The Hanoverian horse is unique for its elegant and strong build, athletic movement, a noble head, long neck, sloping shoulders, and powerful limbs designed for a ground-covering gait. It is known for its distinctive floating trot and rhythmic canter, combining power with grace. These horses have a calm yet spirited temperament, making them willing, trainable, and suitable for demanding equestrian sports.
Yes, the Hanoverian is a warmblood horse, meaning it is a mix of light and heavy horse breeds. It is one of the oldest and most widely bred warmbloods, originating from Germany, and is known for its versatility and athleticism in various equestrian disciplines.
Hanoverians can be suitable for beginners as they often have a calm, attentive, and eager-to-learn nature. However, the suitability depends on the individual horse's temperament, so novice riders should select a Hanoverian that matches their experience level to ensure a safe and positive riding experience.
Hanoverian horses generally have excellent health due to careful breeding, but some may develop osteochondrosis dissecans, a joint condition affecting the hock and fetlock joints. This condition affects approximately 7-10% in the hock and 12-24% in the fetlock. Poor fertility is rare but has been studied within the breed.