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Netherlands Breeds of Horse | |
Groningen
The Groningen originated in the Netherlands in the late 19th Cebtury, Oldenburg horses were bred to the
local draft breeds. In the 1970's the breed was almost lost as most of the breed was obsorbed into
the Dutch Warmblood breed. Only one purebred stallion remained. Oldenburg blood has been used
to reduce the inbreeding during the reestablishment of the breed.
A heavy weight saddle and first-rate carriage horse, produced from crossing
the Oldenburg, Friesian and East Friesian breeds. It stands at between 15.2
and 16.2 h.h. is usually black, dark brown or bay and it has good
conformation; an attractive refined head with intelligent, bright eyes and
shapely alert ears; an elegant neck; good strong, sloping shoulders; a
strong back; a deep chest and body with great depth of girth; powerful
hindquarters; short strong legs with good hard feet.
The Groningen has an
equable temperament is an economical feeder and of sound constitution. Once
produced primarily as a light draught horse of pure breed, it is now used in
the production of the Dutch Warmblood and in competitive carriage driving.
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