The Holsteiner is the product of a 750-year-long breeding program in Germany, providing valuable characteristics for both farmers and the military. The Holsteiner developed into one of the great German sporting horses, particularly suited for jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. Known for its kind temperament and willingness to work.
Origins: The Holsteiner horse originated in the Schleswig-Holstein region of Northern Germany. The elegant driving horses of the 1800's were produced through infusions of Yorkshire Coach Horse and Cleveland Bay from the importation of stallions of those breeds. In response to the shift toward the breeding of horses especially suited to the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and show jumping, the Holsteiner Verband brought in English Thoroughbred, Anglo Arab and Selle Francais stallions to modernize the Holsteiner type.
Characteristics: Arched neck rises from a well angled shoulder to a small head with a large intelligent eye. This conformation adapts easily to "self carriage"- that expressive, elegant quality so essential in modern equestrian sport.
Height: 16 to 17 hands
Color: All colors are permissible for the Holsteiner horse, with bay and brown being the most common.
Personality: Dependable, Relaxed
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