Holsteiner Horse Breed Guide: Characteristics, Health & Nutrition

The Holsteiner horse is a warmblood breed from the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. Also known as the Holstein horse, this is one of the oldest warmblood breeds in the world.

Despite belonging to one of the smallest warmblood studbooks in Europe today, Holsteiner horses continue to excel at the elite levels of equestrian sport. The breed is best known for its show-jumping ability, but is also well-regarded in eventing and dressage.

Holsteiners owe their success in part to a century of selective breeding based on maternal lineages. While intensive selection reduced genetic variability, the approval process in the Holsteiner breed has also maintained high health and performance standards.

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

Holsteiner Horse History

The history of the Holstein horse began approximately 800 years ago, long before the emergence of official breed organizations in the 19th century. Over time, these horses have transformed from working animals to high-performance sport partners.

Origin

Monasteries first oversaw early horse breeding programs in Medieval Germany. In 1225, Count Gerhard I of Schleswig-Holstein and Stormarn allowed the Uetersen monastery to graze horses on the uncultivated land of the region.

By the late 15th century, Holstein had a state stud department overseeing local horse breeding. Rural breeding programs crossed local stock with imported Arabian and Spanish horses. Crossing with Thoroughbreds later shaped the breed into a distinct type.

One study of pedigree data found Thoroughbreds had the most significant foreign influence on Holsteiners, followed by Anglo-Normans and Anglo-Arabians. Hanoverian warmbloods provided the most significant contribution from a separate German breed. ^[1]

Documentation of local maternal lineages began in the 19th century. Mares in the Holstein breeding districts were assigned lineage numbers. The total number of lineages was once over 8,900, but today only 437 lineages have been preserved. ^[2]

Historic Use

Medieval monks bred horses for transportation between churches and monasteries. Horses in Holstein needed hardiness to traverse the difficult marshlands of the Elbe River and the coast.

When demands for war horses increased, monks in Holstein began developing larger, stronger horses as cavalry mounts. Farmers in the region used the horses for agricultural work and started breeding horses for their personal use in the 18th century.

Holsteiner horses soon began attracting attention from outside of their local region. The Holstein horses of the time were primarily bay, with impressive type and high-striding gaits. This increased demand for the Holsteiner as a driving horse. ^[1]

In the 19th century, several breeding organizations merged to form the first association for all Holstein horses. The Holsteiner horse population declined significantly after World War II when maternal lineages were lost and the state stud dissolved. ^[2]

The consolidated mare families provided the foundation for the modern breed when breeding practices shifted to producing sport horses for leisure use. Today, Holsteiner horses are also often found in the pedigrees of other successful sport horse breeds. ^[3]

Breed Registry

The Holsteiner Verband maintains the official breed registry and oversees approvals for mares and stallions seeking to enter the studbook. Stallions must fulfill additional testing and performance requirements to maintain their approval status.

The Verband operates the Office of the North American Breeding District of the Holsteiner Verband, which manages registrations of Holstein horses in North America. Foals with registration papers can receive a hot brand on their left hip.

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Breed Characteristics

Holsteiner Verband approvals evaluate horses based on the sport breeding goals of the modern Holsteiner. Horses are scored based on conformation traits, gaits, and performance ability.

Conformation

Most Holsteiner horses stand between 16 and 17 hands tall. The ideal Holstein horse has a correct, typey, modern, and powerful overall impression.

These horses have medium frames, powerful hind legs, strong backs, high-set arched necks, sloping shoulders, small heads and large eyes. Their conformations should enable self-carriage and expressive, elegant movement.

Some Holsteiner horses have heavier necks or Roman noses, as seen in the old Holstein type. But today, the breed has a more elegant appearance.

Holstein horses are well-known for their clear, powerful canters and correct jumping technique.

Colours

Traditionally, Holsteiners came primarily in dark colours with minimal white markings. Common coat colours in the breed today include:

• Black
• Bay
• Brown
• Grey

Chestnuts are also seen, but pinto patterning is considered unacceptable.

Temperament

As with any horse, temperaments can vary between Holsteiners. Some bloodlines have a reputation for producing uncomplicated, steady personalities suitable for less experienced riders. Others are associated with more sensitive and bold characters suitable for top-level sport.

Modern breeding objectives in all warmblood sport horses place more emphasis on character and rideability. As a result, many modern Holsteiners are reliable, well-balanced, brave, and enjoyable partners for a wide range of riders. ^[4]

Disciplines

The Holsteiner’s talent for show jumping is evident in the breed’s recent success at the top level of the sport.

The famous Holsteiner, Classic Touch, won gold with rider Ludger Beerbaum at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Several Holsteiners have competed on teams at recent Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, European Championships, and World Cup Finals.

