Hanoverian Horse
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The Hanoverian horse, or Hannoveraner, is a breed that originated in Germany, and its studbook was created in 1888. Characterized by a strong body and an appealing personality, Hanoverians have been used for tasks like military and farm work.
Today, the Hanoverian horse is one of the most popular sport horses, known around the world for their talents and versatility.
Hanoverian Horse Snapshot
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Height: 15.3 to 18 hands (61.2 to 68.8 inches)
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Weight: Up to 1,400 pounds
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Lifespan: 25 to 35 years
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Colors: Most commonly chestnut, gray, black, bay
Caring for a Hanoverian Horse
Overall, caring for and working with Hanoverians is a pleasure. These horses are easy keepers (can live on little feed), so proper diet is important. If you have a show horse, care should be taken to ensure they are kept strong enough and given enough rest to avoid injuries from trauma or excessive activity.
Hanoverian Horse Health Issues
The Hanoverian horse breed is generally healthy, thanks to the efforts and standards of the American Hanoverian Society and Hannoveraner Verband. Nevertheless, there are some health conditions that can affect this breed, both genetically and when a horse is improperly cared for.
Osteochondrosis (OC)
Osteochondrosis dissecans occurs in horses while they are developing—both while in the womb before birth and in the first two years of life. OC affects cartilage, particularly its formation and attachment to bone.
This disorder can occur in any joint, but the fetlock, hock, and stifle are most affected.
Symptoms of OC aren’t always immediately obvious, as it might take years to notice that something is wrong. When symptoms occur, they include excessive fluid in the joint, lameness, and swelling of the joint which is usually non-painful.
Genetics may play a role in whether a Hanoverian gets OC, but this condition may also be caused by:
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Excessive exercise
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Trauma
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Rapid growth
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Hormone imbalances
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Diets high in calories or carbohydrates, or with mineral imbalances
Your veterinarian can diagnose this problem and provide a treatment plan, such as medications for pain or surgery to remove cartilage that isn’t properly attached in the joint.
Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS)
Fragile foal syndrome type 1 used to be called warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS). It is a fatal disorder that Hanoverians can genetically inherit.
Symptoms will be apparent when a foal is born and may include:
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Fragile, thin, hyperextensible skin
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Hyperextensible limb joints
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Floppy ears
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Subcutaneous emphysema (air pockets under the skin)
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Open lesions
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Hematomas (collections of blood formed outside blood vessels)
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Seromas (accumulations of serum in parts of the body)
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Hydrops (abnormal fluid buildups on organs and tissues)
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Premature birth
Because there is no cure, foals with FFS are usually humanely euthanized shortly after birth.
DNA testing of horses can determine if they are carriers of the PLOD1 gene mutation that causes FFS. If a horse has one copy of the mutation, they won’t have symptoms but can transmit it to offspring, while two copies of the mutation can cause FFS.
It’s important to avoid breeding horses who are carriers of the gene mutation, to help prevent offspring from developing this incurable disease.
Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), which is also called moon blindness in horses, is an autoimmune disease that can be caused by genetics and environmental factors such as trauma or infection.
ERU can impact one eye or both, and can cause glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems, as well as vision loss or blindness. In fact, it’s the most common cause of blindness in horses.
Symptoms of ERU in horses may include:
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Sensitivity to light
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Squinting
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Tearing
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Redness
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Keeping the eye shut
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Constricted pupil
There are three forms of ERU:
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The classic form causes eye inflammation that comes and goes, and vision loss can happen after multiple attacks.
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The insidious form doesn’t cause painful episodes, but it will cause low-grade inflammation that persists in the eye, also resulting in loss of vision.
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The posterior form causes inflammation in the back of the eye, affecting vision.
Genetic tests may help determine the risk for ERU. Treatments include medications for reducing inflammation and pain. In some cases surgical procedures might also be recommended.
Though treatments might help slow the progression of the disease, there is no cure. In some cases of persistent pain, the eye might need to be removed.
What To Feed a Hanoverian Horse
Hanoverian horses are easy keepers, so it’s important to feed them an optimal diet that will prevent unwanted weight gain. It’s a good idea to avoid feeding foods that are high in sugars and starches. Best options include:
Generally, horses can be fed 2% of their body weight in forage daily, so a Hanoverian weighing 1,400 pounds would eat roughly 28 pounds of forage. Also be sure to provide salt and fresh water.
