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Holsteiner Overview

The Holsteiner is a breed of horse generally associated with Classic (English) riding disciplines. Many equestrians are drawn to this breed because of their almost perfect balance of aesthetic beauty and raw athleticism. They represent the classic definition of the classification ‘Warmblood’. Holsteiners originating in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany and is arguably the oldest of Warmblood breeds, tracing back to the 13th century.

Holsteiner - Breed History: The breeding of Holsteiner horses began in the 13th century at Uetersen monastery. The Holsteiner breed has been bred in the northernmost region of Germany, Schleswig-Holstein, for over 700 years. The windswept coastal marshes where the breed originated are characterized by rich, wet soil that could dry out and turn cement-like in a matter of hours. Since the First Century, these fertile marshes were said to be home to an autochthonous horse that was small and suited to the climate.
Before the onset of mechanization, the Holsteiner breed was widely used in Germany in agriculture, to drive coaches and occasionally for riding.

Holsteiner – Today: The closed stud book and careful preservation of female family lines has ensured that in an era of globalization, the horses of Holstein have a unique character. While the active gaits, arched neck, and attractive manner in harness of the early foundation bloodstock have been retained, the breed survived because of the willingness of its breeders to conform to changing market demands. Though the population is not large, Holsteiners are a dominant force of international show jumping, and are found at the top levels of dressage, combined driving, show jumping, and eventing.

Holsteiner - Breed Characteristics: Holsteiners are medium-framed horses averaging between 16 and 17 hands high (64 to 68 inches (163 to 173 cm) at the withers. Approved stallions must be a minimum of 16hh and mares a minimum of 15.2hh (62 inches (157 cm). The type, or general appearance, exhibited by Holsteiners should be that of an athletic riding horse. As a breed, Holsteiners are known for their arched, rather high-set necks and powerful hindquarters. The heavy neck was perpetuated even in modern Holsteiners with the help of Ladykiller xx and his son, Landgraf. In centuries past, Holsteiners retained the hallmark Roman nose of the Baroque horse, but today it has been replaced by a smaller head with a large, intelligent eye. These conformational characteristics give most Holsteiners good balance and elegant movement.

Holsteiner – Brand: The easiest way to identify a Holsteiner is by the hot brand on the left hip, which is given to foals when they are inspected for their papers and their passport. The crowned Holsteiner shield brand is given only to Holsteiners which have been registered. Foals outside of the main registry can receive an alternate brand. In most cases, the last two digits of the life number are part of the brand.

Holsteiner – Naming: Many male Holsteiners have names beginning in the letters "C" or "L" due to the dominance of male lines perpetuated by Cor de la Bryére, Cottage Son xx, and Ladykiller xx. However, it should be noted that since Holsteiners from those families are used to add jumping ability to other Warmblood breeding programs, non-Holstein Warmbloods also often have those initials. Fillies, on the other hand, are named by year with I and J being the same year and Q and X not being used. For example, fillies born in 2008 and 1986 had names beginning in the letter "A". The use of the sire's name as part of the name of his offspring is discouraged.

Holsteiner – Gaits: Holsteiners in general have round, generous, elastic strides with impulsion from the haunches and natural balance. In motion, Holsteiners retain the character of their coach driving forebears, often exhibiting more articulation of the joints than is common among other Warmbloods. Because of they are bred with a specialization for their jumping capacity some feel that Holsteiners suffer in the quality of their walk and trot gaits, though this is not the rule. The canter, which is typically light, soft, balanced and dynamic, is considered by ‘experts’ to be the best gait of the Holsteiner.

Holsteiner – Jumping: The strongest asset of the Holsteiner breed is their jumping capacity. Even the average Holsteiner will usually exhibit great power and scope, and correct technique. The scope and power were inherited from the heavier old Holsteiners, but they lacked carefulness, speed, tact, adjustability, bascule and technique. Improvement sires like Ramzes AA, Cor de la Bryére and Ladykiller xx successively eliminated these flaws, making the Holsteiner breed internationally known for Olympic-caliber jumping. Werner Schockemöhle, a leading breeder of Warmblood sport horses in neighboring Oldenburg said that no breeding community in the world has a better knowledge of the show jumping horse than the breeders of Holstein.

Holsteiner – Coat Colors: Similar to horse breeds in the nearby areas of Oldenburg, Groningen and Friesland, traditional Holsteiners were dark-colored and minimally-marked. This tendency has evolved into a preference for black, dark bay, and brown, though lighter shades such as chestnuts and grays are also permitted. Horses with large white spots suggestive of pinto patterning or any of the traits associated with leopard-spotting are excluded from the registry. Despite the fact that palomino and buckskin are not acceptable colors for the Holsteiner, the Thoroughbred improvement sire, Marlon xx was himself a dark buckskin who left the registry with a number of palomino and buckskin offspring.

Holsteiner – Temperament:
As is the case with most breeds Holsteiner temperament is varied. There are unflappable, lazy Holsteiners and sensitive, spooky Holsteiners. Some families, like that of Capitol I, are known for an uncomplicated temperament. Amateurs can find uncomplicated, cooperative, steady mounts and professionals can find bold, sensitive rides; there is no one perfect temperament. Many Holsteiners are well-balanced, strong-nerved, reliable and bold. Some critics of the breed, or particular lineages within it, find that strong selection for jumping performance results in capable high-level jumpers, but at the cost of ride ability.

Contact: American Holsteiner Horse Association - www.holsteiner.com