History:
The first flowering of Holstein horsebreeding already eventuated during
the early Middle Ages. At that time the Holstein horses were mighty war
horses. A decisive influence was exercised on the breed by Oriental, Spanish
and Neapolitan stallions. During the second half of the twentieth century, a
re-breeding process took place away from the heavy agriculturally utilised
warmblood to the modern sports horse, through the increased use of English
thoroughbred stallions.
Breeding:
In 1999 the breeding stock comprised 6.633 registered broodmares and 203
stallions, of which 74 belong to the Holstein Breeder's Association and 112
are private stallions. Holstein is the only breeding region in Germany that
disposes over its own "Association" owned stallions. The Association is
based at the Riding and Driving School of Elmshorn, where the sales centre
is also situated. The auction sites are located in Neumünster and Elmshorn.
Features:
Holsteiners are vigorous horses that are prepared to perform and which
can often be found in top performance sport. They belong to the best
showjumpers word-wide and are utilised in all the German horse breeds for
the genetic transmittance of jumping ability and manner.
More Information at:
Verband der
Züchter des Holsteiner Pferdes
