Oldenburgh Horse Breed 

Country of Origin: The Oldenburgh horse breed was developed in Germany. 

Blood Type: The Oldenburgh horse breed in the warmblood group. 

History: The Oldenburgh horse is Germany’s heaviest warmblood type horse and was developed in the 17^th century. Horses from Italy and the Barb from Spain were crossed with the Friesian horses and later Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, Hanoverian, and Norman blood was introduced to the Oldenburgh horses. The early Oldenburgh horses were heavier framed and used as carriage horses and for farm work. In the 19^th century they were used by the military and the postal service for pulling the mail coaches. At that time, the Oldenburgh horse breed had the confirmation of a light draft.

 More infusions of Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay and Selle Francais blood lightened the breed again.  

Height: The Oldenburgh horse stands 16HH and over. 

Colors: The Oldenburgh horses are predominantly bay, black, or brown and some are gray.  

Description: Today’s Oldenburgh horse breed is lighter than the earlier Oldenburgh horses and is versatile as a riding horse and suitable for competitive work. The Oldenburgh is a big, impressive looking horse. It still shows some high knee action from its coach horse ancestors. The Oldenburgh have a rather plain head and some have a roman nose; a long, strong neck and powerful, sloping shoulders; a board, deep chest and a rounded barrel; a long back with muscular quarters and strong, solid legs.

Temperament: The Oldenburgh horse has a calm but energetic temperament. Continued infusions of Hanoverian blood kept the excitable temperament of the Thoroughbred from dominating the Oldenburgh horses’ character.  

Uses: The Oldenburgh horse is popular and highly competitive in show jumping and dressage.