Horse breeds / Senner
Photo: Tsungam · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Senner
The Senner is a rare German warmblood-type horse from the Senne region near Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its roots trace back to the Senne heath, where semi-wild horses were kept for centuries. Breeders developed it as a sturdy, versatile saddle and draft-type horse suited to the demands of farm and military work in the region.
Senners are known for a calm, kind, and willing nature. They are typically sturdy, well-muscled horses with a balanced build and a steady way of going, making them a comfortable choice for riders who value a reliable partner. They are generally considered suitable for riders with some experience, and a patient handler can work well with a young or green Senner.
Day to day, a Senner needs regular movement, daily turnout with company when possible, and steady work to stay fit and content. Consistent farrier care, a balanced diet, and routine grooming keep this hardy breed in good condition.
Good for: Experienced riders, versatile all-around work
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Germany |
Senners are sturdy and kind, but their rarity means finding a trained, well-matched horse may take patience and research.
Living with a Senner
Exercise
Most Senners need daily riding or in-hand work along with regular turnout to stay fit and mentally settled. Too little exercise can lead to excess energy, weight gain, or stiffness when work resumes.
Grooming
Senners have a dense winter coat that sheds in spring, so regular brushing helps. Their mane and tail are usually kept tidy with gentle detangling. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, and clipping is optional depending on workload.
At home
Senners are hardy and adapt well to outdoor living with a shelter available year-round, though they can also be stabled. They generally do well in a herd, which supports their social needs. Many Senners are moderate keepers, but feed should be adjusted to workload, body condition, and pasture quality.
Training
Senners are typically willing learners who respond best to patient, consistent handling and clear cues. They are versatile, suited to dressage, trail riding, driving, and general riding disciplines. A green Senner should be expected to progress steadily, with good manners and a calm attitude developing over time.
Health
Like many sturdy warmblood-type breeds, Senners can be prone to general concerns such as hoof problems and metabolic issues in some individuals. Because breed-specific health data is limited, ask a qualified veterinarian about screening and preventive care for any horse you are considering.
- Hoof problems
- Metabolic issues
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Senner
Forage and water, adult
16–26 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1213 lb (typical for the type), and 9–17 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,050–$5,200
Hay about $1,840, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Senner is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Senner
Shelters and breed rescues list Senners and Senner mixes every week. Search adoptable Senners on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Senner right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, steady all-round horse
- Yes if you ride dressage, trail, or driving
- Think twice if you need a fast, high-energy sport horse
- Yes if you can provide regular work and turnout
- Think twice if you want a very small or easy-to-carry horse
Questions owners ask
Is the Senner good for beginners?
Senners can suit confident beginners with a calm, experienced trainer. Their steady temperament helps, but a professional evaluation before purchase is recommended.
How much does a Senner cost?
Prices vary widely depending on age, training, pedigree, and location. Because the breed is rare, expect to research carefully and ask breeders directly.
How tall is a Senner?
Senners are typically medium-sized horses. Exact heights vary by individual, so check with breeders or registries for specific measurements.
How long do Senners live?
Like most horses, Senners can live well into their twenties with good care. Individual lifespan depends on health, feeding, and veterinary care.
What are Senners used for?
Senners are used for riding, dressage, trail work, and driving. Their versatility and steady nature make them useful across several disciplines.
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.