The modern Hanoverian horse originates from the Hanover breeding area in Germany and is a product of decades of stringent selection of breeding stock, with the objective of continually improving correctness, athleticism and temperament in the offspring.

Originally, in keeping with the times, the horses were used in war, in agriculture, and as riding and carriage horses. As war, farming and transport became mechanized, the purpose of the horses changed, and they needed to be more suitable for pleasure and sport. Judicious introduction of Thoroughbred, Arab, Trakehner and Holstein bloodlines, has brought us the modern Hanoverian, more refined, more elegant, more rideable than his ancestors, yet inheriting their courage, power and athleticism.

Today, the Hanoverian breeding area is the largest in Europe and has spread to include daughter societies in all corners of the globe. However, it originated in Lower Saxony, where horses have been bred since ancient times.