Trakehner breed of horses: history and description

The homeland of these handsome men is East Prussia. The name of the trakenen breed of horses was obtained thanks to the same name of Trakenen, which translates as "forest near the swamp". The history of this horse, at first glance, is not so rich with centuries-old traditions, which such famous breeds as Kabardian, English or Arab possess. But this does not prevent the Trakehner horses from glorifying the whole world with their exceptional sporting qualities and beauty.

History of the breed

The year of the birth of the breed is 1732-th. Actually, this is the year of the opening of the stud farm under the direct decree of Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II. From there, the trakehner breed of horses conducts its history (photo). The official recognition of the breed occurred later, in 1786. And before that there was an active selection work. To improve the qualities of traken (or trakena), the best specimens of stallions of Arabian and English breeds were purchased. And these works have borne fruit. At the end of the 18th century, new selection horses became permanent participants of prestigious races, in the 19th century for the Prussian royal court exclusively the Trakehner horse breed was supplied, and in the early 20th century the tractors were proclaimed one of the best riding species in Europe.

Dramatic periods

During the Second World War, the breed was on the brink of extinction. During the bombing in the area of Koenigsberg and Trakenen, hundreds of horses were killed, only four individuals could be saved from the stud stallions. At the end of the war, the Trakehner Convent moved to the Soviet Union in the form of a trophy. Further breeding of the breed took place under the supervision of the All-Union Horse Breeding Institute, under the personal supervision of Marshal Budenny. And in the time of Khrushchev, the Trakehner breed of horses was on the verge of destruction for the second time: horse breeding was considered inexpedient, and the tribal horses literally went under the knife. It took decades to revive the breed. Today the trains are again on the list of the most prestigious sports and riding breeds in the world. There are two types known - "Russian" and "German" - descendants of horses, which managed to be preserved in the USSR and Germany in the post-war decades.

Characteristics of the breed

The Trakehner breed of horses refers to the semi-arched top sports. This is a large animal, up to 165-180 cm at the withers, strong and muscular. The suit is usually bay, red, sometimes gray, very rarely - gray in apples. Long neck, light wide head, firm back, croup extended, compact at the same time. This horse has rhythmic movements, a wide step and a trot. Legs in relation to the body are not very long, but very strong and jumping. It is this quality - the jumpiness - and brought the horse into the first rows of sports horses, which have no equal in overcoming obstacles. At the same time, the trains show high results in dressage, in jumping, and in triathlon. Suffice it to recall the 1980 Olympic champion, the stallion of the Trakehner breed with the nickname Ashes, which became famous all over the world under the saddle of the famous Helen Petushkova. The beautiful exterior, driving and sporting qualities of horses contribute to the fact that to improve many other breeds it is precisely the trakehner horse breed. The sale of thoroughbred tractors is possible in many regions of Russia. Buy them preferably only from stud stud farms with a good reputation.

Trakenen took root in the Russian land and became one of the recognized favorites in the classic types of equestrian sport. In addition, this horse is a friend, a horse-partner, which is confirmed by real fans of this Prussian breed.