Trakehner Horses

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Trakehner horses have made a name for themselves in history. For example, Abdullah won gold and silver medals at the 1984 Olympics and 1985 World Cup. Heuringer won team silver medalist in the 1994 showjumping and 1994 World Equestrian Games. Windfall *PG* 2 was also a bronze medalist in the USA 2004 Olympic team. Trakehners are the best.

During the 13th century crusade of the Baltic Old Prussians, the Teutonic Knights found out about the native Schwaikenpferd, which is a small primitive horse. They used these horses in breeding military horses while the German Ostsiedlung farmers made use of the Schwaike for light utility work. King Frederick William I of Prussia launched the Main Stud Trakehnen in 1732. He gave it to crown prince Frederick II of Prussia in 1739.

When he died, the Stud became a state property. The Stud added Arabian, Thoroughbred and Turkish blood to the horses between 1817 and 1837. East Prussian farmers brought their mares to the stallions of Trakehnen.

Through these, the breed altered and became more sure-footed, smart and athletic. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 has changed the purpose of horse breeding as the treaty limited Germany’s army to 100,000 troops. So, from army purposes, horse breeding was focused on farm duties. However, in the 1920s and 1930s, people were now able to realize and see the horse’s potentials as they have started taking home various medals from different competitions. During World War II, the Trakehners faced the most difficult situations of their lives. The main Stud and local residents were allowed to evacuate.

While journeying through west, horses had to go through the frozen Vistula lagoon without any proper rations and shelter. Many refugees were bombed while on ice, so only a few horses made it to safety places. After the war, an approximate 600 broodmares and 50 stallions were left. The East Prussian Studbook Society was closed in 1947 and was replaced by Trakehner Verband.

They are of rectangular build and they have long sloping shoulders, excellent hindquarters, and short cannons. They’re known for the “floating trot”, which means they are full of suspension and impulsion. They are athletic, trainable, and are always high in endurance.

Because of their excellent bloodline and wonderful traits, they are used as “refiners” of other breeds. They are also good at various equestrian disciplines like dressage, show jumping and eventing.