Horse breed
Senner
The Senner is one of the oldest German horse breeds, with origins tracing back to the Senne stud farm, founded in 1535 by Count Simon V of Lippe. Bred in the Senne region of North Rhine-Westphalia, it was initially used as a riding horse and for light work.
The breed at a glance
The Senner is renowned for its calm, balanced, and intelligent temperament. It is a willing, courageous, and easy-to-train horse, making it an excellent partner for various activities.
- Category
- ancient/endangered breed
- Origin
- Germany · 16th century
- Height at withers
- 155–165 cm
- Weight
- 450–550 kg
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Common coats
- bay, chestnut, grey, black
- Disciplines
- dressage, show jumping (amateur level), endurance riding, recreational riding
- Other names
- Senner Pferd
Origin and history
The Senner is one of the oldest German horse breeds, with origins tracing back to the Senne stud farm, founded in 1535 by Count Simon V of Lippe. Bred in the Senne region of North Rhine-Westphalia, it was initially used as a riding horse and for light work. The breed was influenced by Spanish, Arabian, and English horses over the centuries. It nearly disappeared in the 20th century, but conservation efforts have allowed it to be maintained, although it remains very rare.
Conformation and physique
The Senner is a medium-sized horse, elegant and athletic, with a solid yet refined bone structure. It presents a harmonious silhouette, typical of light riding horses.
Expressive, medium-sized head, with a straight or slightly concave profile. The eyes are large and lively, and the ears are well-set and mobile.
Long, well-muscled neck, well-set into the withers. The withers are pronounced and extend far back, promoting good freedom of movement.
Short, strong back, harmonious topline. Deep and broad chest, well-sprung ribs. Long, muscular, slightly sloping croup.
Clean, strong limbs, with well-defined joints and clean tendons. The cannons are of medium length. The feet are hard and well-formed. Little to no feathering.
- Common coats: bay, chestnut, grey, black
Temperament and aptitudes
The Senner is renowned for its calm, balanced, and intelligent temperament. It is a willing, courageous, and easy-to-train horse, making it an excellent partner for various activities.
The gaits are ample, supple, and energetic, with good balance and natural impulsion. The walk is regular, the trot is airy, and the canter is balanced.
- Uses: saddle horse, light driving, leisure, endurance riding, dressage
- Disciplines: dressage, show jumping (amateur level), endurance riding, recreational riding
Feeding the Senner
The Senner is a hardy and economical breed, adapted to simpler living conditions. It tends to make good use of its feed and can be prone to obesity if energy intake is too high. A diet based on good quality forage (hay, grass) is essential. Concentrates are only necessary for intense work or specific needs and should be adjusted sparingly.
As a hardy and economical breed, the Senner can be predisposed to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis if overfed or given unlimited access to rich pastures, especially in spring. Careful dietary management is crucial to prevent these conditions.
With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Senner as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.
Health and points to watch
Regular monitoring of weight and body condition is essential to prevent obesity and metabolic problems. Particular attention should be paid to hoof quality, which is generally robust but requires regular trimming.
- More frequent conditions: laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Care and grooming
Care for the Senner is relatively simple. Hooves, generally strong, require regular trimming. The mane and tail can be left natural or maintained according to use. The coat is easy to maintain and does not require special clipping, except for intensive work in winter. Good general hygiene and regular grooming are sufficient.
Did you know?
- The Senne stud farm, from which the breed takes its name, is one of the oldest stud farms in Germany, founded in 1535.
- The Senner has been used to improve other German breeds, notably the Westphalian.
- The breed was saved from extinction in the 1990s thanks to targeted conservation efforts and the use of modern breeding techniques.
The Senner and how to track it
The Senner breed is extremely rare outside Germany and is not established in France. There is no documented breeding or significant use of this breed in French territory.
Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Senner: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.
- Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
- Add known conditions or sensitivities
- Scan feeds, plants and care products
- Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
- Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment
Frequently asked questions
How rare is the Senner horse?
The Senner is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, with a very small population, mainly concentrated in Germany. It is classified as a critically endangered breed.
Is the Senner a good horse for beginners?
Thanks to its calm, intelligent, and willing temperament, the Senner can be a good horse for beginner or intermediate riders, provided they are supervised and the horse has been well-trained.
What are the main qualities of the Senner?
The main qualities of the Senner are its hardiness, longevity, balanced temperament, intelligence, and versatility. It is an enduring and reliable horse.
Where can Senner horses be found?
Senner horses are primarily bred in Germany, in the Senne region. It is very difficult to find them outside this region, and purchasing one often requires going through breed conservation associations.
Is the Senner suitable for leisure riding?
Yes, the Senner is particularly well-suited for leisure riding thanks to its pleasant temperament, hardiness, and endurance. It is appreciated for hacks and trail riding.