For many centuries, horses have been used as a working animal in agriculture and warfare. Today, Holstein horses are obligatory participants in colorful exhibitions and active competitions. Animals stand out for their confident and strong gait, noble posture, and ability to maintain balance. Flexibility combines elegantly with power.
Historical data about the breed
The first mentions of the breed are found in German documents. The ancestors of Holsteins were powerful draft horses. The use of Arabian, Spanish, and Barbary breeds brought strong changes to the exterior of Holstein horses. The breed's stud book was opened in 1886.
Description of horses
Today Holsteins are considered one of the best sporting breeds. Fast and graceful horses show intelligence and the ability to train. Therefore, it is not surprising that the breed is loved and respected in the equestrian world.
Exterior and color
Holsteins exhibit an athletic build. Characteristic physical characteristics: 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 Holstein is 167-175 cm. Common colors: black with white spots, red, gray, dark bay and bay.
Animal character
Endurance and friendly disposition are the main qualities of horses. Thanks to their intelligence and perseverance, Holsteins confidently win competitions. These unpretentious animals have a calm character and display a noble disposition during training.
Productive qualities of the breed
The numerous advantages of Holsteins allow them to be used for various purposes. First of all, representatives of the breed are regular participants in various sporting competitions. Endurance, agility, speed – these are the qualities thanks to which strong horses win prizes. A refined jumping technique allows Holsteins to stand out in show jumping.
Pros and cons of Holstein horses
Advantages of the breed: excellent physical parameters, spectacular exterior, calm and friendly character, obedience to training, non-conflict.The advantage of Holsteins is their soft step. The rider is comfortable in the saddle when the horse is level both in the gallop and in the trot.
The breed has no particular disadvantages. Features include an excitable temperament, but this is not considered increased nervousness. Naturally, in order for a horse not to have bad habits (the habit of backing away when stopping, 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. It is important for the Holstein to spend a long time in the fresh air, on green grass in the open air. Horses can be kept in wooden and brick stables. The first ones 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, and windows.
For each individual, a separate area is fenced off - a stall. The floor must be durable, waterproof and cold resistant. The concrete base is covered with boards. The bedding in the stall must be dry, otherwise dampness will cause hoof rot.
Advice! When arranging the floor, be sure to maintain a slight slope towards the passage.
Feeding and watering
When forming the diet and feeding rules for Holsteins, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the digestive system of horses. It is important to adhere to a certain feeding regimen.
Experts recommend following several 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 must be water in the drinking bowl at all times to prevent dehydration of the animals. In winter, it is recommended to heat the water.
The animal is not fed immediately before/after physical activity. It is necessary to maintain an hour interval. In hot weather and during severe physical exertion, the volume of water for drinking is increased (daily portion - 20-30 liters).
Properly composed diet
The Holstein must have constant access to hay and chopped straw, since structured carbohydrates are the basis of nutrition (daily value - 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-chopped, steamed and given in the form of porridge.
Advice! As necessary, the food is enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements.
Features of breeding
You need to decide on the purpose of breeding horses. If a breeding group is being compiled, the parameters by which stallions and mares are rejected are taken into account:
- round or flattened head, indirect profile, short ears;
- low or high height at the withers (acceptable parameter - from 167 to 180 cm);
- short neck, curved back line;
- short croup, short or insufficiently strong legs.
Culled individuals are not allowed to compete. If you do not plan to enter a Holstein at competitions or exhibitions, then no special requirements are followed during breeding. Any of the above disadvantages will not interfere with quiet walks or the use of animals in equestrian schools.
Diseases and methods of their treatment
It is recommended to bring your horse for a veterinary examination every six months. Sudden lameness can be caused by injury or inflammation of the hooves, or tumors (calluses) on the sole.First aid can be provided independently: the horses are kept at rest, and fine sand is poured onto the floor of the stall to balance the load on the legs. Inflammatory processes are relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Flunixin).
Horses can also suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory diseases. The main prevention of diseases is to ensure proper living conditions (no drafts, in a dry, warm room). The keys to the active development and growth of the animal will be a properly selected diet and the use of fresh feed.
Price
It is impossible to determine the average price for a horse, since the cost is influenced by the pedigree and purpose of the horse, age, breed, skills, physical characteristics and disposition. Common suggestions are a trained adult animal and a foal. Naturally, a substantial price will be asked for a trained Holstein participating in competitions - from a million rubles. Prices for foals from purebred, titled parents are lower - starting from 300 thousand rubles.
Where is the horse used?
Traditionally, the animals were used as riding horses, in military cavalry and in postal services. Also in demand among farmers. Today, Holsteins actively participate in individual competitions (most often in the disciplines of show jumping and dressage) and in crew races. The breed also actively performs at exhibitions and is used in horse riding. Today, keeping noble animals is an expensive pleasure. Holsteins are often purchased by horse riding enthusiasts. Riders appreciate the balanced and soft gait of thoroughbred horses.
