Hanoverian Horse

In 1735 George II, King of England and Elector of Hannover established a state stud at Celle, Germany. There quality stallions, mostly Holsteins, Andalusians and Neapolitans, were lent to local people for breeding. Later English horses, including the Thoroughbred where included to produce an all pursue horse, suitable for riding, light carriage and farm work. At the end of the 18th century the stud had more than 100 stallions, but by 1816 after the Napoleonic wars only a third remained. More Thoroughbred horses were imported to compensate for the losses which resulted in the Hanoverian becoming too light for the work required and had to be corrected accordingly. After World War II a demand for leisure horses developed and the Hanoverian was crossed with the Thoroughbred and the Trakehner to produce a refined warmblood well suited for equestrian sports. To be a licensed stallion Hanoverians, like other German warmbloods, have to pass a veterinarian inspection and a ridden performance test.