Kaliningrad region, at the Altai Agrarian University in the city of Barnaul, at the Kirov GZK in the Kirov region, at the Elitar enterprise of the Troitsky Autonomous District of the city of Moscow, at Akron JSC in the Novgorod region, in KSK "Alfares" of the Tver region, on the Malanichev farm in the Leningrad region.

In our country, they work with the Hanoverian breed according to the same principles as in its homeland in Germany, but taking into account local conditions.

Sports achievements of the Hanoverians

Representatives of the Hanoverian breed of horses invariably demonstrate high results V Olympic sports equestrian sports. They are included in the national teams of almost all countries in which this sport is of great importance. For the last twenty years, Hanoverians have generally been leaders in such disciplines as show jumping and dressage.

First sports achivments and successes among representatives of the breed appeared at the beginning of the last century. In 1913, the Hanoverian mare Pepita won 9315 Reichsmarks in 26 tournaments and won first place in the "Great triathlon test".

In 1928, the Hanoverian Draufanger won for his rider gold medal on summer Olympic Games dressage in Amsterdam.

After the end of the war in 1945, German athletes again began to successfully compete in Hanoverian dressage competitions. And in 1964, the German dressage team won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics precisely thanks to the horses of the Hanoverian breed Remus, Duxe and Antoinette.

In 1968, from the Olympic Games in Mexico, Dux brought a bronze medal in the individual competition, and a gold medal in the team competition.

At the 1972 Munich Olympics, the Hanoverian stallion Liostro II won the silver medal.

Hanoverian stallion Mehmed secured his rider the title of European champion in 1973, the title of world champion in 1974, and Olympic champion in 1976.

Much in equestrian sport depends on the rider, and no less depends on the horse himself. Some breeds perform better and some worse. Among the breeds there are leaders who do not leave the first places. Hanoverian horses take part in many competitions and in most cases take a leading position.

History of the Hanoverian horse breed

If you read a little history, you can trace the first appearance of the Hanoverians. This happened in the 8th century AD. e., - breed pops up in the description of the battle of Poitiers. It was in this battle, using the ancestors of the Hanoverians as war horses, that Charles Martell defeated the Saracens. Breeders suggest that in those days the breed was obtained by crossing Spanish, Oriental and local breeds.

Further, the Hanoverians are mentioned in the Middle Ages. Then, knights dressed in heavy armor fought on the battlefield, and it was this breed that was capable of wearing such a fighter. Later, the fighting tactics underwent major reforms, and these stallions became too heavy, they were replaced by lighter breeds. The revival of the breed took place through long years - in the XVIII century. At that time, George I came to power in Great Britain (1735), and he became the founder of the stud farm, located in the city of Hanover.

Initially, 14 purebred Spanish stallions lived there.. The Hanoverian dynasty ruled for many more years, and each ruler contributed to the import of horses. A variety of horses were imported:

English;
Neapolitan;
Mecklenburg;
Holstein;
Andalusian stallions.

Hanoverians for a very long time were attributed to draft-type breeds..

Over the years, the plant has developed and replenished with new stallions. In 1750 there were about fifty individuals, and in 1800 there were already 100 horses. At that time, breeders sought to increase not only the number of livestock, but also its quality. Their main goal it was necessary to bring out a universal horse that would be equally useful in war and in the field, so that it could be harnessed to a carriage or saddled.

Great losses were caused by the war with Napoleon, when more than half of the individuals were destroyed. England immediately began to replenish the livestock. Young stallions were brought into the country, crossbreeding with thoroughbred riding horses was carried out in order to improve the breed. In those days, the Hanoverians were divided into two types:

noble ones, which are more graceful and were the result of crossing with Arabian and English stallions;
the second type included coarser individuals, their breed was not so valued.

Already in 1850, there were 200 individuals of the Hanoverian breed at the stud farm. This growth was due to the fact that the first hippodrome appeared in Germany. Horses of this particular breed were tested there. But the opening of the hippodrome did not bring any benefit. The race lasted only 13 years and was officially abolished in 1863.

