Holsteiner

In Schleswig-Holstein, a northern province of Germany, the Holsteiner horse breed is the result of systematic breeding that took place over a period of 750 years.  The horse was originally valued by the farmers of German for their steadiness, reliability and strength.  The military used Holsteiner's because of their courage and agility.  When mechanization and conditions changed post war Germany, the use of Holsteiner horses changed and they developed into sporting horses for driving, jumping, and eventing.  Breeders carefully included English Thoroughbred and Anglo-Norman blood into the breeding process to add elgance and jumping ability to Holsteiner's characteristics.

Modern day Holsteiner horses are about 16 or 17 hands in height, with strong backs and loins.  They have arched necks that rise from an angled shoulder, and their head shows off a large, intelligent eye.  Their appearance makes them winners in self-carriage events- an elegant movement that is required for driving and jumping, as well as dressage competitions.

Ideal for sports, the Holsteiner has a fluid movement, and a willingness to work that is not found in many other breeds.