Oldenburgh

The Oldenburgh has changed in appearance quite considerably since its early development in Germany during the 17th century. Count Anton Gunther, who ruled as he Count of Oldenburgh from 1603 to 1667, is largely credited with the development of the breed. His original aim was to produce a large carriage horse of quality, which was also able to work in an agricultural capacity, Gunther established stud farms in the Geest regions and also built the royal stables and riding school at Tastede. he began to import Spanish and Neopolitan horses and used these to cross with the East Friesian.  One important stallion influential in the early development of the breed was the gray Kranich, who was descended from good Spanish lines.

It is likely that the early Oldenburgh was similar to the Kladruber horse which had developed in the 16th century. The early Oldenburgh would have been quite heavy-framed and somewhat coarse in appearance, and is documented as having a pronounced Roman nose. It was not until the late 18th century that there was any effort made to improve the quality of the Oldenburgh, but then began the introduction of Barb, half-bred, and Thoroughbred type blood, which would also have contained a large percentage of the indomitable Norfolk Roadster.

During the second half of the 19th century, the Oldenburgh achieved some popularity, particularly with the military, who used them as cavalry horses, and also with the postal service who used the Oldenburgh for drawing the mail coaches.

At this time, the Oldenburgh was still a middle to heavyweight horse and with a conformation very much in character with a light draft animal. In 1897, some English Thoroughbred blood was introduced, some of which is believed to trace back to the famous Eclipse, and around this time Cleveland Bay stallions were used.

The Cleveland Bay was a notable carriage horse of the time and also extremely useful as a riding horse with a good natural jump, which can only have improved the Oldenburgh stock. There were infusions of Hanoverian blood and use was made of the Norman Horse, most notably the stallion Normann. The Oldenburgh was used during the First World War by the cavalry but during the war, the breed suffered great losses.

Afterwards, the Oldenburgh was once again chiefly employed for harness and agricultural purposes, and it was not until the Second World War that there were further efforts to lighten and improve the breed. With the advent of mechanization and motor vehicles, the breed again fell into decline and it was at this point that the 'New Oldenburgh' was established to prevent the breed from disappearing altogether. It was realized by the Oldenburgh enthusiasts that it was necessary to focus breading on the production of a versatile riding horse. To this end, there were further infusions of Thoroughbred blood, most notably from the stallion Lupus, and more Norman blood, especially from the stallion Condor, who has a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood in him. In order to prevent the Thoroughbred characteristics, namely their excitable temperament, from dominating, there was continued use of Hanoverian blood, which helped to maintain the excellent Oldenburgh nature.

The Oldenburgh of today is a versatile, quality horse suitable for competitive work, especially in the dressage and show jumping worlds, as well as being popular within the competitive driving world. Originally the Oldenburgh would have had quite a high knee action in line with their role as a carriage horse, and this action and the conformation of their shoulder, has subtly changed through the years. They do, however, still retain high action but this in no way detracts from their use for either dressage or more importantly show jumping. The Oldenburgh is not noted for its speed, although the Thoroughbred blood in them has improved this somewhat. They are impressive and attractive, long-lived, early developers, and possessed of a calm but energetic temperament.

They are powerfully built and still retain a fairly massive body structure. They have quality heads, with occasionally exhibit a convex profile, and have large, kind eyes. The neck is of good length and muscular, and set to very powerful shoulders. They are broad and deep through the chest and are deep through the barrel which is rounded. The back is often quit long and the quarters very muscular, with a well-set tail. They have strong, solid legs, with good bone and excellent hooves. They are mostly bay, brown, black, or gray in color, and stand at between 16.2 hh and 17.2 hh.

Start Page : Oldenburgh