| |
HORSES OF THE WORLD
OLDENBURG
Origin:
Europe - Germany
|

Photo supplied by Oldenburg Registry North America © |
History:
The Oldenburg originated in the north of Germany between the Weser river
and the Netherlands. In the 16th century Herzog Gunther von Oldenburg played an
influential part in the development of the Oldenburg and also gave the breed his name. He
crossed Friesian mares with selected stallions from Italy and Spain to produce a great
coach horse. Later the introduction of Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, Hanoverian and Norman
blood produced a heavily built, upstanding horse, measuring 17hh which became popular as
work and coach horse.
With the start of motorised transport breeders produced general purpose farm horses. In
the 1960's the German Oldenburg Breeding Association decided to introduce further
Thoroughbred and some Selle Français blood to develop a much finer sports horse. The
Oldenburg still tends to be bigger than most warmblood horses but most coach horse
characteristics have been eliminated.
The Oldenburg is Germany's heaviest warmblood horse and has been exported to many
countries in the world. It is particularly popular in the United States.
Characteristics:
large, elegant
Head: fine, fairly plain head; occasionally Roman nose
Neck: long, very strong
Shoulders: sloping, muscular; long, well developed withers
Body: powerful body, deep chest, strong back, strong loins,
well developed croup, strong hindquarters
Legs: fairly short limbs, well muscled, large joints, plenty
of bone
Feet: good, well formed
Tail: high set
Color: predominantly brown, black, bay
Height: 16 to 17hh
Temperament: good, intelligent
Qualities: active, long strides; energetic, forward moving
gaits
Today:
The Oldenburg is an outstanding sports horse and extremely successful in
dressage and show jumping at the highest international level.
|