Trakehner
Trakehner horses are a draft horse breed that was bred in Germany. Now they are mainly used in sports.Trakehner horses are the only half-bred breed that is bred in purity.
In the photo: Trakehner horse
Contents
History of the Trakehner horse breed
In the village of Trakenen (East Prussia) in 1732 a stud farm was opened. At that time, the main task of the stud farm was to provide the Prussian cavalry with magnificent horses: hardy, unpretentious, but at the same time frisky. Schweiks (local horses of the forest type), Spanish, Arabian, Barbary and thoroughbred English horses participated in the creation of the breed. They even brought two Don stallions. However, in the middle of the 19th century, it was decided to allow only Arabian, thoroughbred riding horses and their crosses to participate in the breeding of Trakehner horses. Stallions had to meet a number of requirements:
- a big increase
- long body
- strong legs
- long straight neck
- productive movements
- benevolence.
The trials of the stallions included at first smooth races, and then parphos hunts and steeple chases. The tests of mares were transport and agricultural work. As a result, in the 20th century it was possible to create a large, massive, but at the same time quite elegant horse, which began to gain popularity all over the world. However, the Second World War put the Trakehner horses on the brink of extinction. Many horses died during the evacuation to the countries of Western Europe or were expropriated by the Soviet troops. Despite this, after the war, the number of Trakehner horses began to grow thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts. They changed their “job” in the cavalry to a sports “career”. And they have proven themselves in show jumping, dressage and triathlon. This led to an increase in interest in the breed, which at that time was already bred in purity.
In the photo: Trakehner horse
Description of the Trakehner horse
Trakehner horses are the only half-breed breed today that is bred without the blood of other breeds. An exception is made for stallions of thoroughbred riding and Arabian breeds. Trakehner horses, bred in Germany, have an original brand on the left thigh – elk horns.Growth of Trakehner horses averages 162 – 165 cm at the withers.Average measurements of a horse of the Trakehner breed:
- stallions: 166,5 cm – 195,3 cm – 21,1 cm.
- mares: 164,6 cm – 194,2 cm – 20,2 cm.
The most common colors of Trakehner horses: bay, red, black, gray. Less common are karak and roan horses.
Where are Trakehner horses bred?
Trakehner horses are bred in Germany, Denmark, France, Croatia, Poland, Great Britain, USA, New Zealand, Russia. Dovator (Ratomka). 
In the photo: Trakehner horse
Famous Trakehner horses
Most of all, Trakehner horses became famous in the sports field. Thanks to their balanced character and excellent movements, they gained popularity in Europe and the USA, showing high sports results. The Trakehner stallion Pepel brought Olympic gold (team standings, 1972) and the title of world champion in dressage to Elena Petushkova. 
In the photo: Elena Petushkova and the Trakehner stallion Pepel The 1984 Olympic Games were won by the gray tracker Abdullah (show jumping), who defended the honor of the US team.
In the photo: Trakehner horse Abdullah (Abdullah) – the winner of the Olympics.
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