The Trakehner is a horse breed that is known for its athleticism, elegance and speed.
They are popular in many disciplines, including dressage, show jumping and eventing.
If you’re thinking of adding one of these horses to your stable, here’s everything you need to know about the Trakehner horse breed.
Trakehner Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Trakehner:
| Height (size) | 15.1 – 16.2 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly bay, gray, black or chestnut |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Common Uses | Show jumping, dressage, eventing |
Trakehner Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
History of the Breed
The Trakehner breed of horses may be traced back to the Schwaike horses native to East Prussia.
In 1732, King Friedrich Wilhelm I founded the royal stud in Trakehnen, and between 1817 and 1837, Arabian, Thoroughbred and Turkoman (today’s Akhal-Teke) horses were crossed with the stud horses to further develop the Trakehner breed.
The intention was to breed horses that would meet the requirements of an ideal cavalry mount by having the qualities of being light and quick while still possessing power and endurance.
Farmers in East Prussia were also urged to bring their mares, who were recognized for their resilience and quality, to Trakehnen’s stallions.
This allowed the species to quickly evolve into highly sought-after army horses who were surefooted, clever, and agile.
And in contrast to horses from other parts of Germany, those from Trakehnen were never meant to be used in agriculture; rather, they were developed only for their athletic ability.
However, local farmers whose mares were covered by Trakehner stallions did use their horses for farm work, and this practice was encouraged since it provided the breed with the toughness necessary to stay sound despite the hardships of military life.
It was necessary for a horse to have either Trakehner, Arabian, Anglo-Arab, or Thoroughbred parents for it to be classified as a Trakehner.
This resulted in the Trakehner’s notable dominance in equestrian sports and in the military.
Trakehner in the 20th Century
In 1919 the Treaty of Versailles imposed a limit of 100,000 men on Germany’s army, so breeders concentrated their efforts on developing horses that were both more robust and versatile, which resulted in the introduction of sires with heavier conformation.
It was during the 1920s and 1930s that the breed was recognized for its performance abilities in competitive equestrian disciplines.
The ‘East Prussian Warmblood,’ as it was commonly referred to during this time period, was known for its dominance on the racetrack, in the hunting field, and at the Olympics.
However, both World Wars were devastating for the breed’s numbers, with many of those who didn’t see the battlefield fleeing what was then East Prussia as the invasion of the Russian Army forced most locals to evacuate.
Those that were left behind were used to create the Russian Kirov, Polish Mazury (also known as the Masuren) and Pozan (or Poznan), which later developed into the Wielkopolski horse.
After World War II, devoted breeders and equestrians who were passionate about the breed began a huge task of reviving the breed.
They began searching for individual horses all over Prussia and eventually established the West German Association of Breeders and Friends of the Warmblood Horse of Trakehner Origin, which is now known as the Trakehner Verband (‘Trakehner Association’).
Trakehner Horse Today
Since its resurgence, the Trakehner has become an increasingly popular breed of sporthorse all over the globe, and Trakehners often place high on the leaderboards in show jumping, dressage, and eventing competitions.
Although they participate in practically all equestrian disciplines, they are especially valued in the dressage arena due to their sensitivity, intelligence, and excellent movements.
Because of their light build, Trakehner horses often perform better in eventing than other Warmbloods.
The Trakehner is commonly used to refine and develop other breeds, and the Holsteiner, Westphalian, Hanoverian, Oldenburg, as well as the Dutch, Danish, and Swedish Warmbloods have all been significantly influenced by this distinctive breed.
The original stud book, which is still in use today, does not include any lineages from any breeds other than Trakehner and a select few Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arabian, Shagya, and Arabian lines.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Spirited
Physical Characteristics
The rectangular build of the Trakehner may be attributed to the Thoroughbred and Arabian ancestors of the breed.
The Trakehner has a long, sloping shoulder, muscular hindquarters, and a well-set neck.
It is renowned for its “floating trot,” which has great impulsion and suspension.
The breed is also known for its remarkable endurance and soundness in addition to its excellent athleticism.
Trakehner is regarded to be the most elegant and lightest of the Warmblood breeds, as well as, in certain instances, the most spirited.
Their overall appearance is one of elegance.
Colors
Most commonly bay, gray, black or chestnut
Height (size)
15.1 – 16.2 hands high
Stallions
Average 16.2 hh
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,000 – 1,200 lbs (450 – 545 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Show jumping, dressage, eventing
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Very athletic with great stamina
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Germany
Ancestors
Local stock, Zweibrücken, Arabian, Thoroughbred, Turkoman (today’s Akhal-Teke)