For some time this breed was purposefully bred. This was between 1830 and 1889. And in 1888 their stud book was approved. After another 22 years, the branding of breeding stallions was officially recognized. It was a period when the state completely controlled the work of breeders. In 1921, another stud farm appeared in the city of Hupesrück. Stallions were exclusively bred at this plant, and in Westerzell they were tested to see if they could act as producers. Not every individual was allowed to mate. They went through a rigorous selection process and had to meet the following criteria:

temperament;
exterior;
origin;
working qualities;
examination by a veterinarian.

For all these points, the stallion must have an “excellent” indicator, otherwise he was simply not allowed to mate.

A serious imprint on the breed was left by the Second World War. Hanoverian horses were no longer used in the army and agriculture. At that time, equestrian sports were developing rapidly, and the Germans decided that it would be better to send the Hanoverians there. But the Hanoverians of that time did not meet the requirements of equestrian competitions. They were too heavy and could not compete with thoroughbreds. Then the breeders made serious changes in the breed and brought out the modern Hanoverian horses. Now this is one of best breeds horses that boast excellent athletic inclinations.

Today this breed is in demand and boldly opposes the leaders of equestrian competitions. There are also Hanoverians in Russia. They are bred at a stud farm in Kaliningrad.

Gallery: Hanoverian horse breed (25 photos)

Exterior

Now the Hanoverian horse is quite massive, but at the same time has an athletic build. Her height reaches 175 centimeters. Representatives of the breed have a rather long neck and well-formed pronounced withers. The body is strong and deep with good muscles, the croup is also powerful, rounded and rather wide, a well-set tail completes the body. Their shoulders are elongated and oblique, rather large joints are clearly visible on muscular legs, and their high elasticity is manifested in movement.

Color can be:

bay;
dark bay;
crow;
red-haired Hanovers are rare;
white spots are allowed.

For completeness of description, the natural flexibility and endurance of these stallions should be noted.

When selecting individuals for mating takes into account a number of features. They are tested for:

endurance;
performance;
exterior.

And also testing them nervous system, only balanced representatives of the breed are allowed for breeding. Obedience, good disposition, energetic temperament are taken into account. If the animal does not pass at least one point, then it cannot be admitted to breeding work.

Hannover - a breed of horses with a special character

The character of the Hanoverians is very good, and its main differences are:

As mentioned earlier, Hanoverians with an unbalanced psyche are not allowed to mate. This helps to keep the number of such horses to a minimum. Also, due to the rigidity of the selection criteria, this breed is admitted to almost all types of sports equestrian disciplines. The Hanoverians were especially successful in the gait. They can easily perform difficult tricks, and at the same time they demonstrate all their endurance and strength.

They are especially valued in professional show jumping, which at the present stage is simply impossible without Hanoverians. In equestrian sports, there are three main groups where the Hanoverians have shown themselves as worthy as possible:

show jumping - 60%;
dressage - 30%;
triathlon - 10% of horses that successfully cope.

Hanover in Russia

As already mentioned, in Russia, Hanoverians are bred at the Kaliningrad stud farm. The breed appeared here in the 60s of the twentieth century. Four stallions and 66 mares were brought here. To date, this number has tripled. Horses are bred at the Georgenburg factory, but there are individuals at a private factory all in the same Kaliningrad called Veerden. But this does not mean that you can find the breed only in this city. It's just that the bulk of these horses are here. They are also available in some regions of the country: Moscow, Tver, Novgorod and Kirov.

In Russia, Hanoverians are bred using the same technology that is used in Germany. But there is still one difference from the Germans. Unfortunately, Russia cannot boast of having a purebred representative. We only have a Hanover-Holstein mix. This is due to the fact that the Germans want to preserve the gene pool of the breed.

But breeders do not consider this a serious problem. Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands are in the same position. But the studbooks of such horses have every right to oppose the studbook of the Hanoverian Union.

In Russia, there are more stringent criteria for selecting individuals for mating. Here, mares with a score of 5 points and stallions with a score of 6 points are not allowed to breed, while in Germany these points are considered passing.

A good sport horse is light, agile, energetic and obedient. It is these qualities of the animal that make it possible to achieve success in triathlon, show jumping, and dressage. Among the sports horses, the Hanoverian breed of horses takes pride of place. Representatives of this particular tribe have been confidently taking prizes in competitions of various levels for the last twenty years.

