Hanoverian Horse Breed Guide: Characteristics, Health & Nutrition

The Hanoverian horse is a popular warmblood breed from Lower Saxony in Germany. Also known as the Hannoveraner in German, the breed produces some of the most successful sport horses in the world.

Hanoverians have won gold medals in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines, a testament to their versatility. This success is largely attributed to a rigorous selection process that transformed the breed from carriage and military horses into elite performance mounts.

While high breeding standards contribute to the overall health of the Hanoverian population, improper care and management can still result in health issues. Additionally, some Hanoverian lines are known to carry rare genetic defects, which are primarily found in warmblood breeds.

This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Hanoverian breed. Keep reading to learn more about feeding and caring for Hanoverian horses.

Hanoverian Horse History

Hanoverians get their name from the town of Hanover, the largest city in the German state of Lower Saxony. The official state stud for the breed opened in Celle, Germany nearly 300 years ago. Today, Hanoverian breeding in Germany centers around the Hannoveraner Verband in Verden.

Origin

Selective breeding of horses in the Hanover region traces back to the 16th century. King George II of England, Elector of Hanover, founded the State Stud at Celle in 1735. The stud introduced central registrations and gave local breeders access to imported stallions.

Holsteiner, Thoroughbred, Spanish, Cleveland Bay, Neapolitan, and Mecklenburg stallions crossed with the local mares. English Thoroughbreds and half-thoroughbred stallions were used extensively in the early 19th century. ^[1]

In 1844, laws were enacted requiring stallions to receive approval from a commission before being used for breeding. Breeders formed the first society to consolidate the native lines of Hanover in 1867 and published the first studbook in 1888.

Historic Use

Farmers in the Hanover region bred all-purpose horses for agricultural work. The state stud also developed the local horses as cavalry mounts. Early Hanoverians were popular high-class coach horses by the end of the 18th century.

Selective breeding and stallion approvals helped continually improve the quality of local horses. The first breed societies aimed to produce the ideal horse for coach and military use. ^[2]

Priorities shifted after World War II, with the decline of working horses and the growing demand for general riding and sport horses. Breeders used additional Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arabian, and Trakehner stallions to adapt the Hanoverian into the modern sport type. ^[2]

One study analyzing genetic variability in Hanoverian horses found Thoroughbreds contributed almost 35% of the genes found in the breed. The researchers also found Trakehner and Arabian contributions of 8 and 2.7%, respectively. ^[1]

Modern Hanoverians have similar patterns of genetic variation as Oldenburg horses, indicating extensive breeding between the studbooks. ^[2]

Today, certain breeds are not eligible for breeding with Hanoverians including:

• Pintos
• Appaloosas
• Lusitanos
• Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE)
• Gelderlanders
• Lipizzaners.

Breed Registry

Headquartered in Verden, the Hannoveraner Verband is the official breed organization for Hanoverian horses worldwide. The Verband oversees breeding stock inspection, horse registrations, and licensing and performance testing for stallions.

The Verden Auctions offer collections of foals, broodmares, and riding horses throughout the year to connect breeders with potential owners. The Stallion Licensing and Stallion Sales in the fall is the highlight of the Verden event calendar.

Outside stallions from approved registries can also participate in the stallion licensing. All stallions have to pass strict evaluations and performance requirements to gain approval. Mares also participate in inspections and performance tests to evaluate conformation, gaits, and talent. ^[3]

The American Hanoverian Society works closely with the German Hanoverian Verband to manage Hanoverian breeding in North America. Only foals from inspected and approved parents are eligible for registrations.

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Breed Characteristics

Registered Hanoverians and horses from approved studbooks are accepted for breeding based on characteristics that align with the Verband’s breeding goals. Hanoverian breeders produce horses with a particular ability in dressage, jumping, eventing, or driving.

Conformation

Hanoverians have an average height of approximately 16.2 hands, but size can vary between horses. The ideal Hanoverian has a performance-oriented sport horse type with long lines, clean outlines, and well-developed muscles. ^[3]

Desirable traits include:

• Head: Noble and well-proportioned with big eyes, attentive expression, big nostrils
• Neck: Sufficiently long, well-developed, light poll, slightly arched, right angle to shoulder
• Shoulder: Long and sloping with well-defined withers
• Frame: Rectangular shape, large frame, long legs, harmonious topline, deep chest
• Forelegs: Correctly positioned, well-muscled, well-defined joints, hard hooves
• Hindlegs: Correct legs, wide hocks, elastic pastern
• Tail Carriage: Straight and well-carried

Horses are also evaluated based on the suitability of their conformation and gaits to a specific discipline. All gaits should be regular and straight.

Trots have cadence, impulsion, ground cover, elasticity, balance, active hind legs, and a free shoulder. The canter is well-rounded, with a distinct uphill movement and good hindquarter engagement. The walk is clear and ground-covering.

