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Hanoverian
Equus ferus caballus
Germany's premier sport horse — an athletic warmblood dominating Olympic dressage and show jumping.
How to spot it
A tall, powerful, elegant horse of about 15.3 to 17 hands (160 to 173 cm) with correct, athletic conformation and big, elastic paces. Usually bay, chestnut, black or grey, often carrying the breed's brand on the hindquarter.
Temperament
Trainable, brave and level-headed — a warmblood bred as much for a workable mind as for movement and scope.
What it's bred for
Refined over centuries at the Celle state stud from heavier stock crossed with Thoroughbred, it is a specialist dressage and show-jumping horse at the very top of the sport.
Care & upkeep
A performance horse that needs good feeding, regular work and attentive farriery and veterinary care to stay sound at its job.
Health & lifespan
Around 25 to 30 years. As a big-moving sport horse it can be prone to developmental joint issues (OCD); strict studbook inspections and radiographs help manage this.
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