After world war II the breed changed over to create elegant riding and sport horses with the help of Trakehner and Thoroughbred blood. Today the Hanoverian is a very successful top-dressage and showjumping breed. The average height is 160 to 170 cm, its characteristics are power, willingness to work, calmness and good manners. It has the spirit of the English Thoroughbred, but not its speed. The outer appearance is good, but sometimes simple.
All clear colours exist, but mostly bay, red-bay and black.
Horses played and still play an important role in this state of the Federal Republic of Germany. Nearly all stallions are kept by the state, the about 150 to 160 stallions based in the city of Celle have to take a test of several months before they are allowed to breed. Apart from the obvious physical features the test also concentrates on the character. The Hanoverian shall not only be an excellent sport horse, but also a pleasant partner for the pleasure rider. As the Hanoverian breed shall not be too large, the part of Thoroughbreds in the breed has increased lately.