Origin
Holland
History
The Groningen, bred in the Groningen region in the north of the Netherlands was well suited to the needs of the local people. The old type was based mainly on its famous neighbor, the Friesian, and almost as much on the powerful, temperate Oldenburger. By the early 19th century, it had evolved as a heavy farm horse that could carry out a variety of agricultural tasks and could also be used as a steady, very strong coach horse.
After 1945, the demand for an active, versatile horse prompted breeders to produce a more compact animal with better shoulders and greater freedom of movement.
The Groningen breed nearly became extinct in the 1970s, when only one purebred stallion remained, but breeders have taken steps to assure preservation of this old breed. The Groningen Association opened a special studbook for this breed in 1982 with the objective to preserve the breed and its distinct character.
The powerful quarters of the Groningen have contributed greatly to the jumping power of Dutch Warmblood horses, and the Groningen is established as a basic type in the Dutch Warmblood stud book.
Description
- Head:
long with straight profile and long ears - Conformation:
-neck of medium length and well muscled, wide at the base
-prominent and long withers
-long back
-flat croup with a high tailset
-powerfully muscled quarters
-wide and deep chest with great depth to the girth
-short, well muscled, strong legs with excellent joints and well-shaped hooves - Average height:
15.3 to 16.1 h.h. - Colours:
the primary colours are black, bay, or brown - Temperament:
docile, obedient, calm, easily managed and very willing - Today:
it is used as a heavyweight saddle horse and as an excellent carriage horse.