Horses of the Hanoverian breed repeatedly win competitions.

As the name implies, Hanoverian horses come from Germany. In its development, the breed has come a long way from a powerful and hardy war horse to a graceful and light jumping horse.

1735	George II of Hanover orders the creation of a stud farm in the city of Zell (Moselle) and sends 14 breeding stallions of Danish, Prussian, Andalusian, Neapolitan and Holstein blood there. The goal is to create a powerful universal horse. Horse mares were of local peasant origin.
1815	After the war with Napoleon, which reduced the breeding stock, German breeders begin to cross Hanover with English riding horses.
1850	Two branches are distinguished within the breed: noble (with an admixture of English and Arab blood) and massive (remains of the former form).
1888	Creation of a studbook and start of registration of Hanoverian horses.
1910	The beginning of the branding of the Hanoverians. The brand is in the form of the letter H, stylized as two horse heads.
1922 - 28 years	Creation of the Hanoverian tribal union and the beginning of tests of thoroughbred stallions.
Mid 20th century	The direction of selection is changing towards the creation of a high-class sports horse. Hanoverians massively cross with Holsteins and Trakehner riding horses.

Today, the population of Hanoverians is 20 thousand heads. The main method of working with breeding stock is purebred breeding. However, the genetic potential of other breeds is used from time to time.

A myth is associated with Hanoverian horses that they allegedly participated in the battle of Poitiers, which took place in the 8th century. However, the first mention of Hanover itself refers only to the XII century. The Hanoverian breed could not have appeared before the city after which it was named.

Main characteristics

Tribal selection within a population is very strict. Breeders make serious demands on the exterior, character, pedigree and athletic data of each Hannover admitted for reproduction.

Exterior

Tall horse - up to 175 cm at the withers. The body is elongated. The head is small, with a straight or slightly hook-nosed profile. The neck is high-set, with a beautiful bend, long. Oblique long shoulders, well developed, relief muscles. Legs are high, dry, straight.

The movements of the Hanoverian horse are smooth, sweeping, light, with tact from the back. The step is even, without amble. Walk without waddling.

The suit is solid. It can be black or bay, less often caraque or red.

Hanoverian horses have excellent musculature, a flexible neck and high legs.

Character

Restrained and balanced, but energetic and "easy-going" horses. Gender behavior is clearly differentiated.

Breed use

The Hanoverian horse is one of the most popular show jumping breeds. The percentage distribution of these horses by sport is as follows:

show jumping - 60%;
dressage - 30%
equestrian triathlon - 10%.

The Hanoverians deserved such recognition due to their superiority over other show jumping and dressage horses in most body indices and measurements - height at the withers, oblique body length, chest and metacarpus circumference, tibia and metatarsus length, etc.

The Hanoverian horse breed was created by German breeders in the 18th century. Her ancestors were not distinguished by their attractive appearance and outstanding qualities, and modern Hanoverians are one of the most popular sports horse breeds. These horses are especially good in dressage and show jumping.

Origin of the Hanoverian horse

The ancestors of modern Hanoverians are horses of eastern and Spanish origin, which were crossed with mares that lived at that time on the territory of modern Germany. In the Middle Ages, they were used by knights and participated in numerous battles.

The history of Hanover began in the 18th century, when Duke George II of Saxony took the English throne.. The ruler himself was born in the Hanover region of Germany. He loved horses. By his order, a stud farm was founded there in 1724. The Duke bought several dozen stallions of Spanish origin, Mecklenburg, Holstein, Andalusian, and later Thoroughbreds.

On the territory of the Hanover factory, beautiful albino horses were bred, which were very popular among the nobility. These horses were used only for riding. They were not suitable for team work, as well as for work in the countryside. Over time, this breed has degenerated due to genetic mutations.

Then it was decided to revive and modify the breed by crossing mares with purebred stallions from England. The half-breeds were successful. By the middle of the 18th century, there were more than 50 breeding stallions at the Hannover stud farm. By 1800, the population had doubled.

During the Franco-Prussian War, the number of heads decreased. There was an active struggle for the preservation of the breed. Work on its revival continued at the end of the 19th century. In the course of selection, it was possible to achieve the desired traits - crossbreeds turned out to be large, strong, hardy. They were perfect for harnessing and doing hard work in the field, as well as for riding.

