The Holsteiner Horse

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At the beginning of the 21st Century, the Holsteiner horse breed is thriving, with Holsteiner horses excelling at major showgrounds globally. This success stems from centuries of dedicated breeding in the land between the seas, where breeders have demonstrated fine instincts, foresight, perseverance, and loyalty to mare lines, even in challenging times. Historically, the Holsteiner has faced various challenges: as a state-owned horse at European royal courts, a war horse, a luxury carriage horse, and primarily as a working horse on farms, evolving into a sport horse with a focus on jumping. Despite these changes, the Holsteiner has retained its character, remaining true to its type, shaped by the harsh conditions of marsh pastures and rigorous performance tests. The breed's robustness and willingness to perform were solidified through cross-breeding with English thoroughbreds in the 19th Century, which also helped transition the working horse into a modern riding horse without compromising its valuable traits, particularly its jumping ability and mental strength. The introduction of French riding horse stallions in the late 20th Century further enhanced the breed's jumping style and technique. The Holsteiner has consistently produced world-class horses in jumping, dressage, and eventing.