Description and features of breeding horses of the Hanoverian breed
The Hanoverian horse breed has specific features. These animals have a massive constitution and harmonious appearance. They have a calm disposition and can participate in various types of competitions. In order for these horses to be healthy and develop normally, it is recommended that they provide suitable housing conditions and a balanced diet.
Historical reference
The history of this breed began long ago. The first mentions of these animals were recorded back in 732. Then they were used as war horses. The second wave of popularity came in the eighteenth century. It was then that the British King George II, who at that time was the Elector of Hanover, created a stud farm for the development of horses.
For a long time this breed belonged to the draft type. But after many crosses with other breeds, a different result was obtained - a universal horse of large sizes. It was used for heavy work and horseback riding.
Description and characteristics of the Hanoverian horse
The Hanoverian horses have a number of characteristics. These horses are distinguished by their attractive appearance and calm character.
Appearance and physique
Hanoverian horses have a massive body and reach a height of 1.6-1.75 meters. Long necks are characteristic of animals. Horses have a muscular body that develops into a rounded croup. Horses have slanting shoulders and muscular legs. They are distinguished by large joints and short pasterns. Horses have a medium head and a straight profile. They are usually distinguished by large brown eyes and dilated nostrils.
For this breed, a black, bay, dark chestnut color is the norm. There are also red horses in the population. Sometimes there are light spots or marks on the coat.
Temper and habits
Horses of this breed are distinguished by their excellent character. They are characterized by courage and pride. They are calm, balanced and good-natured animals. Individuals with an unbalanced psyche are not allowed for breeding.
Productive qualities
Hanoverian horses look elegant and hardworking. They are characterized by gracefulness. Therefore, these horses are considered one of the most demanded breeds in the world. They are the very best in Olympic sports. These animals are able to perform different tricks. In equestrian competitions, they take part in the following disciplines:
- show jumping;
- dressage;
- triathlon.
This is a wonderful breed that is genetically oriented towards contact with people, which makes it much easier to work with animals.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the breed include the following:
- calm demeanor;
- gracefulness;
- excellent learning ability;
- the presence of sports passion;
- great appearance.
The only drawback is the impossibility of using it in the household. Apart from this, animals are quite expensive.
Maintenance and care
These animals require complete and high-quality care. For horses to develop normally and not get sick, you will have to spend a lot of money.
Stable arrangement
When arranging a stable, it is recommended to pay attention to the following elements:
- The stall must be free. The walls are recommended to be made of boards. Individual feeders and drinkers should be made for each stall.
- The drinker can be manual or automatic. In the first case, water should be brought in buckets, in the second - its level is constantly maintained in the system.
- The feeder should be made in the form of a tray into which the feed is poured. It is permissible to make 2 compartments to give the animals a variety of food. Trays are made of plastic, wood or iron.
- The flooring is recommended to be made of large sawdust. Fragments that are too small can enter the animal's respiratory system. The initial layer should be 10 centimeters thick. After that, every 2 days it is worth adding an additional portion - 1 bag.
- In winter, the temperature in the stable can be slightly above 0 degrees. Animals tolerate small frosts calmly only in the absence of sharp fluctuations and drafts. However, this is considered extreme conditions. It is best to maintain a temperature of +23 degrees in the stable.
- Lighting is made natural or artificial. In the second case, it is worth maintaining the level of 150-200 lux.
- It is imperative to provide ventilation in the stable. This will help get rid of the bad smell.
Diet
The following foods should be present in the diet of animals:
- Grass. It should make up 80% of the total amount of food. If this is not possible, it is recommended to replace fresh herbs with hay. For every 100 kilograms of animal weight, 2 kilograms of feed are used. It is permissible to give cereal hay in its pure form. When choosing a feed, its quality should be considered.
- Cereals and legumes. Horses are allowed to give a maximum of 4 kilograms of oats and barley per day. They need to be processed first. The number of legumes reaches 2 kilograms.
- Bran. Horses should be given wheat. It is recommended to mix them with steamed grain. Do not give more than 2.5 kilograms of product per day.
- Fruits and vegetables. Horses like apples, watermelons, root vegetables. It is important that the food is clean and fresh. For every 100 kilograms of weight, it is allowed to give 4 kilograms of such food.
- Supplements. You should definitely add biological substances to food. This will help saturate the animal's body with useful elements.
Horses have slow digestion. First, it is worth giving roughage, and cereals - only after half an hour. Then it is recommended that the animal rest for a couple of hours. It is worth feeding the horses three times a day. In the evening they are given maximum hay.
Hygiene
As the horses become dirty, it is recommended to clean them. For this it is worth using a special brush. It is best used against coat growth. It is also permissible to use a damp cloth. After cleaning, the animal will have to be wiped well.
Brushing horses is of no small importance. This helps to avoid hair tangling. For combing the mane, use special combs and gloves.
In addition, the horse is recommended to be bathed regularly. For this, a hose and special detergents are used. It is important to make sure that the water pressure is not very intense. Otherwise, the animal may be frightened.It is definitely worth providing care for the hooves. It is allowed to shoe them, but this is not required. In any case, it is worth systematically cleaning the hooves of dirt.
Breed breeding
Animal breeding is carried out by official organizations. In Russia, they include VNIIK. In Europe, the Hanoverian Breeding Union is engaged in horse breeding. Moreover, there are different approaches to reproduction. Russian scientists cross 2 purebred Hanoverian individuals. Then the foal is given breeding documents. He receives them regardless of compliance with existing standards. Breeding is done differently in Europe. It is permissible to cross Hanover with other breeds that are licensed. If the foals meet the requirements, they are entered into the Hanoverian breed register.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
It is important to closely monitor the health of the animals. To do this, they are systematically shown to the veterinarian. This procedure is recommended every six months. In this case, it is worth monitoring mental health. Horses that have some deviations are not allowed to breed, since with each generation, undesirable traits will only increase.
Purpose, use and price
Hanover is actively used in all sports disciplines. They know how to perform complex tricks and participate in a gait. Thanks to their excellent physical characteristics, horses easily overcome obstacles and show their grace. At the same time, horses are quite expensive - about 3 thousand dollars. The Hanoverian horse breed has many advantages, which is why it is very popular among horse breeders. For horses to thrive, they need quality care.