Attention! A stud book for the Hanoverian breed was started in 1888, and in 1910 the obligatory branding of breeding stallions was introduced.

A turning point in the development of the breed

If in the 18th and 19th centuries Hanoverian horses were used as faithful helpers in agricultural work, everything changed after the Second World War. Now mechanical engineering was actively developing, and the labor of horses was replaced by tractors and combines. In the 20th century, interest in equestrian sport increased, so the Germans decided to re-breed and modify the Hanoverian horses, to make them lighter and more frisky.

The breed was improved by the influx of fresh blood from an English riding horse, as well as Arabian Thoroughbreds and Trakehner horses. As a result, German breeders managed to create a truly unique breed. racehorses, which can compete even with the English horseback.

Description of the breed

The Hanoverian horse has a classic athletic body type. Her exterior is perfect in every way. The horses absorbed all the best from their ancestors - they received beauty and agility from English riding horses, strength and power from Trakehner horses, endurance and grace were inherited from the Arabs.

exterior features

Hanoverian horses look like English riding horses. Main characteristics:

growth is 1.63–1.68 m;
the body is muscular, proportionately folded, taut;
a medium-sized head with beautiful intelligent eyes and a straight or slightly humped profile;
the neck is rather long and has a beautiful curve;
the withers are well developed;
the body is elongated, the back is straight and wide;
the chest is very powerful, deep;
the croup is round with prominent muscular relief;
the limbs are dry and sinewy, long with short pasterns and very strong hooves.

The common colors of Hanoverian horses are bay, black and red. White spots are often present on the head and lower legs.

Character

Sports horses are inherent in perseverance and endurance. Such qualities help horses win numerous awards in competitions. Unlike English thoroughbred horses, Hanoverians have a balanced and complaisant character. They easily make contact with people and show humility.

Attention! The Germans scrupulously select individuals for breeding for a tribe, giving preference to stallions and mares with a balanced character.

Representatives of the Hanoverian breed are energetic, strong and hardy. Their movements fascinate with lightness and grace.

Breed advantages

The Hanoverian horse breed has several advantages:

has a strong immune system;
shows obedience, has a good disposition;
well passes on its characteristics to descendants;
easy to contact;
suitable for hippotherapy and horse riding training.

Reference. Considering the advantages of the breed, one cannot fail to mention the relatively low cost of horses.

Modern usage

The Hanoverian horse breed is used in equestrian sports. She excelled in dressage and show jumping. The breed is in the top three in the mentioned sports areas. Strong legs and a displaced center of gravity helps animals to easily overcome obstacles.

Attention! Representatives of the Hanoverian breed have repeatedly become gold medalists at the Olympic Games, for example, in 1928 and 1964.

In addition to sports, stately horses are used for riding training. It is comfortable for beginners to deal with such horses, their movements are light and smooth, and the animals themselves are docile and good-natured. Hannover is ideal for horseback riding and hippotherapy.

German breeders have put a lot of effort into creating and preserving this horse breed. Now they can be proud of the result - Hanoverian horses are considered one of the best in the world in equestrian sports due to agility, endurance, strength and beauty.

Exterior: Medium-sized head, with large lively eyes and good free ganaches, long graceful neck, long slanting shoulders with pronounced withers, strong deep body, muscular croup with a well-set tail, muscular legs with large well-defined joints.

Height at withers: 160-175 cm.

Weight: 500 - 600 kg.

Suit: mostly bay and dark bay, black, less often - red.

Peculiarities: horses of this breed have elegant forms, excellent movements, show very good results in classical (Olympic) equestrian sports.

One of the most common European breeds in our time. Its breeding is closely connected with the creation in 1735 of a stallion depot in the city of Celle (at that time the Duchy of Hanover, now Germany). To improve local horses, stallions of purebred Arabian, Andalusian, Danish, and later thoroughbred riding and some other breeds were collected in this depot.

George II, Elector of Hanover and King of England, who in 1735 founded the state stud farm in Selle, contributed to the breeding of this famous German warm-blooded horse. The goal was to supply the local population with inexpensive, good quality stallions, Holstein stallions with a predominance of Andalusian and Neapolitan blood were taken as producers. Thanks to later imports of English horses, including Thoroughbreds, the quality of the Hanover gradually improved towards a good all-round horse suitable for ground work, riding and light carriage.

