Horses are animals that have always played a major role in human life. They have always been helpers and friends for many generations of people. But, in addition to assistants, there are horses, created specifically for sports. This breed is Hanover - one of the most famous, without which equestrian sport would not become what it is now.
History reference
The history of the Hanover breed goes far back in time. The first information about it existed in the VIII century - these horses were mentioned in the description of the Battle of Poitiers in 732, because then they were used as war horses. Presumably they appeared as a result of the crossing of Oriental and Spanish breeds.
At the time of the Middle Ages, these horses, having great power, could withstand the weight of knights dressed in heavy armor. Later, when the need for heavy vestments for warriors was gone, the need for such strong horses passed, and lighter breeds became popular.
It will be helpful for you to learn more about the anatomy of a horse.The Hannover breed regained its former popularity as early as the 18th century, when the British king George II (who was also the elector of Hanover) established a stud farm for breeding horses. For a long time, the Hannover was considered a type of horse.
However, after numerous crossbreeding with other breeds, a different result was obtained - a universal horse of sufficiently large size, which could be used for hard work, for military purposes and for riding.Gradually, the horses of this breed began to be removed from agriculture and military affairs, making a bet on the horse port. In 1910, a breed brand was created, and in the 20s competitions began to be held for stallions.
Another 30 years were carried out to create the highest-class sport horses. The goal was achieved by obtaining a graceful appearance and the ability to perform sports tricks. To date, the breed is fully formed and has about 20 thousand individuals.
Did you know? About 60 million horses live in the world along with their wild relatives.
general characteristics
Horses of the Hanover breed are endowed with a magnificent appearance. Their exterior mostly corresponds to purebred English horses, with an admixture of power and strength of trakens and Holsteins. 
Appearance
External characteristics of the Hanover horse:
- Weight - 550 kg.
- Growth the animal at the withers can vary from 1.6 to 1.68 m. There are individuals with a height at the withers 1.76 m.
- Housing powerful and sturdy, must fit into a rectangle.
- Head medium-sized, which is located on a muscular, quite long neck with a beautiful bend.
- Muzzle decorated with expressive big eyes, wide nostrils and high erect ears. A distinctive feature is the hook-nosed profile.
- Shoulder medium sized, long and slightly sloping.
- The animal has powerful muscular back, hips and croup, which allows the horse to make a strong push while jumping. The chest is folded so that the animal easily overcomes high barriers.
- Legs long, strong and muscular. On them rather large joints are well looked through. Hooves of the correct form, hard. With all this, the gait of the animal is smooth, without slowing down or stumbling. A thoroughbred horse step long, with a good capture of space.
- Torso completes well set tail.
Important! During the acquisition of a horse, you need to pay attention to the fact that the stallion has a pronounced male behavior, and the female - female.
- Suit thoroughbred Hanover horses - black or black.
Temper and habits
To the beautiful appearance of these animals is added, according to the reviews of the riders, a remarkable character, and its main features are:
- discipline;
- courage;
- hard work;
- good nature;
- pride;
- equilibrium.
We advise you to read about how to choose the right horse for yourself, as well as how to carry it.
On the one hand, like real aristocrats, the Hanoverian horses are restrained, and on the other hand, they are easy-going and energetic, which is very much appreciated in sports. But with all the positive qualities of these horses is aggressive nature. 
Therefore, before the animals happen, their character is thoroughly checked in order to minimize the aggressive qualities of the racers. For breeding use horses with a balanced temperament.
Important! To be selected for breeding, each individual undergoes a hard selection: in addition to stamina and exterior, the nervous system is assessed. Leave only obedient, intelligent horses with an energetic character. At the slightest deviation, screening occurs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive qualities of the breed:
- At the genetic level, it contains the main advantage - working with a person.
- The horse is calm and obedient.
- The average height of the horse is well suited for both experienced riders, and for young, just starting training.
- According to athletes, the horse is good for sports in overcoming obstacles.
- Hannover riders are notable for their devotion to the owner, although this is not typical for horses.
- In the pricing policy, the cost of the animal is low (from $ 800), unlike other breeds.
Negative characteristics:- Due to the calm nature there may be problems in speeding overcoming obstacles in competitions.
- Only classic suits are allowed in the breed.
Scope of use
Thanks to their elegance and diligence, as well as the grace of their movements, Hanover horses are the most sought-after sporting breed in the world. In Olympic sports the horse of this breed is considered to be the best in all characteristics.
Find out where wild horses live.
These animals are good in the gait - they are able to perform various tricks, doing it with ease, but at the same time they show their strength and hardening. Masterful jumping, where these horses are especially valued, simply does not take place without the participation of the Hanover.
In equestrian competitions there are 3 main groups, where these German racers participate:
- jumping - 60%;
- dressage - 30%;
- triathlon - 10%.
This is the percentage of horses that do the tasks perfectly. According to experts, the Hanoverian horse is one of the best breeds in horse breeding. This is an excellent breed, genetically focused on human interaction, which greatly simplifies the work and communication with these horses.
Did you know? The most famous Hanoverian horse is a stallion named Gigolo, whose sports career lasted 17 years. In 1966, he became the Olympic champion, two-time European champion and won many victories in Sydney.And the appearance speaks for itself: grace, combined with strength and endurance, made these horses popular not only in sports circles, but also among ordinary citizens who love horses.
