The Alt-Oldenburger and Ostfriesen are representatives of a group of horse breeds primarily from continental Europe called heavy warmbloods. The breed has two names because the same horse was bred in two regions in the most north-western part of Germany: East Frisia and the former grand duchy of Oldenburg. The name "Alt-Oldenburger" - alt meaning "old" - simply distinguishes this horse from its descendant, the modern Oldenburg, which is bred for sport.
Kranich, an Oldenburg stallion bred by Anton Günther around 1640, shows Spanish influence that was popular at the time
1898 lithograph of a carriage-type Oldenburg, showing the traditional neck brand and "O" and crown on left hip
A combined driving team of Ostfriesen/Alt-Oldenburger geldings