Mecklenburg Horse

The Mecklenburger horse is a warmblood breed. It is bred in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern area of north-eastern Germany. The target of breeding this horse is producing a tough, fertile horse with mental and physical stamina, a good disposition and energetic temperament. These horses may be well-matched for any type of riding or driving sport because of liberal, regular paces, a flat-footed walk and an effervescent trot and gallop. They are bred to the same values as the other German Warmblood breeds.

History of Mecklenburger Horse

Historically Mecklenburger horse was influenced by Thoroughbred and Arabian blood. Mecklenburger horse of this day is an athletic riding and driving horse and carries similarity to the neighboring Hanoverian. The histories of Strelitz, Schwerin and the other Mecklenburg duchies are entwined. Mecklenburger horse was an all-purpose horse before the Second World War. There were a few changes that lead to the necessity of a cavalry horse. Such horses were bred especially for the aristocratic families. The horses belonging to the common masses were trained as remounts. After mechanization the cavalry horse in Europe was used for ceremonial purposes. With the advent of large-scale train transport in Germany in the 19th century, need for stage horses was considerably abridged. Carriage horses with high-stepping gaits became well-liked for short-distance traveling and the same happened with saddle horses. Mechanization lessened the horse’s role in transport again. Technological achievements affected the role and importance of horses in the field of agriculture. The requirement for agricultural horses was also affected by the native populace. Ups and downs in it brought changes in demand for food. As periods of high growth approached, food demands also grew and thus, demand for plow horses also increased. Once again, after the Second World War, mechanization ousted the horse from this job. The modern Mecklenburger horse has been bred since 1970 as a riding and sport horse.

Physique of Mecklenburger Horse

Mecklenburger horse has a medium head, well-carried on a strong and tapering neck. It has pronounced withers. It has powerful shoulders and chest. The girth is deep and barrel is rounded. Its body is compact with broad, strong loins and good quarters. Its legs are strong with good bone. It has short cannon bones and hard, well-shaped hooves. Its general appearance is that of a slightly smaller Hanoverian.

Height of Mecklenburger Horse

Usually, Mecklenburger horses stand between 15.2 and 16.3 hands high.

Body Color of Mecklenburger Horse

You can find Mecklenburger horses in almost all solid colors.

Temperament of Mecklenburger Horse

Mecklenburger horses are good under saddle. They are willing and bold, with a kind and tractable nature. They have a good character and vivacious, balanced temperament.

Uses of Mecklenburger Horse

Mecklenburger horses are in particular suitable for show jumping and dressage. They are also widely used for eventing, combined driving and competition of show hunting as well.

The Mecklenburger horse is closely related to the Hanoverian. Much of the same blood-lines have been used to establish both of them with a frequent exchange of stock between breeders of the two strains. In this century it has been bred as a cavalry remount, though since World War II, breeders have tended to concentrate on the production of a good, all-purpose saddle horse. Today, it can be said without a doubt that it has turned to be an excellent sport horse.