- Oldenburg -

   The Oldenburg has changed in appearance quite considerably since its early development in Germany during the 17th century. Count Anton Gunther, who ruled as the Count of Oldenburg from 1603 to 1667, is largely credited with the development of this breed. His original aim was to produce a large carriage horse of quality that 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 Rastede. 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 descended from good Spanish lines.

It is likely that the early Oldenburg was similar to the Kladruber horse, which had developed in the 16th century. The early Oldenburg 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 Oldenburg, but then began the introduction of Barb, half=bred, and Thoroughbred blood, which would also have contained a large percentage o the indomitable Norfolk Roadster.

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

At this time, the Oldenburg was still a middle to heavy-weight horse, having much in common with  a light draft animal. In 1897, some Englihs Thoroubred blood was introduced, some of which is belived to trace back to the fmaous Eclipse, and around this time, Cleveland Bay stallions were used. The Cleveland Bay was a notable carriage horse of the time, and extremely useful as a riding horse with a god natural jump, which can only have improved the Oldenburg stock. There were infusions of Hanoverian blood, and use was made of the Norman Horse, most notably the stalliopn Normann. The Oldenburg was used durning the First World War by the cavalry but dring the war the breed suffered great losses.

Afterwards, the Oldenburg was once again chifly employed for harness and agricultural purposes, and it was not until after 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 htat the "New Oldenburg" was established to prevent the breed from disappearing altogether. It was realized by the Oldenburg enthusiasts that it was necessary to focus breeding on the production of a versatile riding horse. To this end, there were further incustions of Thoroughtbred blood, most notably from the stallion Lupus, and more Norman blod, especially from the stallion Condor, who had a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood in him. In order to prevent the Thoroughbred characteristics, namely the excitable temperament, from dominationg, there was the continued use of Hanoverian blood, which helped tomaintain the excellent Oldenburg nature.

The Oldenburg 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 Oldenburg 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 a fairly high action, but this in no way detracts from their use for either dressage or more importantly, show jumping. The Oldenburg 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 possess a calm, energetic temperament.

They are powerfully built and still retain a fairly massive body structure. They have quality heads, which 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 quite long and the quarters are muscular, with a well-set tail. They have very strong, solid legs, with good bone and excellent hooves. They are mostly black, bay, brown, or gray in color, and stand between 16.2 and 17.2 hands high.

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