Colours

All coat colours are accepted as long as the horses meet pedigree requirements. The most common colours in Hanoverian horses include:

• Bay
• Chestnut
• Black
• Gray

Temperament

Character is also crucial for breeding successful sport horses. Desirable qualities in Hanoverians include intelligence, good temperament, and a strong willingness to work. Horses should be sensitive but straightforward with calm and alert dispositions.

Personalities can vary between different Hanoverian lines and individuals. Some Hanoverians who compete in top-level sports have hotter temperaments, unsuitable for amateurs. However, there are many Hanoverians with good characters suitable for riders of all levels.

Disciplines

The World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses (WBFSH) consistently ranks the Hanoverian Verband among the top studbooks in dressage, jumping, and eventing based on results from FEI competitions.

The Hanoverian breed has a distinguished record at the top levels of equestrian sports, as highlighted by these notable achievements:

• Salinero, a Hanoverian ridden by Anky van Grunsven, won individual gold medals in dressage at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. In 2008, Germany won the team gold medal with three Hanoverian geldings.
• The famous Hanoverian Shutterfly won the FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping in 2005, 2008, and 2009 with his rider Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum.
• Butts Abraxxas, a Hanoverian with significant Thoroughbred blood, and his rider Ingrid Klimke helped Germany win two team gold medals in eventing at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Hanoverians are popular show hunters in North America. Although the breed is best known as a riding horse, Hanoverians also compete in competitive driving disciplines.

Health Profile

In order to be approved for breeding, Hanoverian horses have to meet health standards. While these standards aim to prevent genetic defects in the breed, Hanoverians can still experience common health issues that impact their performance.

Genetic Diseases

Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS) Type I is the main genetic disease reported in Hanoverians and other warmblood breeds. This fatal autosomal recessive disease is characterized by connective tissue defects and fragile skin in affected foals.

Foals develop this condition if both parents pass on the FFS genetic mutation responsible. It is estimated that over 17% of Hanoverians carry the gene responsible for FFS. However, carriers themselves do not exhibit symptoms of the disease. ^[4]

The Hanoverian Verband tests all stallions for FFS to inform breeding decisions, but does not exclude carriers from approval.

Some bloodlines have a higher incidence of the gene. Researchers identified a single Hanoverian stallion as the common ancestor of horses with the WFFS variant. ^[5]

Hanoverians are also more susceptible to osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), a developmental orthopedic disorder that affects the bone and cartilage of growing horses. ^[6]

Research suggests breeding selections based on orthopedic health evaluations could help lower the prevalence of OCD. However, nutrition and management also play significant roles in the development of the disease. ^[7]

Health Problems

Developmental orthopedic disease can contribute to ongoing lameness and performance issues throughout the horse’s life. Extra wear and tear from intense training can also increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury in Hanoverian horses.

The risk of lameness in horses can vary depending on their discipline. One survey of dressage horse owners identified overtraining, excessive lunging, and poor footing as risk factors for injuries in Hanoverians used for the sport. ^[8]

An investigation of foot-related lameness in horses revealed that jumpers had higher incidences of foot injury and disease than horses used for other disciplines. ^[9]

Gastric ulcers were the most common health issue reported in elite three-day eventing horses, followed by joint problems. Stress from competition and poor nutritional management can increase the risk of gastric ulcers in all Hanoverian horses. ^[10]

Care and Management

Quality basic care should be the foundation of every Hanoverian horse’s management program, regardless of their competition schedule.

Implement a preventative wellness plan alongside your veterinarian, trainer, and other equine practitioners that includes:

• Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of health issues.
• Vaccines: Follow your veterinarian’s advice on the appropriate vaccinations to protect your horse against various diseases.
• Dental Care: Annual dental check-ups, including teeth floating, are crucial. Older horses or those with dental issues may need more frequent evaluations.
• Parasites: A well-planned deworming schedule is important to keep your horse free from worms and internal parasites.
• Farrier Care: Regular farrier visits are vital for proper hoof care and trimming, as poor hoof balance can lead to musculoskeletal problems.

Not all injuries in sport horses are immediately apparent. Many are overuse injuries that develop gradually due to repetitive stress and strain.

Regular lameness exams can catch injuries these before they become severe. Some Hanoverians might need joint injections or other veterinary interventions to maintain their soundness throughout their careers and into older age.

Many performance horses live in stalls, but prolonged stall confinement can negatively impact their physical and mental health. It’s important to provide Hanoverians with daily turnout, allowing them time for free movement, grazing, and socializing.

These athletic horses thrive in consistent exercise programs with regular grooming. Work with your trainer and veterinarian to develop a suitable training regimen for your Hanoverian.

