The Oldenburg horse is a popular horse breed in the sports community, and the Oldenburg horse temperament is something to look into when considering it. A warmblood breed with origins in Germany, the Oldenburg is a strong, adaptable horse.
Used as a riding horse, the Oldenburg has made many appearances in shows and contests. With a tall and compact frame, it is an ideal horse for sporting shows. It holds the name of the Duchy of Oldenburg in Germany, as a further representation of its roots there.
A Brief History Of The Oldenburg Breed
This breed can be traced through history to around 300 years ago, in the Oldenburg region of Germany. Here the horses were used mainly for plowing fields. Through the years and mixing in other breeds, the Oldenburg breed as we know it today came to be.
The count of Oldenburg, Johann XVI, was one of the original investors in this breed. When thinking about what makes an Oldenburg horse, Johann XVI was the one to cross-breed different horses into the Oldenburg. From the Barb, Andalusian, to Napolitan and Friesian horses, all have been used to make the Oldenburg.
Oldenburg Horse Characteristics
Although it looks very imposing and large in stature, the Oldenburg horse temperament, by comparison, is quite tame. It is a commonly encountered horse in many show or competition-related events, and it’s no wonder.
Overall Physical Features
The Oldenburg is a beautiful breed with a lightly convex head profile. Their faces are very expressive and display large gentle eyes. A long, strong neck supports the horse’s head, and the prominent withers contribute to its imposing stance.
An Oldenburg has a deep chest settled with prominent muscles that overlap the entire body of the horse. This contributes to their powerful hindquarters, shoulders, and back that offer the horse great control.
A high set tail rounds up the Oldenburg’s back while the croup itself is quite flat. Board legs with shorter bones, make up the lower part of their body. The wide hoof aptly bears the horse’s body weight, as this horse can be truly heavy.
Since an Oldenburg will most likely be singled out for competitions, the question of are Oldenburg horses gaited will arise. It’s improbable for this breed to be gaited as they have impressive gaits. Oldenburgs are not known for keeping their foot on the ground when engaged in canter.
Colors And Markings
As for coat color, the Oldenburg comes in a number of colors. The most common ones are brown, chestnut, black, bay, and gray. Along with solid colors on the coat, markings accompany these colorations on the lower legs and face.
Measurements
When it comes to size and measurements, the Oldenburg can be considered a hefty horse, weighing close to 1700 pounds. Also, an Oldenburg measures between 64 to 70 inches in height.
Oldenburg Horse Temperament
Beginners looking to start in the world of equines will question are Oldenburg horses good for beginners? It doesn’t display any intimidating behaviors and can be easy to work with, especially for beginners. They are highly intelligent, and this makes them easier to train. The imposing and charming features contrast beautifully with the gentle Oldenburg horse temperament.
Kind in nature with easy-going temperaments, an Oldenburg horse, can be ideal for novices. This makes them excellent riding companions with powerful legs and reliable disposition. An Oldenburg will express willingness to work and wish to gratify their rider.
They could display some impatience with unsure riders, but once a bond of trust is established, this is easily overcome. Ordinarily, this breed is very well behaved, but its personality depends on each individual horse.
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Oldenburg Life Span
How long do Oldenburg horses live is a question many who wish to invest in this breed will ponder? The life span of a typical Oldenburg will extend to around 30 years. In terms of health, the Oldenburg is a healthy breed not suffering from any significant health problems. With a proper diet, exercise and grooming, an Oldenburg will lead a long healthy life.
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Grooming Needs
In order to maintain a clean and beautiful coat, grooming with a curry, the comb is necessary. This removes dirt, loose hair, or other unwanted foreign objects from the horse’s coat. A body finishing brush would be most suitable for cleaning the horse’s legs and face.
The more sensitive parts of the face and legs need a special brush so that it won’t irritate or injure their skin. A mane comb is another separate brush to use in brushing and detangling the mane and tail. Regularly brushing the longer parts of the hair will maintain them and reduce the risk of tangles.
The hooves are also not to be overlooked. Keeping the hooves debris-free and clear of rocks will benefit the horse. Inspecting the hooves is usually done with a hoof pic. It’s important to make sure there are no injuries or potential infections.
Oldenburg Horse Temperament – Conclusions
The muscular Oldenburg is very agile on the field of competition and has a pleasant personality. Determining Oldenburg horse temperament is mostly in the interest of new beginner riders that are starting to learn to ride. Fortunately, the Oldenburg is known as a gentle-tempered horse and can be a good beginner horse.
Are Oldenburg horses good for beginners?
Wanting a less temperamental horse when starting out as a novice is something many beginners wish for in their journey. Some breeds can be more difficult for beginners, so it’s important to find a good fit in the begining. The Oldenburg breed produces some calm examples that many find great for beginners.
Are Oldenburg horses gaited?
Some horses are gaited and that makes them run with one foot on the ground. The Oldenburg, however, is not an example of this kind of horse. This breed is famed for having an excellent gait which is perfect for competitions.
What makes an Oldenburg horse?
In its past, many other breeds were used to make the Oldenburg. Among these breeds, the Andalusian, Napolitan, and Friesian horse beads were implemented in breeding the Oldenburg we know today.
How long do Oldenburg horses live?
The lifespan of a typical Oldenburg horse is usually around 30 years. With appropriate diet, care, and exercise the Oldenburg will live its years quite comfortably and contented.
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