Donnerhall was a dressage stallion who was known not only for having a successful career as a sport horse, but also passing on his abilities to his offspring to become an influential sire.
Donnerhall's bronze statue in Oldenburg
The Hanoverian is a Warmblood horse breed originating in Germany, which is often seen in the Olympic Games and other competitive English riding styles, and has won gold medals in all three equestrian Olympic competitions. It is one of the oldest, most numerous, and most successful of the Warmblood breeds. Originally a cavalry horse, infusions of more Thoroughbred blood lightened it to make it more agile and useful for competition. The Hanoverian is known for a good temperament, athleticism, beauty, and grace.
Hanoverians, such as this gelding, are competitive mounts for the equestrian sport of show jumping.
This print from 1898 depicts a sturdy, versatile Hanoverian.
These three Hanoverian geldings (Elvis VA, Bonaparte, and Satchmo) made up the gold medal-winning dressage team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Elisabeth Theurer on Mon Cherie in their gold-medal performance at the 1980 Olympics