Initially, there were two types of horses in the Hanoverian breed: ennobled and working.

The Hanoverian breeding in Selle, like many other factories, was heavily affected by the war. By the end of the 18th century, the factory had more than 100 stallions, but by 1816, after the Napoleonic wars, there were no more than 30 of them left. To make up for the losses, a large number of foreign blood was attracted, especially thoroughbred horses. But the time came when the breed began to become too light to do the required amount of work, and these injections were stopped. And yet, in order to preserve the Hanoverian breed in the changed conditions after the Second World War, it had to be redirected to new tasks, for which it was again necessary to infuse the blood of Thoroughbreds and Trakenens, which made it possible to create a warm-blooded horse that meets the requirements of the recreational horse market.

It was brought to Russia after the war.

At present, the Hanoverians have purely sports purpose. Hanoverian horses perform successfully in all types of equestrian sports - they are first-class sports horses.

Hanoverians are bred in Germany (about 1800 queen mares), as well as in other countries. In Russia, they are bred at the Kaliningrad stud farm and in a number of small farms, breeding farms in Latvia and Lithuania.

Modern Hanover is lighter and more refined than before and has a good temperament. Like all other breeds of German warmbloods, Hanoverian stallions are licensed only after veterinary certification, and after licensing are required to pass riding tests. Hanoverians are listed among the most outstanding sport horse breeds in the world, their strength and athleticism are especially suited to dressage and show jumping performances.

The quality of the breed is the result of selective selection. Each year, the American Hanoverian Society (AHS) organizes a national inspection tour to register foals, inspect and inspect mares and patent stallions. For a foal to be registered, both the sire and dam must be AHS approved. German and American inspectors evaluate mares for type, conformation and gait. The Mare Performance Test evaluates riding mares not only by their gait, but also by their ability to overcome obstacles. Mares are entered in various volumes of studbooks, in the main overall result and in the stud book of the uterus. The best of the best mares can earn the Elite Mare tutul after successfully completing the Mare Performance Test.

All candidate stallions must be presented for physical examination. If the sum of scores for conformation, movement and overcoming obstacles is sufficient, they are granted a temporary license to participate in breeding work. Within two years, stallions must complete and pass a 100-day test of The Stallion Performance Test, which assesses gait, learning ability and athletic aptitude in dressage, show jumping and cross country. Succession to breeding is checked annually.

Some non-Hanoverian mares and stallions are eligible for inspection and entry into the stud book if they strictly comply with the breed and the requirements of the stud book and receive the necessary amount of points for this after the inspection. A horse with only one parent accepted by the AHS (either from the General Stud Book of Queens or from Elite Stud Stallions) is eligible for a Certificate of Pedigree, which allows it to participate in the AHS incentive program.

Selection criteria

Masculinity/Femininity And Type Matching
Stallions should have a distinctly masculine demeanor and mares a distinctly feminine demeanor. The type of horse must be in accordance with the goals set by the Association.

Exterior
The main part of the body from the chest to the croup should fit into a rectangle (not a square), the physique is harmonious. Also desirable is a noble head with expressive eyes set very proportionately. Well set neck. The withers are pronounced and placed a little on the back; long oblique shoulders; long, wide forearm on a correspondingly short tibia; straight legs. Also preferred is a strong but not narrow back, which has a slight fullness in the region of the kidneys; wide slightly sloping croup. Special attention is given to the back - the measurement of angles, proportions and the structure of the joints. The hamstrings must be clearly visible and well defined; the pasterns of all four legs must have the proper slope and length; hooves should be well formed, strong and firm.

Gait
The movement of both the front and hind legs must be straight without wobbling, speeding up or slowing down.

Tact And Energy
The beat should be clearly visible from the back, turning into a soft back sway in rhythm with the gait. Movements should be sweeping, light and energetic.

Step
The step must have a good grasp of space, the movements must be relaxed and clear, even and have the correct sequence - not like with amble. Freedom of movement of the shoulders and hind limbs and a flexible back are also important.