Holstein (horse)
Holsteiner gelding at the FEI World Cup
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| Other names | Holstein |
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| Country of origin | Schleswig-Holstein, Germany |
| Traits | |
| Distinguishing features | German sport horse bred for show jumping, primarily grey and bay in color. |
| Notes | |
| Brand on left hind leg features the letter "H" within a crowned shield. | |
The Holsteiner is a breed of horse originating in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. It is thought to be the oldest of warmblood breeds, tracing back to the 13th century. Though the population is not large, Holsteiners are a dominant force of international show jumping, and are found at the top levels of dressage, combined driving, show hunters, and eventing.
Holsteiners are medium-framed horses averaging between 16 to 17 hands (64 to 68 inches, 163 to 173 cm) at the withers. Approved stallions must be a minimum of 16 hands and mares a minimum of 15.2 hands (62 inches, 157 cm). The type, or general appearance, exhibited by Holsteiners should be that of an athletic riding horse. As a breed, Holsteiners are known for their arched, rather high-set necks and powerful hindquarters. The heavy neck was perpetuated even in modern Holsteiners with the help of Ladykiller xx and his son, Landgraf. In centuries past, Holsteiners retained the hallmark Roman nose of the Baroque horse, but today it has been replaced by a smaller head with large, intelligent eyes. These conformational characteristics give most Holsteiners good balance and elegant movement.
Before the onset of mechanization, these horses were used in agriculture, as coach horses, and occasionally for riding. The closed stud book and careful preservation of female family lines has ensured, in an era of globalization, the horses of Holstein have a unique character. While the active gaits, arched neck, and attractive manner in harness of the early have been retained, the breed survived because of the willingness of its breeders to conform to changing market demands. The high-headed jump and leg faults were corrected with supple, basculing jumping technique and structurally correct improvement sires. In the past 15 or 20 years, even more pronounced refinement and aesthetic appeal have occurred.
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