Last updated: 2 August 2026
Horse breeds
Holsteiner
A German warmblood breed with a strong show jumping tradition.
- Origin
- Germany, Schleswig-Holstein
- Height
- Usually 1.65 to 1.75 m at the withers.
- Disciplines
- A warmblood sport horse that excels above all in show jumping, and is also used for dressage, eventing and driving.
- Character
- sporty and athletic
- For beginners
- With experienced guidance
Origin
The Holsteiner originally comes from Germany, Schleswig-Holstein. A German warmblood breed with a strong show jumping tradition. Modern Holsteiners are athletic sport horses with power and canter.
Appearance and character
Playful breed indicator (from the app)
These are playful indicators from the HorseJournal app, not a scientific or official breed standard. They describe general tendencies. Every horse is different.
Good for beginners?
The Holsteiner is more of a sporty, energetic type. Beginners ride this breed best with guidance from an experienced instructor.
Did you know?
The Holsteiner is strongly linked to international show jumping.
Famous horses and remarkable facts
Meteor
Meteor was an iconic Holsteiner ridden by Fritz Thiedemann, with two Olympic team titles.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does a Holsteiner get?
Usually 1.65 to 1.75 m at the withers.
Which disciplines is the Holsteiner suited for?
A warmblood sport horse that excels above all in show jumping, and is also used for dressage, eventing and driving.
What health points are linked to the Holsteiner?
Usually a sound sport horse, but arrange a pre-purchase exam with attention to the joints and choose responsibly bred animals.
How old does a Holsteiner get on average?
About 25 to 30 years.
Can I mix the Holsteiner with another breed?
Yes. In the HorseJournal Breed Mixer you pick the Holsteiner and a second breed, and the app creates your own dream breed with a name, a profile in your own language and an illustration.
