Trakehner is a strong athlete with balanced and bouncy movements. The breed is popular not only in Europe but all around the world. The stud which was located in an area now belonging to Germany, was one of the biggest and most renowned breeding stables in Europe up until the Second World War.
Trakehners – pride of the royal stud – beginning of the breed
The breed’s history started in East Prussia, where the Teutonic Order had their breeding stables during medieval times. They bred the local primitive, stocky, and a bit wild horses, the so-called Schweiken.
At the beginning of the 18th century (1725) Frederick William I, the Prussian king, gave the order to drain the wetlands around Trakehnen. Thousands of soldiers worked at clearing and draining the land between Gumbinnen and Stallupönen (today it's Russia's Gusev and Nesterov). In 1731, after six years of work, the king established the Royal Trekehner Stud and appointed the Royal Stud Board.
The premises consisted of 1,100 horses and 10,000 mores of land (around 57km2). The gathered breeding horses (500 mares) were a mix of different breeds, and types that came from various state studs all over the country. It was not until the end of the 18th century, that Chief Horseman K. Lindenau classified the horses: he divided the herd of mares according to type, caliber, coat and placed them in five different sections. The division of the herd survived until the end of the stud's existence (until 1944).
Breed history – refining with Thoroughbred stallions
The first Trakehner horse show was held in Europe at the end of the 19th century. Trakehners were refined with Thoroughbreds and Arabians to increase their endurance. The breeding goal was to produce horses that would be strong enough to participate in wars but also have versatile skills that would be useful during peace. This started the process of the differentiation of the Trakehner breed. One of the most important sires was the Tempelhüter stallion (sire Perfectionist – one of the best Thoroughbreds used for refining the Trakehners). The stallion was immortalized with a monument, that to this day stands in Verden. What’s interesting, it’s only a copy, as the original monument stands in front of the Horse Museum in Moscow, Russia).
Trakehner – breeding on the verge of collapse
During the last year of the Second World War (1945), thanks to acts of bravery, a whole herd of Trakehner horses including 800 mares and 40 stallions was rescued the from Russian army - the Red Army, by leading the horses through a frozen river. Many horses drowned, while others were transported to Russia, but the remaining rescued horses were relocated to Western Germany, where breeding is still rapidly developing. These days, the care of the population and breeding is under the patronage of The German Trakehner Association.
In the 1950s, the Trakehner horse was also imported to the USA.
These days, the Trakehner breeding, outside of Germany, takes place in Europe, including Poland, and Russia; smaller studs can be found all over the world.
Trakehner horse – physique, characteristics, and breed description
Trakehners are elegant and fine horses that resemble their ancestors – Thoroughbreds.
Trakehners have a straight head with big eyes and muzzle; sometimes they have slightly droopy ears. The neck is well-set and quite long. Their back is strong, while the barrel is deep yet slim with tucked belly and prominent withers. Trakehners also have well-developed muscles on the croup that is slightly sloping with a high-set tail.
Trakehners’ bones are tough, while their legs are slim and strong. Their shoulders are long and sloping, the hooves are nice and strong. The silky coat gives the Trakehner an elegant look. The thin main and tail contrast with the coat. These horses also lack feathering on the legs (just as most warmbloods).
Height: 160-168 cm
Weight: 530-550 kg
Coat colors: all basic colors, except gray, which is rare
Trakehner – diseases
Trakehners are predisposed to three genetic disorders, which are inherited from their Arabian ancestors:
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy – a neurological disease that affects foals that are usually younger than 6 months. These foals are more susceptible to accidents and cannot be ridden.
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome – affects the foal’s white blood cells. Foals with this disease might develop pneumonia, colic, and weight loss. They usually die within the first 6 months of life.
- Lavender Foal Syndrome – a genetic disease that causes neurological problems such as seizures, hypertonicity of the limbs, and uncontrolled paddling-like leg movements. The disease is unfortunately fatal.
All of these disorders can be identified by DNA testing.
Trakehner – roles
These days Trakehners are gifted, athletic horses that left a mark on all the equestrian disciplines. These are sport horses that are extremely popular in dressage, but thanks to their endurance, Trakehners also make great horses for eventing and show jumping.
Trakehner horses are known for their natural elegance and bouncy trot that is perfect for dressage. Their temperament is also one of the greatest assets. The calm nature of Trakehner horses makes them perfect professors for novice horse riders. Trakehners are also smart, hardworking, and eager to work with people.
Even though Trakehner are bred all over the world, horses from the German studs are still very valuable; some riders import them to the USA.
Trakehner – price
The price of a Trakehner horse depends on its age, pedigree, skills, gender, and success in competitions. The cheapest foals cost around 12 thousand PLN, while the most expensive ones can go for 500 thousand PLN.
Summary
Trakehner horses have already made their mark on equestrian history. Today, it’s one of the most popular breeds for sport – dressage, show jumping, and eventing. The last of the disciplines requires high versatility and good endurance, qualities which the Trakehner horses definitely possess. They are athletes that, when they go on to a well-deserved retirement, can become great teachers for future generations of riders.
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