A Rhinelander is a German warmblood

Warmblood

Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds, primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook policy, studbook selection, and the aim of breeding for equestrian sport...

 registered with the Rhenish Horse Studbook. The Rhinelander is traditionally bred around Warendorf State Stud, which it shares with the Westphalian

Westphalian (horse)

The Westphalian, or Westfalen, is a warmblood horse bred in the Westphalia region of western Germany. The Westphalian is closely affiliated with the state-owned stud farm of Warendorf, which it shares with the Rhinelander...

. The Rhinelander is bred to the same standard as the Westphalian and other German warmbloods, such as the Bavarian Warmblood

Bavarian Warmblood

The Bavarian Warmblood is a horse breed of southern Germany that developed from an older Bavarian heavy warmblood breed called the Rottaler. Since mechanization in the mid-20th century, the Bavarian Regional Horse Breeders' Society has concentrated on producing a riding horse for the Olympic...

, Mecklenburger

Mecklenburger

The Mecklenburger is a warmblood horse bred in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region of north-eastern Germany. The breeding of these horses has been closely linked to the State Stud of Redefin....

, Brandenburger

Brandenburger

The Brandenburger is a warmblood horse breed originating in Germany.-Characteristics:The Brandenburger is a well-balanced horse with a lively temperament, an easy to get along with character and little tendency to nervousness.-History:...

, and Württemberger

Württemberger

The Württemberger, Baden-Württemberger or Württemberg is a Warmblood horse breed originating in Germany. They are primarily riding horses, and are selectively bred for dressage and show jumping.-Breed History:...

. The standard calls for a horse of correct sport horse

Sport horse

Sport horse, or Sporthorse, is a term used to describe a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term generally refers to horses bred for the traditional Olympic equestrian sporting events of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and combined driving. The precise definition varies...

 type that is long-lined, fitting into a rectangular outline rather than a square, and noble, a term that suggests aesthetic appeal that does not entail extreme refinement. In motion, the Rhinelander should portray boldness, a long stride, and an elastic quality at the walk, trot, and canter. The temperament, character and rideability of the Rhinelander make it suitable for any type of recreational or competitive riding. These horses are primarily bred for dressage

Dressage

Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...

 and show jumping

Show jumping

Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...

.

The Rhine region is better-known for breeding the heavy Rhenish Cold Blood

Rhenish-German Cold-Blood

The Rhenish-German Cold-Blood is a big horse which comes from Germany. This cold-blood was very popular in its heyday at the beginning of the 20th century, but now there are fewer uses.-History:...

which went on until the middle of the 20th century at Wickrath State Stud. About the time that Wickrath closed in 1957, breeding riding horses was gaining economic and cultural importance in Germany. The Rhenish Horse Studbook was founded in 1892 and registers many "specialty breeds", but is primarily concerned with the Rhinelander.