The Holsteiner or Holstein horse is the product of systematic breeding that has been ongoing in the northernmost province of Germany, Schleswig-Holstein, since the thirteenth century.   This area is one of the most successful horse breeding regions in Germany and the Holsteiner is one of Germany's oldest breeds of warmblood. The Holsteiner horse traces its ancestry to Neapolitan, Spanish and Oriental foundation stock that was carefully crossed with the native stock of the region. Originally the horse was valued by German farmers for its strength, steadiness and reliability, and by the military for its courage and ability. Today, the Holsteiner can be found finishing at the top of the standings in most international equestrian event