The Hanoverian
The Hanoverian horse is the most numerous and best known of the European warmbloods. The breed was established at Celle in 1735 by George II, Elector of Hanover and King of England "for the benefit of our subjects". Today, over 8,000 mares are served by stallions of the Celle Stallion Depot.
Even before the foundation of the stallion depot at Celle, the Hanoverian had received much royal encouragement. The white horse of Hanover graced the coat of arms of the Elector Ernest Augustus, and the famous Royal Hanoverian Creams, with their pale coffee-colored manes and tails, were bred by the Electress Sophia's instigation at the royal residence at Herrenhausen. These small coach horses were used in British royal processions from the reign of George I to that of George V.
In 1714, when George, Elector of Hanover, became George I of England, "Thoroughbreds" of the day were imported to upgrade the often unprepossessing stock, but the founding sires at Celle were 14 black Holsteiners. The Holsteiner was to be the overriding influence on horses at the depot for 30 years. Later more Thoroughbred blood was added. This created a lighter, more free-moving horse that was sufficient quality to be used in carriage or under saddle, but was still strong enough to be used in farm work. From the outset, all horses at Celle were registered, and by the end of the 18th century, detailed pedigrees were being kept.
By the mid 19th century the increasing Thoroughbred influence had resulted in a horse that was too light for agricultural use, and attempts were made to standardize the production of a heavier type. By the time of the First World War, Celle had 350 stallions, and by 1924 this number had increased to 500. To house all the horses, another stud was utilized at Osanbruck-Eversburg. Between the World Wars, the number of stallions available for service fluctuated, and there was some variation in type among stock bred in different areas. After the Second World War, some Trakehners found their way to Celle from East Prussia and were added to the existing stock . In the 1960's determined efforts were made to adapt the Hanoverian breeding policies, in order to satisfy the new demand for high-quality riding and sporting horses. The new policy's success owes much to the use of Trakehners and Thoroughbreds that were kept at Celle. They acted as a refining influence, lightening the still heavy-bodied Hanoverian and giving greater scope and freedom of movement.
The modern Hanoverian stands between 15.3 and 16.2 hands and has good conformation. It is noticeable correct in its action, which it athletic and elastic, and there is no longer any trace of the high knee movement that characterized the old Hanoverian carriage horse. It is considered particularly even in temperament. These horses are far more refined than their predecessors, as a result of continued crosses with the Thoroughbred. They are renowned as dressage performers and also as show jumpers with exceptional talent.
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