However, these horses aren’t limited to the show jumping arena. Hinrich Romeike rode the Holsteiner Marius to individual and team gold in eventing at the 2008 Olympics.

Holsteiner horses also compete in international dressage and combined driving competitions.

Their aptitude for show jumping and dressage ability may have genetic origins, as research has found DNA variants inherited through maternal lineages linked to these abilities. ^[5]

Holsteiner Horse Health

Holsteiner horses are a relatively healthy breed. However, they are susceptible to specific health problems commonly found in warmbloods.

While genetics can play a role in some health issues in the breed, many are primarily linked to management practices.

Genetic Diseases

The Holsteiner horse breed experienced recent losses of genetic diversity due to unequal founder contributions. This trend was likely caused by the intensive use of famous sire lines. ^[1]

Holsteiners have less genetic variability than some Warmblood breeds due to fewer outside stallions being accepted for breeding. However, more open access to foreign stallions has helped improve the gene pool. ^[1]

Holsteiner foals can be affected by Fragile Foal Syndrome, a fatal disease impacting connective tissue. However, research suggests that Holsteiner are less likely to be carriers of the genetic mutation responsible for this disease than other warmblood breeds. ^[6]

Holsteiners are also susceptible to polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), an inherited muscle disorder. One study revealed Holsteiners had the third highest incidence of PSSM among warmblood breeds, behind Hanoverians and Dutch Warmbloods. ^[7]

Holsteiners with PSSM have abnormal glycogen accumulation in their muscles, which can cause tying up and muscle soreness.

Researchers have identified the GYS1 gene responsible for PSSM Type 1 in the Holstein horse population. ^[8]

Health Problems

Holsteiners are also at risk of ocular squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of eye cancer found in horses. ^[9] This is a type of malignant tumor that affects the eye and its surrounding structures, typically associated with excessive sun exposure and UV radiation.

High-level performance horses are susceptible to certain health problems due to the increased stress of intense training and competition schedules. Some of these issues are also related to improper nutritional management. ^[11]

Gastric ulcers and joint problems as the most common health disorders found in eventing horses. In one study, 42.2% of horses had gastric ulcers, and 37.7% had joint problems. ^[11]

Research comparing the incidence of certain lamenesses in horses from different disciplines found that jumping increased the risk of foot-related lameness. Holstein horses are commonly used for jumping, so these issues may be more prevalent in the breed. ^[10]

Care and Management

Many common problems in performance horses arise from the intense demands of training and competition. You can reduce health risks in Holsteiners by focusing on quality basic care that meets your horse’s physical, emotional, and mental health needs.

Work with your veterinarian, farrier and trainer to ensure your Holsteiner has an appropriate wellness plan in place that includes:

• Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary exams to detect and treat any health concerns early.
• Vaccines: Follow a veterinary-recommended vaccine schedule to protect your horse from certain infectious diseases.
• Dental Care: Have your horse’s teeth examined and floated by an equine veterinary dentist on a yearly basis. Senior horses are more susceptible to dental issues and may need more frequent exams.
• Parasites: Protect your horse from worms and internal parasites by implementing a strategic deworming plan.
• Farrier Care: Ensure that your horse gets frequent farrier visits for regular hoof care and trimming. Performance horses with poor hoof balance may be at greater risk of limb injuries and musculoskeletal problems.

Holsteiner horses in work need frequent lameness exams to catch early signs of musculoskeletal injuries associated with increased wear and tear. Your veterinarian may recommend joint injections or other veterinary maintenance to help maintain healthy joints.

Many Holsteiners live in stalls, but prolonged stall confinement is associated with an increased risk of joint issues and digestive problems. Daily turnout gives your Holsteiner an opportunity for free exercise and is essential for managing muscle health in horses with PSSM. ^[7]

These athletic horses do best in training programs with regular exercise. Work with your trainer and veterinarian to develop an appropriate training plan that matches your goals and your Holsteiner’s fitness.

Holsteiner Horse Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for all Holstein horses, not just top-level performance horses. A balanced feeding program can also help prevent and manage common health problems in the breed.

Weight Maintenance

Holstein horses are easy keepers. Most of these horses easily maintain their weight on a balanced diet, but they can become overweight if provided with energy-dense feeds.

Despite holding their weight well, Holsteiners and other Warmbloods are not commonly predisposed to metabolic syndrome unless they also have Cushing’s disease (PPID). ^[12]

Regularly body condition scoring your Holsteiner can help you monitor their weight and make adjustments to their diet. A body condition score of 5 on the 9-point Henneke scale is considered ideal.

Sample Diet

The following sample diet is intended for a mature 590 kg (1300 lb) Holsteiner horse with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).

This diet 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.

