Georgian Grande Horse facts for kids

The Georgian Grande Horse is a special type of horse. It's a new breed created by mixing different horse breeds. Breeders combine the American Saddlebred with the Friesian horse and some larger, stronger draft horse breeds. The main goal is to create a horse that looks like an American Saddlebred but has the best qualities of bigger, heavier horses. They also want to bring back a look that was common for Saddlebreds a long time ago, before the 1900s.

How the Georgian Grande Horse Started

Traveller, owned by Robert E. Lee, was a horse of the type that breeders of the Georgian Grande wish to recreate

The idea for the Georgian Grande Horse began in the 1970s. A person named George Wagner Jr. started this project in Piketon, Ohio. He wanted to create a Saddlebred that was more muscular and sturdy. This was like the horses used by soldiers during the American Civil War. He thought this was the original style of the Saddlebred horse.

Wagner's breeding efforts were successful. He created horses that had the look he wanted. The breed was named "George's great horse" after him. In 1994, the International Georgian Grande Horse Registry was started. This group helps manage the breed. Later, it became part of other important horse organizations. Georgian Grandes can compete in many horse shows. If a Georgian Grande is also part Friesian, it might even compete in special Friesian classes.

Breeding Goals and Rules

The main goal when breeding Georgian Grande Horses is to mix the graceful look of the Saddlebred with the calm nature of heavier breeds. They aim to create a "baroque" style horse. This means a horse with a strong, fancy look, good for many riding and driving activities.

How Horses Qualify for Registration

To be officially registered as a Georgian Grande Horse, a horse must meet certain rules:

• It can be born from two registered Georgian Grande parents.
• Or, it can be a mix of an American Saddlebred and one of these draft horse breeds:
  • Friesian horse
  • Clydesdale horse
  • Percheron
  • Shire horse
  • Irish Draught
  • Belgian draft horse
• Drum Horses and Gypsy Vanner horses can also be part of the mix. But they must be registered with their own breed groups.
• No other non-draft horse breeds are allowed in the mix, except for the Saddlebred.
• A Georgian Grande Horse should have at least 25% Saddlebred blood. It should not have more than 75% Saddlebred blood.

Physical Traits and Temperament

The Georgian Grande Horse is known for its impressive appearance.

Size and Look

These horses are quite tall. They usually stand from 15.2 to 17 hands (62 to 68 inches, 157 to 173 cm) hands (about 157 to 173 cm) or even taller at the withers (the highest part of their back, at the base of the neck). They are also heavy, weighing from 1,000 to 1,400 pounds (450 to 640 kg) (about 450 to 635 kg). All coat and eye colors are allowed. The overall look is a tall, strong horse that stands out.

Character and Training

Georgian Grande Horses are known for being alert and smart, but also calm. They are usually easy to train and very willing to cooperate. It's important to know that these horses are not considered fully grown until they are about six years old.

Body Shape (Conformation)

The breed standard describes specific body features:

• Head: They have a wide forehead and large eyes set far apart. Their nose profile is straight or slightly curved inwards. They have a delicate muzzle and big nostrils. Their ears are well-shaped and show their alert nature.
• Neck and Back: The neck is long, arched, and well-muscled. It flows smoothly into well-defined withers. Their back is level and fairly short.
• Shoulders and Hips: Their shoulders are deep and sloped. This helps them move well. The croup (the top of their hindquarters) should be slightly sloped, not flat. Their hips are wide and round.
• Legs: The legs are angled correctly and set well. Their shape helps them be good at jumping. The joints are large, flat, and clean. The legs should be thick with good bone. The lower part of the leg, called the cannon, should be at least 9 inches (23 cm) (about 23 cm) around, measured below the knee. A thicker cannon is even better.
• Hooves: Their hooves are large and fit the size of the horse.

Movement (Gaits)

The way a Georgian Grande moves is very important:

• Trot: Their trot should have a lot of lift and power. They should extend their legs well. The horse should bring its hocks (the joint on the back leg) deep under its body.
• Canter: The canter should be balanced and smooth.
• Walk: The walk should be very energetic.
• Show Scoring: How well a horse performs its gaits makes up half of its score in horse shows.

Grooming and Appearance

When caring for a Georgian Grande, their mane and tail are usually kept long and natural. However, the mane can be trimmed shorter for activities like hunting or jumping. The tail is never cut short or "docked." Some feathering (long hair) on the legs is fine, but the legs can also be clipped.