Origin
Germany
History
Originating in the Senne, an area of heath on the southern slopes of the Teutoburger Waldes between the cities of Bielefeld and Padeborn, the Senne horse is an old breed dating to at least 1160. The Senne is considered a halfbred type, emerging from indigenous warmblood horses now extinct and crossed with Arabs, Spanish horses, and Thoroughbreds. A private stud originally situated near the city of Detmold and then moved to Lopshorn in 1680 became well-known for its fine horses.From the beginning the tradition was to keep them outdoors all year round. In the place of origin, the mares and foals were taken from pasture only to select horses needed for work or riding. After 1870 the horses were not kept in the old way and natural selection no longer governed the type of the Senne horse. In 1935 the Lopshorn stud was closed and the horses sold to private breeders. J.M. Jmmink, from the Netherlands, brought several of the horses and bred them in Lopshorn. In 1946 the stud was finally dissolved entirely.
In the hands now of a few dedicated breeders, the Senne horses are once again bred as they were originally in several places in Germany.
Description
- Head:
of Arab type, with a straight profile and often the classic dished face - Conformation:
this is an attractive, well-made horse, elegant in appearance and action. Arab influence is clearly evident in its characteristics.
-long, slightly arched neck
-well pronounced withers
-deep chest
-well sloped and muscular shoulder
-long back
-gently sloped croup
-well rounded barrel
-refined legs yet with good bone, strong joints and hard feet - Average height:
15.2 to 16.2 h.h. - Colours:
the main coat is grey and some are bay - Temperament:
hardy, easy keepers with good tempers - Today:
Senne horses are used for riding and coaching
