Famous oldenburgs Figaro – an Oldenburg stallion who lived from 1972 to 2000, was considered the “last pure-bred” Oldenburg. He was sired by an anglo norman horse named Futuro and his dam was Veilchenate, an old-style coach horse. Figaro himself sired many Bundeschampionate winners (the bundeschampionate is an annual competition for the best german born horses and poines from the ages of 3-6. these horses compete in competitions from dressage to jumping to eventing.) Also sired 5 approved sires and 228 registered Oldenburg broodmares, making the total winnings of his progeny over $1,150,000. Figaro was awarded the title of “Oldenburg champion stallion” in 1976. Kranich – known as Count Anthon Gunther’s favorite Oldenburg. Name means crane in german. Born 1640 of Spanish blood. Gunther and Kranich trained in classical dressage and enjoyed performing for people along the road – Kranich known for his mane and tail.

conformation Strengths and weaknesses of the breed in terms of why they excel in the sport you selected but are not suitable for another sport.      Because of their origins as carriage horses, oldenburgs have long, strong necks. They have shortish legs with powerful hind quarters, making them ideal to carry their weight on their back end (as opposed to a hunter who would stretch his neck long and low). Oldenburgs also have very large hooved which are capable of carrying their weight. 

Oldenburgs today Economic significance of breed to the horse industry. Strengths and weaknesses of the breed in terms of why they excel in the sport you selected but are not suitable for another sport.    Oldenburgs are a very versatile horse, excelling in driving, equitation, and jumping (not as talented in driving as a draftier horse). Because oldenburgs have moved away from the carriage lifestyle that they were originally bred for, they have become lighter and more graceful over time.     Oldenburgs have a longer humerous (frontal lower shoulder bone – show on skeleton) which allows for a higher knee, which is what helps them to be more successful in driving. For the most part, the modern Oldenburg excels in showjumping, equitation, and dressage.

Equitation and Oldenburgs Oldenburgs are ideal equitation horses. Equitation is competition in which riders compete on the flat and over fences. The Oldenburg’s calm and responsive disposition makes it an ideal horse on which to compete on the flat, where it make face difficult tasks such as extension, collection, and lateral movements. Equitation judges a rider’s ability to use the proper aids competently and correctly. Thus, equtation courses often consist of tight turns and tests such as trot fences and counter canters in order for the judge to properly assess the rider. Because the rider’s position is being assessed, an ideal equitation horse has a flat jump in order not to throw the rider out of the saddle. Because the Oldenburg can carry himself on his powerful haunches, he doesn’t need to take the time to rock back before the fence, meaning that he can put less effort into the fence, thus making the jump easier to ride.

http://www.hwfarm.com/Stallions/urls/figaro.htm http://horseconnection.com/beautiful-kranich-count-anton-gunthers-favorite-oldenburg- july-2006/ http://www.equisearch.com/discoverhorses/article/oldenburg-22588 http://www.horseshowcentral.com/breeds/oldenburg