Oberlander Horse

The Oberlander Horse is a rare breed that originates from Bavaria, Germany.

They are a friendly breed that are used for driving and pulling heavy loads.

There are not many of these horses around today.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Oberlander Horse, including their history and characteristics.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Oberlander Horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Oberlander horse:

Height (size) 15.2 – 16.2 hands high
Colors Chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, and sometimes leopard spotting is seen
Country of Origin Germany
Common Uses Driving, farm work, logging

Oberlander Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The Oberlander Horse is native to the German region of Bavaria and is distinguished by its huge stature and flaxen mane.

This breed was derived from Roman army horses, but by the end of the 15th century, it had nearly completely disappeared. 

They are related to the Black Forest Horse, Pinzgauer, and Noriker.

In 1769, the first stud farm was formed, where the finest local stock was mixed with large animals from neighboring countries. 

The stud book was closed in 1900, and at that time, breeding was closely regulated in order to correct undesirable characteristics within the breed.

In the past, these strong horses have been used to move loads and pull artillery in the mountains.

Today, the government owns a herd of registered animals in order to preserve and promote each family of these old lineages.

Both the South German Coldblood and the Austrian Noriker may trace their ancestry back to the same time and place, and as a result, the two breeds are frequently believed to be one and the same.

However, genetic analysis has shown that the Oberlander Horse is not only quite distinct from other German draft breeds, but that is also clearly distinguishable from the Salzburg and Carinthian Noriker populations. 

The differences may be the result of the Warmblood influence on South German Coldblood.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“South German Coldblood”

Temperament/Personality

Calm disposition and even temperament

Physical Characteristics

The head is medium-sized, and of draft type, but noble with expressive eyes.

The neck is of medium length.

The back is long and broad.

The legs are correct with good joints, and the hooves are hard.

Colors

Chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, and sometimes leopard spotting is seen

Height (size)

15.2 – 16.2 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

1600 – 1800 lbs (720 kg – 815 kg)

Blood Type

Cold

Common Uses

Driving, farm work, logging

Health

Bone diseases: osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans

Popular Traits

n/a

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Germany

Ancestors

Roman war horses, Belgian, Clydesdale, Norfolk, Cleveland Bay, Friesian, Norman, Oldenburg