Holstein breed of horses: description and features, rules of keeping

For many centuries, horses have been used as working animals in agriculture and the military. Today Holstein horses are obligatory participants in colorful exhibitions and active competitions. Animals stand out with a confident and strong gait, noble posture, and the ability to keep balance. Flexibility meets power elegantly.

Historical Breed Data

The first mention of the breed is found in German documents. The ancestors of the Holsteiners were powerful draft horses. The use of horses of Arabian, Spanish, Barbary breeds brought strong changes to the exterior of Holstein horses.The breeding book of the breed was opened in 1886.

Description of horses

Today Holsteins are considered one of the best sports breeds. Fast and graceful horses show intelligence, ability to train. Therefore, it is not surprising that the breed is loved and respected in the equestrian world.

Exterior and colors

Holsteiners demonstrate athletic build. Characteristic physical data: arched wide chest, muscular long croup and narrow strong back, elongated head, high lean legs with rounded hooves. At the withers, the height of the Holsteiner is 167-175 cm. Common colors are black with white spots, red, gray, dark bay and bay.

Animal Character

Endurance, friendly disposition are the main qualities of horses. Thanks to their ingenuity and perseverance, the Holsteiners confidently win competitions. These unpretentious animals have a calm character, during training they show a noble disposition.

Productive qualities of the breed

The numerous advantages of Holsteiners allow them to be used for various purposes. First of all, representatives of the breed are regular participants in various sports competitions. Endurance, agility, speed are the qualities due to which strong horses win prizes. Perfected jumping technique allows the Holsteiners to stand out in show jumping.

Pros and cons of Holstein horses

Dignity of the breed: excellent physical parameters, spectacular exterior, calm and friendly character, obedience to training, not conflict. The advantage of the Holsteiners is a soft step. It is comfortable for the rider to stay in the saddle when the horse is evenly kept both in the canter and in the trot.

The breed has no particular flaws. Features include an excitable temperament, but this is not considered increased nervousness.Naturally, in order for the horse not to have bad habits (the habit of backing away when stopped, biting the bit), it must be constantly and patiently trained.

Content rules

The main requirement for keeping animals is the presence of a stable and paddock. For the Holsteiner, it is important to stay outdoors for a long time, on the green grass in the open air. Horses can be kept in wooden and brick stables. The first are inexpensive, but wear out quickly. Brick structures are more reliable and durable, but have a high cost. Any premises are equipped with ventilation, heating, windows.

For each individual, a separate area is enclosed - a stall. The floor must be durable, water-resistant and cold-resistant. The concrete base is sheathed with boards. The bedding in the stall must be dry, otherwise dampness will cause rotting of the hooves.

Advice! When arranging the floor, be sure to withstand a slight slope towards the aisle.

Feeding and watering

When forming the diet and feeding rules for Holsteiners, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the digestive system of horses. It is important to adhere to a certain feeding regimen.

Experts recommend following a few rules:

• The horse's digestive system must be constantly working. Therefore, animals are often given small portions of food;
• if you plan to introduce new feeds or additives, do it gradually;
• There should always be water in the drinker to prevent dehydration of the animals. In winter, it is recommended to heat the water.

The animal is not fed directly before/after exercise. It is necessary to withstand the hourly interval. In the heat and during strong physical exertion, the volume of water for drinking is increased (daily portion - 20-30 liters).

Properly composed diet

A Holsteiner should have constant access to hay, chopped straw, since structured carbohydrates are the basis of nutrition (daily intake is 7-9 kg). The diet should contain complex carbohydrates (corn, oats, barley). The daily norm (200 g of grain per 45 kg of animal weight) is divided into 3-4 servings. The food is pre-crushed, steamed and given in the form of porridge.

Advice! As necessary, the food is enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements.

Features of breed breeding

You need to decide on the purpose of breeding horses. If a breeding group is compiled, the parameters by which stallions and mares are rejected are taken into account:

• rounded or flattened head, oblique profile, short ears;
• low or high growth at the withers (permissible parameter - from 167 to 180 cm);
• short neck, curved back line;
• croup short, legs short or not strong enough.

Culled individuals are not allowed to compete. If it is not planned to enter the Holsteiner at competitions or exhibitions, then special requirements are not adhered to when breeding. Any of the above disadvantages will not interfere with peaceful walks or the use of animals in equestrian schools.

Diseases and their treatments

It is recommended to bring your horse for a veterinary checkup every six months. Sudden lameness can be caused by injuries or inflammation of the hooves, tumors (corns) on the soles. First aid can be provided on your own: horses provide peace, fine sand is poured onto the floor in the stall to balance the load on the legs. Inflammatory processes are removed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Flunixin).

Also, horses can suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory diseases.The main prevention of diseases is to ensure the correct conditions of detention (no drafts, in a dry, warm room). The key to the active development and growth of the animal will be a properly selected diet, the use of fresh feed.

Cost

It is impossible to determine the average price for a horse, since the price is influenced by the pedigree and purpose of the horse, age, breed, skills, physical characteristics and disposition. Common variations of offerings are a trained adult animal and a foal. Naturally, for a trained Holsteiner participating in competitions, they will ask for a solid price - from a million rubles. Prices for foals from thoroughbred titled parents are lower - they start from 300 thousand rubles.

Where is the horse used?

Traditionally, animals were used as riding horses, in military cavalry and in postal services. They were also in demand among farmers. Today, Holsteiners actively participate in individual competitions (most often in the disciplines of jumping, dressage) and in crew races.The breed also actively performs at exhibitions, is used in horse rental. Today, keeping noble animals is an expensive pleasure. Holsteiners are often purchased by horseback riders. Riders appreciate the balanced and soft gait of thoroughbred horses.

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