The Groninger is a rare breed of horse that originated in the Netherlands.
Though they are not as common as other breeds of horses, they are known for their strong build and friendly personality.
If you’re thinking about adding a Groninger horse to your herd, there are a few things you should know first, so let’s get started!
Groninger Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Groninger Horse horse:
| Height (size) | 15.3 – 16.1 hands high |
| Colors | 90% are black or some shade of bay. The rest are chestnut or gray. |
| Country of Origin | The Netherlands |
| Common Uses | Pleasure riding, show horse, driving |
Groninger Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The province of Groningen in the northern Netherlands is the birthplace of the Groningen horse.
Gronigan is a heavy Dutch warmblood that is closely related to the Gelderland (although it is bigger and more robust).
Along with the Gelderland horse it has been integrated into the Dutch Warmblood registry.
The Ostfriesen and the German Oldenburg horses were crossed with native stock that was available in the area, which led to the development of the breed we know today.
The result was a handsome carriage horse with a smooth gait, plenty of stamina, and a great disposition.
The heavy clay soil in that area called for a different breed of horse than the Gelderland, which was bred for the lighter, sandy soil of the central and eastern Netherlands.
The Groningen got its muscular build and large size via the introduction of Suffolk Punch blood in the 19th century.
Because a substantial number of mares were used for cross breeding to develop the Dutch Warmblood in the middle of the 20th century, there were very few purebreds left of the breed.
As a result, the breed came dangerously close to extinction.
In 1978, there was just one purebred stallion left called Baldweijin, but breeding efforts that focused mainly on Oldenburg horses have been successful in preserving the breed’s traits.
As is the case with the Dutch Gelderland, the Groningen has, to a large extent, been integrated into the Dutch Warmblood breed in recent times.
The strong quarters of the Groningen have made a significant contribution to the jumping ability of the Dutch Warmblood, which is why the Groningen is recognized as a fundamental type in the Dutch Warmblood stud book.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Groningen horse”
Temperament/Personality
Even temperament
Physical Characteristics
The head is long with a straight face and long ears.
The neck is wide at the base, well muscled and of medium length.
The chest is deep and wide.
The withers are long and prominent.
The back is also long, and the croup is flat.
The tail is set high.
The quarters are powerful.
The legs are muscular, strong and with excellent joints.
The hooves are well-shaped.
Overall it is a heavy horse with a rectangular frame.
The length of the body is about 10% longer than the height of the horse at the withers.
Colors
90% are black or some shade of bay. The rest are chestnut or gray.
Height (size)
15.3 – 16.1 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Pleasure riding, show horse, driving
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
The Netherlands
Ancestors
Local stock, East Friesian (a.k.a. Ostfriesen), German Oldenburg, Suffolk Punch