Warmblood with a thick, dense coat, mane and tail.
The Hanoverian has a noble, harmonious conformation with a strong, well-muscled body and powerful, elastic gaits. Its coat is thick, and the mane and tail are full, requiring regular grooming.12
Hanoverians are intelligent, determined and courageous, yet sensible and alert. They are willing partners who are generally calm and gentle, making them suitable for riders of all experience levels when well-trained. They are highly trainable and respond best to positive, consistent and patient methods.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Hanoverians have a deep-rooted will to perform and need plenty of physical and mental exercise. They thrive on regular work such as dressage, jumping, eventing, groundwork and long hacks. Without enough activity they can become temperamental. They are not suited to a sedentary lifestyle.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Daily grooming with a curry comb, dandy brush, finishing brush, shedding blade and mane and tail comb is needed to remove dirt and loose hair. A detangler helps with the thick mane and tail. Hooves should be picked daily and checked by a farrier regularly. A hoof moisturiser can help prevent cracks.1
Home where they are happiest
As a herd animal, Hanoverians must have contact with other horses. They need plenty of space, daily turnout on pasture, and a safe, well-ventilated stable. No special housing requirements beyond standard good horse-keeping.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Hanoverians are easy keepers, so avoid high-sugar and high-starch feeds. The diet should be based on high-quality roughage such as alfalfa, Bermuda or Timothy hay, plus beet pulp and oats if needed. A 1,400 lb horse needs about 28 lb of forage daily (2% of body weight). Always provide salt and fresh water.1
Company who they like around
Hanoverians are herd animals and must have regular contact with other horses for their mental well-being. They form strong bonds with their owners once trust is established.3
The story where it all began
The Hanoverian breed traces its roots to the 16th century in the Kingdom of Hanover, now part of Lower Saxony, Germany. Originally bred for agricultural and military work, the breed was refined over centuries. A key milestone was the founding of the Celle State Stud in 1735, which centralised breeding records. The official studbook was established in 1888. After World War II, the breed was refined with Trakehner and Thoroughbred blood to create the modern sport horse. Today, Hanoverians are among the world's top warmbloods, excelling in dressage, show jumping and eventing. The American Hanoverian Society was founded in 1978.526
Recognised by the official bits
Verband Hannoverscher Warmblutzüchter (VHW), Hanoverian Warmblood Breeders Association
The main German registry, founded in 1922. The American Hanoverian Society (AHS) was founded in 1978 and maintains a separate studbook.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Hanoverian. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterHay or grazing most of the day, fresh water alwaysevery day
Pick out hoovesPick out the hooves every dayevery day
GroomingA quick groom also lets you spot cuts and swellingsevery day
TurnoutDaily time out with company, horses are herd animalsevery day
Muck outevery day
Farrier visitTrim or shoes about every 6 to 8 weeks, as your farrier advisesevery 6 weeks
Teeth brushingDental check by a vet or equine dentistevery year
Flea, tick and worm protectionWorming as your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.
You need
4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
2 cups water
2 tsp baking powder
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp cinnamon
How
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before feeding.
How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Hanoverian, and what should it eat?
Feed your Hanoverian daily with high-quality roughage like alfalfa, Bermuda or Timothy hay, plus beet pulp and oats if needed. A 1,400 lb horse needs about 28 lb of forage each day (2% of body weight). Avoid high-sugar and high-starch feeds, and always provide salt and fresh water. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Hanoverian?
Many common foods are toxic to horses, including chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, and xylitol. Also avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw meat or eggs. For a full list, consult your vet or a reliable source like the ASPCA.7
How much space and land does a Hanoverian need?
Hanoverians need plenty of space for daily turnout on pasture and a safe, well-ventilated stable. As herd animals, they must have contact with other horses. There are no special housing requirements beyond standard good horse-keeping.3
What kind of shelter does a Hanoverian need?
A safe, well-ventilated stable is essential, along with daily turnout on pasture. No special housing is needed beyond standard good horse-keeping practices. Ensure the shelter is clean and dry.3
How do I look after a Hanoverian's hooves or feet?
Pick your Hanoverian's hooves daily to remove dirt and debris, and have a farrier check them regularly (Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 42 days). A hoof moisturiser can help prevent cracks. Always keep hooves clean and dry.1Furry Diary plan
Does a Hanoverian need grooming or shearing?
Yes, daily grooming with a curry comb, dandy brush, finishing brush, shedding blade, and mane and tail comb is needed to remove dirt and loose hair. Use a detangler for the thick mane and tail. Shearing is not typically required.1
Can a Hanoverian live alone?
No, Hanoverians are herd animals and must have regular contact with other horses for their mental well-being. They form strong bonds with their owners but need equine companionship to thrive.3
How long does a Hanoverian live?
Hanoverians typically live between 20 and 35 years, depending on care and genetics. With proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.13
Is a Hanoverian good with children?
Yes, Hanoverians are generally calm and gentle, making them suitable for riders of all experience levels when well-trained. They are intelligent and willing partners, so with proper training they can be wonderful with children.12
What regular vet care does a Hanoverian need?
Regular vet care includes annual dental check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests yearly teeth care and parasite prevention based on your vet's advice. Always consult your vet for a tailored schedule. Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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