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Trakehners have a devoted following worldwide due to their excellence for both competition and pleasure riding, and this versatility is the main reason equestrians buy a Trakehner. What is less well-known is that some of the horses that contributed to the breed were probably of ancient origin, with ancestry dating back to the horses of the Scythians. The graceful yet powerful Trakehner breed has played an important part in European and international equestrian history. Their significant cultural contribution adds to their worth when vendors sell a Trakehner.
A little-known fact about the fascinating Trakehner breed is that technically it originated in Lithuania! It was originally known as the East Prussian horse, or East Prussian Warmblood of Trakehner Origin, since at the time of its creation Lithuania was part of East Prussia. The Lithuanian Schweiken was one of the foundation breeds, and this type is believed to have been the descendant of horses belonging to both the Scythians and Mongols. These ancient equestrian cultures of the Russian steppes and central Asia were famed for their horsemanship and the toughness of their horses. In medieval times, East Prussia was the territory of the formidable Knights of the Teutonic Order, who established important stud farms in the region. Building on these centuries of skill and knowledge, King Frederick William I of Prussia, father of Frederick the Great, began a progressive breeding programme in the early 1700s. The intention was to raise quality horses for the army since a new type was required due to changes in warfare over the previous century. He established the stud at Trakehnen with a selection of his best horses, adding Thoroughbred, Turkoman and Arab blood. Breeding and improvement continued after the king’s death and by the late nineteenth century, the Trakehner was recognised as an outstanding cavalry mount. They were also used for general farm work. Having survived both the Napoleonic and First World Wars, the Trakehner breed nearly came to a disastrous end as WWII came to its conclusion. Caught in the middle between the advancing Russian army and the western allies, the stud was ordered to evacuate. The staff fled with their Trakehner horses towards the west, only to have many of their beautiful animals die of cold, wounds or starvation. Only 100 horses survived the Trek from the stud, although some in private hands also survived. In Poland and Russia post-war breeding also continued. From the 1950s onward, a concerted effort was made to restore the breed in the west from these few survivors, with great success.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, the Trakehner was one of the outstanding Olympic-standard sports horses. Trakehners perform well at eventing. In Britain, Downlands Cancara, a famous black Trakahener was used in an advertising campaign.
The Trakehner is a medium weight warmblood with a compact, rectangular outline. Standing between 16 hands (64 inches/163 cm) and 17 hands (68 inches/173 cm) in height, the predominant colour is chestnut, though they can also be bay, black, brown or grey. They have excellent saddle horse conformation and move very freely, which are significant assets for those who buy a Trakehner for competing. The breed is famous for its “floating trot”. They are even-tempered horses and have all the other qualities that represent rideability. There are local variations in type, and so in Poland, for instance, when vendors sell a Trakehner it is likely to be somewhat larger and stronger than those in the USA or Germany.
Trakehners are highly intelligent, sensitive, and willing horses. They are known for their excellent work ethic and their willingness to learn. They are loyal, affectionate, and bond closely with their owners. Trakehners have a calm temperament, which makes them highly trainable, and they are known for their ability to excel in a range of equestrian disciplines. They are also highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for both professional and amateur riders.
The Trakehner is an elegant, athletic horse that is typically between 16 and 17 hands tall. They have a refined head, a long neck, and a powerful hindquarters. Their body is well-proportioned and muscular, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. Trakehners have long, straight legs and their hooves are well-shaped and strong. They have a variety of coat colors, including black, bay, chestnut, and gray, and they often have white markings on their faces and legs.
The Trakehner breed dates back to the 18th century, where it was developed in East Prussia, a region that is now part of modern-day Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. The breed was created by crossing local horses with imported Spanish, Arabian, and Thoroughbred bloodlines. The breed became known for its exceptional athleticism, endurance, and trainability. During World War II, the Trakehner breed faced near extinction, with many horses being killed or taken by the Russian army. However, a group of breeders worked to save the breed, and today, the Trakehner is recognized as one of the most successful sport horse breeds in the world.