Trakehner
Breed: Trakehner
Temperament: keen, alert, intelligent
Cost: upwards of $4,000 to $7,000 for weanling foal
upwards of $10,000 (purebred adult mare)
more than $20,000 for a stallion ($50,000 for purebred)
$350,000 plus for purebred champion stallion
Lifespan: 25 years plus
Recommended for: experienced riders to professionals
History
King Friedrich Wilhelm The First – founded the stud of Trakehnen in 1732 and it was there that the East Prussian Horse, known today as the Trakehner, was developed. (*East Prussia is now a part of Poland).
Thoroughbred and Arab blood was used to upgrade the local horses. Towards the end of the eighteenth century a determined effort was made to improve the Trakehner, or East Prussian as it was known. Inferior breeding stock at the Royal Stud was drastically weeded out, a process which led to the swift development of the Trakehner. It was soon much in demand as a carriage horse and subsequently as an army remount.
Renowned for its twin qualities of elegance and toughness, the Trakehner flourished for nearly two centuries – until the disastrous upheaval of world War II. During the autumn and winter of 1944 the breed suffered catastrophic losses as desperate efforts were made to evacuate the horses before the arrival of the advancing Russian troops. Of the thousands of Trakehners, many of them with foals at foot, who set off on the 900 mile (1,450 km) journey west across Europe, few survived. Before their flight there were more than 25,000 horses registered in the East Prussian Stud book. A mere 1,200 or so made it to the West and many of these failed to survive in the very harsh economic conditions of post war Germany.
Surviving equine evacuees were tracked down and re-registered in West Germany. Thanks to the dedication of German breeders, the Trakehner Breed survived to the present day.
There are estimated to be around 500 Trakehners in Australia. Only small percentage of these are purebreds.
Appearance
Of all the warmbloods, the Trakehner is similar in appearance to a thoroughbred crossed with an Arab. The trakehner is a large horse which is noted for its refined head. Large eyes and a small, tapered muzzle enhance the overall impression of quality.
The ideal Trakehner stands between 15.2 to 16.2 h.h and may be of any solid colour. Breeders describe them as having an unmistakable character and expression with alert mobile ears which are held well.
Temperament
The Trakehner is renowned for its temperament. Breeder Robyn Smith says they are keen, alert and intelligent, yet very stable, accepting and anxious to please. She recommends them for riders with some experience as they require a confident master.
Health and lifespan
Breeder Robyn Smith says they can be expected to live and be in top condition and health beyond 25 years. One of her stallions (Kaliber) is still standing stud at 27 years old. Trakehners are late maturers, usually being turned out at around 2.5 years of age and continuing to grow up to the age of 6 or 7 years (hence their longevity).
Feeding
Trakehners have no special requirements, they do not require the intensive feeding of the thoroughbred.
Breeding
Trakehner breeding specifications dictate that they may only be outcrossed with Thoroughbreds, Arabs or Anglo Arabs for their stud book. There is a partbred registry in Australia that welcomes Trakehner crosses with other breeds for their registry.
Grooming
Trakehners require relatively little maintenance. They appreciate a rug in winter and they have tough feet which are generally problem free.
Uses
Trakehners around the world excel in most disciplines of equine competition including dressage, show jumping and hacking. Texts describe them as superb performance and endurance horses with their powerful hind-quarters being utilised overseas for steeplechase. The trakehner has the appearance of a top-class middleweight hunter, and is described as being courageous across country.
Further Information:
Our story was filmed with Robyn Smith and Silas Sonter at Tallyho Trakehner Stud in Werombi, NSW. Phone: (02) 4653 1329 Email: tallyho @cyber.net.au
Trakehner Breeders Association of Australia Inc
President – Sharon Haddock
Kwobinyarn Trakehner Stud
Manton Rd
Yass, NSW, 2582
Phone: (02) 6227 1365