Hanoverian Horse Nutrition

The optimal diet for Hanoverian horses is one that fulfills their nutritional requirements and promotes overall health. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of Hanoverians at every level of competition

Weight Maintenance

Like other warmbloods, Hanoverian horses are easy keepers. This breed typically maintains their weight well on a balanced diet and is prone to obesity if overfed with high-energy feeds.

Horses with equine metabolic syndrome may become overweight more easily. This syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, increased fat deposition (general obesity or regional fat pockets), and a higher risk of laminitis. ^[11] However, Hanoverians are typically not prone to have metabolic syndrome.

Obesity is a common issue in sport disciplines like dressage. Being overweight or obese can adversely impact performance by affecting gait quality, increasing the risk of heat stress, and accelerating the onset of arthritis. ^[12]

To assess if your Hanoverian is at a healthy weight, use body condition scoring. Aim for a score of 5 on the 9-point Henneke scale. To accurately body condition score your horse, it’s critical to physically feel their body to distinguish between soft fat and firm muscle.

Sample Diet

The following sample diet is intended for a mature 635 kg (1,400 lb) Hanoverian with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).

This nutrient analysis is based on an average forage sample from North America and the NRC (2007) requirements. For a better estimation, submit your forage for analysis and consult with an equine nutritionist.

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Forage

Providing Hanoverians with adequate forage is key to promoting healthy digestion and natural grazing behaviors.

Horses in maintenance or light work typically consume about 2% of their body weight in forage dry matter daily. For a 635 kg (1,400 lb) Hanoverian, this equates to 13 kg (28 lb) of forage dry matter per day.

Select mid-maturity, low-starch, low-sugar (ESC) grass hay to maximize your horse’s forage intake without adding excess calories. Sugar and starch are the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) components that are hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) which are digestible in the small intestine and contributes to insulin release.

High-performance Hanoverians require more nutrient-dense forages to meet their elevated energy and protein needs. Alfalfa hay is a good option to incorporate because of its high protein content.

However, alfalfa also has high levels of calcium, which must be balanced with enough phosphorus to prevent mineral imbalances that could impact performance. ^[13]

This can be done by adding some plain oats or wheat bran. The exact amount will be determined by the mineral profile in the total diet. If feeding large amounts of alfalfa, consider supplementing with AminoTrace+ instead of Omneity® because of its lower calcium content.

To accurately gauge the nutritional content of your hay, submit a forage sample for laboratory analysis. An equine nutritionist can then assist you in formulating a balanced feeding plan to meet your horse’s needs.

Hanoverians that are overweight may need their hay intake restricted to 1.5% of their body weight. Using a slow feeder can extend access to forage and prevent long periods without food. Hanoverians turned out on pasture may need to wear a grazing muzzle to restrict pasture intake.

Feeding Recommendations

Commercial concentrates and high-starch grains are often included in the diets of sport horses. However, these high-energy feeds are associated with an increased risk of digestive upset, distracted and unruly behaviour or laminitis. ^[14]

To mitigate these risks, consider alternative energy sources. For example, you can swap grain-based concentrates for high-fibre alternatives, such as soaked alfalfa pellets or beet pulp, balanced with plain oats or wheat bran.

Fats and oils are another energy dense source of calories for horses in heavy work. ^[15] Fat supplements that provide omega-3 fatty acids have additional benefits for Hanoverians, such as supporting respiratory health, joint function, skin health and the immune system in performance horses.

If you are feeding grains, make sure to split the daily amount into multiple small meals to prevent gut health issues, such as hindgut acidosis.

All horses need free access to fresh water and salt. Our nutritionists recommend feeding 2 – 3 tablespoons loose salt per day to meet your horse’s sodium requirements and encourage hydration. Loose salt should also be available for your horse to consume on a free-choice basis.

Nutritional Supplements

When deciding what to feed your Hanoverian horse, the first priority is to balance the overall diet and make sure there are no nutritional deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals. After you’ve balanced their diet, you may consider adding nutritional supplements to address individual concerns and support performance.

• W-3 Oil is a fat supplement with high levels of natural vitamin E and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. These nutrients support skin and coat quality, joint health, respiratory health, and immune function in exercising horses.
• MSM is a joint health supplement commonly fed to Hanoverians and other sport horses to support connective tissue, exercise performance, and joint comfort. It is also beneficial for aging horses with joint concerns.
• Visceral+® is a comprehensive supplement that helps maintain stomach and hindgut health in exercising horses. This formula includes yeast, probiotics, amino acids, and herbs to support the entire equine digestive tract.
• Performance XL: Electrolytes is an electrolyte supplement that has been scientifically formulated to replenish the electrolytes lost in sweat. For exercising Hanoverians or those in hot weather, adding this supplement to their daily salt intake helps support post-exercise care and maintain electrolyte balance.

Have questions about what to feed your Hanoverian horse? Submit your horse’s information online for a free consultation with our expert equine nutritionists. Our nutritionists will work with you to balance your horse’s diet and answer your questions.