Forage alone should meet the energy and protein needs of most horses, but hay is often deficient in essential nutrients. A vitamin and mineral supplement can help balance forage-based diets and ensure your Holsteiner gets all the nutrients they need to thrive.

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Forage

Providing your horse with free-choice forage helps to mimic the natural grazing behaviours of wild horses and supports digestive health. The horse’s gastrointestinal system is designed to process a continuous intake of fibre-rich forage, grazing for up to 16 hours per day.

Non-Exercising Horses

Non-exercising horses typically consume 2% of their bodyweight in forage dry matter per day. A typical 590 kg (1300 lb) adult Holsteiner is expected to eat approximately 11.8 kg (26 lb) of hay on a dry matter basis per day.

For horses in light work, choose grass hay that is low in sugar and starch to avoid excessive weight gain. Sugar (ESC) and starch are collectively known as hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC). These are the components of NSC that are digestible in the small intestine and contribute to insulin release.

Exercising Horses

Holsteiners in heavy work, such as those competing in three-day eventing, tend to have a larger appetite and consume more hay.

These horses may benefit from incorporating alfalfa into their diet as a palatable, more energy-dense forage to meet their increased calorie and protein requirements. Beet pulp is an even better high-fibre energy source.

Alfalfa hay and beet pulp are good sources of calcium, which acts as a gastric acid buffer and may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers. ^[15] It is important to balance the high calcium with additional phosphorus and magnesium to maintain optimal muscle function.

If you are feeding more than 25% alfalfa, consider using Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ in place of Omneity® due to its lower calcium content.

Sugar and Starch

Regulating dietary starch and sugar intake is crucial for the nutritional management of PSSM.

If your horse is affected by PSSM, work with an equine nutritionist and submit a forage sample for analysis to ensure your hay is appropriate. ^[12]

Overweight Holsteiners that need to consume fewer calories may benefit from wearing a grazing muzzle. These muzzles enable the horse to be turned out on pasture, providing benefits such as social interaction and free movement, while greatly restricting grass intake.

Overweight or obese Holsteiners may also require hay restriction. Provide hay in a slow feeder to reduce forage consumption while prolonging access to hay.

Feeding Recommendations

Although it is common to feed large amounts of commercial concentrates to warmblood performance horses, most Holstein horses in light work do not need grains in their diet

Feeding high-starch grains worsens signs of PSSM and can contribute to weight and digestive problems in Holstein horses. Avoid grain-based feed by switching to a low-starch, low-sugar vitamin and mineral supplement and using forage-based supplement carriers. ^[13]

If you feed your Holsteiner horse commercial concentrates, make sure to split the ration into multiple small meals to reduce the risk of digestive upset. ^[13]

Fat supplements are a good source of concentrated energy for exercising Holsteiners and those that need controlled starch intake. Studies suggest horses with PSSM, such as Holsteiners, can safely consume up to 20% of their dietary energy from fat. ^[14]

Fat sources high in omega-3 fatty acids offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits for exercising Holstein horses.

All Holsteiners need free access to fresh water and plain loose salt to encourage hydration.

Many equine diets lack sufficient sodium, which can result in electrolyte imbalances, decreased water intake, and a higher risk of colic. Our nutritionists also recommend feeding 2 – 3 ounces of loose salt with your horse’s daily ration to ensure they get enough sodium. This is only the baseline requirement. Horses working and sweating will need much more.

Nutritional Supplements

Balancing your horse’s diet and avoiding nutrient deficiencies is the priority when developing a feeding program for your Holsteiner. Once the diet is balanced, you may want to consider supplements to address your horse’s individual needs and performance goals.

• W-3 Oil is an essential fatty acid supplement that is enriched with natural vitamin E and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Feeding W-3 Oil can support respiratory health, muscle function, joint health and coat quality in Holsteiners.
• Acetyl-l-carnitine is a naturally-occurring metabolite of L-carnitine. It is an antioxidant and directs glucose away from glycogen storage and into energy pathways. ALCar also maximizes the metabolic efficiency of muscle cells. It can be tried as an alternative to very high fat feeding in horses with PSSM.
• MSM is an organic sulfur compound that supports the horse’s normal homeostatic response to inflammation.
• Visceral+ in a comprehensive gut health supplement that supports stomach and hindgut health, as well as immune function. This formula contains lecithin, probiotics, yeast, amino acids, and herbs to help maintain a healthy intestinal barrier.
• Performance XL: Electrolytes is formulated to replace the electrolytes that horses lose in sweat when exercising. Holsteiners in intensive training programs benefit from an electrolyte supplement in addition to daily salt to ensure adequate electrolyte balance.

Submit your Holsteiner horse’s diet online for a complimentary evaluation and consult with our experienced equine nutritionists to formulate the right diet for their unique needs.