A versatile, new breed to Canada.
Well known in the South German state of Bavaria, the Oberlander is a draft horse that is new to North America. However, it is one that will capture public interest given it's size, color and disposition.
The ancestors of the Oberlander, horses long found in Bavaria, were few in number by 1487. Aware of their many qualities, Duke Albrecht IV ordered their protection. These horses were suited for logging in the mountainous region north of the Alps. Viewed with interest by the military, the first State Stud Farm was founded in 1769. Here the better horses native to Bavaria were crossed with stallions purchased in Holstein,
Mecklinburg, Hungary and England. The breed's foundation stock developed from this cross.
King Maximillan II of Bavaria encouraged the development of a strong, work horse suited to the needs of the farmers in his realm. Only inspected stallions, that were certified as Oberlanders, could stand for public service. Since 1881, an edelweiss has been branded on the neck of each certified stallion. The registration number issued a purebred horse is branded on its left hip.
The traits that identify the modern Oberlander were fixed after the turn of the century. Two distinct types came into being. One was a heavier type used for agricultural purposes, the second was a Warmblood horse developed for the high country. Greatest of the foundation sires was Weissfus, a stallion descended from Prince of Albion, the Clydesdale stallion sold in 1888 at the Royal Highland Show for a sum of 3,000 pounds.
Approximately 4,000 horses of the Oberlander breed are currently found in Bavaria. Eighty are stallions owned by the Government. These certified stock horses can be found at the State Farms founded by the Wittlesbach rulers of Bavaria. The stallions are representative of the five families found in the breed. Ramsach is the progenitor of a bay family, while the popular sorrel family descends from Versuch.
Oberlanders can be sorrel with a white mane and tail, or bay with black points, mane and tail. One or more white stockings, plus white on the face is common. On occasion, an Oberlander will be leopard spotted, (an Appaloosa pattern).
Well muscled with strong hindquarters, Oberlanders are easy keeping horses of good frame. Their temperament is balanced, which ensures their versatility. Stallions stand around 16.2 hands, while 15.2 hands is the height of most mares. This is a breed that matures early.
Before an inspected stallion is certified in Bavaria, it must pass a number of tests. Most demanding are the following two: A load of 1,000 kilograms must be drawn one kilometer at a walk in 8 % minutes. This load must also be moved the same distance at a trot in 4 minutes. Tests are conducted on the State Stud Farms over a period of three days. The ultimate goal is to produce a versatile horse that can perform a variety of tasks. The sport of Combined Driving has become one of the most popular.
The largest breeder of Oberlander horses in Canada is the Cherry Creek Ranch, located in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Thirty-five head can be found in this Stud, which is managed by Charlie & Sue Rowley. Owners Hans & Patricia Plechinger favor sorrel Oberlanders. They prefer horses with four white stockings, to match the white mane and tail. Necho and Neuswanstein are their senior breeding stallions.
Turned out in authentic harness used on festive occasions in Bavaria, the Cherry Creek Oberlander Hitch has appeared in numerous parades. They were shown at the Idaho State International Draft Horse Show in October, and they delivered N.H.L. star Scot Neidermeyer's Wedding Party from a Cranbrook church.
Near the close of 1998, the Oberlander Draft Horse Association of Canada was formed. The constitution has been drafted, the by-laws are written. Hans Plechinger, of Cherry Creek Ranch, is the President. The information officer is Jim Tarves. The association has a website: http//home.cyberlink.bc.ca/jtarves and is member friendly.
Canadian Horseman May/June 1999