Work with your veterinarian to come up with the diet that’s best for your horse, especially if you compete in equestrian sports and want your Hanoverian to have the energy and strength they need to excel.
Your veterinarian might also recommend supplements based on your Hanoverian’s health, age, and activity level. For example, a vitamin/mineral supplement can ensure your horse will receive the various nutrients they need, while an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can provide more energy and support the skin and joints.
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Hanoverian Horse Disciplines
Hanoverian horses are used in a variety of ways. They do very well in equestrian competitions, including in the Olympics, because they are agile and fast, with strength and stamina that helps them win.
Athletic Hanoverians can excel in the following disciplines:
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Driving
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Jumping
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Dressage
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Eventing
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Show hunter
Even if a Hanoverian doesn’t compete, they can be a great companion for anyone seeking a riding horse who will have a wonderful personality and an eager-to-please attitude.
Hanoverian Horse Personality and Temperament
There is a lot to like about the Hanoverian. In addition to being capable and strong, these horses are willing to work. They are also described as intelligent, determined, and courageous, as well as sensible and alert.
Every Hanoverian horse is an individual with a unique personality. Gentle, well-trained, and calm Hanoverians can be good matches for riders of all experience levels.
Hanoverian Horse Training
Because the Hanoverian horse is smart and willing, they usually aren’t difficult to train. As is the case with any horse, a Hanoverian will benefit most from training techniques that are positive, consistent, patient, and gentle.
Handling and socializing foals is ideal, as they will learn to be comfortable with people and follow cues. They can then be trained to wear a halter before being led in groundwork.
As your horse grows, you can introduce more complex commands. Go slowly and ensure they are rewarded along the way to boost their confidence and willingness to learn.
Gentle, well-trained, and calm Hanoverians can be good matches for riders of all experience levels.
If you purchase a horse who’s already trained, you are likely to find that after you are properly introduced, your Hanoverian will be easy to handle without much effort.
If you’d like to use your Hanoverian to compete, a professional trainer can teach you how to control and guide your horse to victory.
Hanoverian Horse Grooming Guide
The Hanoverian has a thick coat, mane, and tail. This might increase the amount of time you need to spend grooming your horse, but it shouldn’t complicate things too much. Once you have a routine in place, you and your horse will view grooming sessions as opportunities to relax and bond.
Coat Care
Keeping your Hanoverian’s coat clean and smooth is simple when you have the right tools.
A grooming kit that contains tools like a curry comb, dandy brush, finishing brush, shedding blade, and mane and tail comb will be necessary to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from throughout the coat. A face brush can be used on delicate areas, as it has softer bristles.
For your horse’s thick mane and tail, a detangler can smooth them out if a brush or comb on its own doesn’t do the job.
Hoof Care
Clean your horse’s hooves daily using a hoof pick. You can also use a hoof moisturizer to make the hooves shiny and help them retain moisture, which can provide support for problems like cracks.
Your Hanoverian’s hooves should be examined on a regular basis by a farrier to keep them healthy, balanced, and strong. A farrier can trim the hooves and check them for injuries or other issues that need to be treated. They can also guide you in steps you can take to avoid injuries in a horse who competes.
Hanoverian Horse FAQs
Are Hanoverian horses good for beginners?
Hanoverians can be a good choice for all levels of riders, including beginners. Nevertheless, any novice rider should select a horse based on their individual temperament, as every horse will be different.
How much does a Hanoverian horse cost?
There are many factors that determine the cost of a horse, such as their level of training and experience in the show ring, their age, and their bloodline. The average price of a Hanoverian horse may be around $10,000. However, those with experience in competing might cost $40,000 or more.
Is a Hanoverian a warmblood?
Yes, the Hanoverian is a warmblood horse.
What is the difference between a Hanoverian and a Holsteiner?
The Hanoverian and Holsteiner are German horse breeds used for a variety of purposes, including riding, dressage, and jumping, but they have different histories.
The Hanoverian came from Hanover and the Holsteiner came from the Schleswig-Holstein region. Also, the Holsteiner breed is older, dating to 1225, while the Hanoverian dates to the 1700s.
Are Hanoverian horses gaited?
No, Hanoverians are not gaited horses.