A Hanoverian is a warmblood horse originating in Germany. They are said to have descended from the warhorse of the Middle Ages. In 1735, George II, the King of England and Elector of Hanover, founded the state stud at Celle. He began a breeding program for horses and by the end of the 18th century, the Hanoverian had become a high-class coach horse. Hanoverians are athletic and are good jumpers as well as having the gaits for dressage. The horses have won gold medals in all three equestrian Olympic competitions.
