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The
Holsteiner is a breed of horse originating in the
Schleswig-Holstein region of northern
Germany. It is thought to be the oldest of
warmblood breeds, tracing back to the 13th century. Though the population is not large, Holsteiners are a dominant force of international
show jumping, and are found at the top levels of
dressage,
combined driving,
show hunters, and
eventing.<!--expand lead for GA, see WP:LEAD-->
Breed characteristics
Holsteiners are medium-framed horses averaging between 16 and 17
hands high () at the
withers. Approved
stallions must be a minimum of 16hh and mares a minimum of 15.2hh (). As a breed, Holsteiners are known for their arched, rather high-set necks and powerful
hindquarters. The heavy neck was perpetuated even in modern Holsteiners with the help of
Ladykiller xx and his son,
Landgraf. In centuries past, Holsteiners retained the...
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