Horse
Pronunciation:
Trah-kay'-ner
Breed Description:
The Trakehner breed of horse is a well established sport horse breed, originally developed in eastern Prussia (now Germany). Trakehners have been successful in dressage, show jumping, and eventing, and are known for being handsome, athletic, and loyal. Trakehners are among the lighter warmblood breeds, giving them elegance, and they often have greater speed than other warmblood breeds and so have become a popular horse for eventing. Trakehners come in all solid colors.
Temperament:
The Trakehner breed of horse has an excellent and very trainable temperament. they are cooperative, loyal, and intelligent.
Height:
The Trakehner breed of horse stands 15.3 to 17 hands.
Weight:
The Trakehner breed of horse weighs around 1200 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Trakehner breed of horse has been carefully bred and has no significant health conditions.
Living Conditions:
The Trakehner breed of horse is a competition horse and will appreciate stabling in inclement weather.
Exercise:
The Trakehner breed of horse is a competition horse and requires regular training and exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Trakehner breed of horse normally lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Trakehner breed of horse should be groomed according to its competitive discipline, but most Trakehners are kept well groomed with a neatly pulled mane and tail.
Origin:
The Trakehner breed of horse is one of the oldest warmblood breeds. It was originally developed as a reliable, athletic and speedy mount for Prussian soldiers in the early 18th century. Early Trakehners were bred at the Royal Prussian Stud Farm in Trakehnen (hence their name), from small native pony mares crossed with English Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
After World war II the Royal Stud was closed, and any horse from the region, including the local Prussian riding horses, became known as Trakehners. Many of these horses, including fine animals from the Royal Stud, were used to pull carts and wagons for families fleeing post-war Germany. many excellent horses became lost or dispersed across Europe during this period. After the War, concerted efforts to re-establish the Trakehner stud book in West Germany helped to redefine the breed, and today's Trakehners are selectively and carefully bred to excel in the sport horse disciplines.
