Trakehner breed of horses: description and rules of keeping, cost

The hardy Trakehner breed is ideal for riders. Differs in submissive disposition and unpretentiousness. Trakehner horses were bred in Germany, where they were used in military battles. Currently, trakens are popular participants in sports equestrian competitions. The elegant appearance of the representatives of the breed and their performance make the Trakehner horses the favorites of breeders.

The origin of the Trakehner horse

The first mention of the breed dates back to the beginning of the 13th century, the scene is Prussia. During this period of time, trakens were used as riding horses for military battles.The horses were distinguished by endurance and showed excellent speed when moving on the ground. The progenitors of the breed are Prussian mares of the forest type and stallions of oriental blood.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the first stud farm was established to breed an elegant breed, Trakens officially acquire the status of a breed, are part of the German cavalry army and even receive the right to transport members of royal families in a carriage. At the same time, representatives of the breed are gaining popularity with farmers, being used as cargo draft animals.

Horses were first brought to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Most often, stallions were used in cavalry. After the Great Patriotic War, a stud farm was built in the Rostov region, where they are currently breeding Russian trakens. Horses take an active part in equestrian competitions, where they achieve worthy victories.

Description of the breed

Trakehner horses are versatile in use and find their place in sports, farming, win prizes at various exhibitions. Consider the exterior of exquisite handsome men.

Exterior features

Refined and elegant silhouette, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off - the undoubted aesthetic advantage of the breed. The head of the correct form, penetrating big eyes, straight profile, light legs, shiny coat, high growth - the horse seems perfect.

The main color of the suit is black, but there are gray, bay and red specimens. In addition, trakens have a piebald gene, so the presence of spotted specimens in the breed is also allowed, previously such representatives were culled.

Stallions are distinguished by a powerful and wide chest, long shoulder blades and a strong body. The position of the legs is correct, the height at the withers in males is up to 173 centimeters, in females - up to 165 centimeters. The average weight of a horse is 500 kilograms.

Character and trainability

The breed of Prussian horses is famous for its submissive disposition, diligence and friendliness. But due to the fact that a large number of bloods are included in the genotype, the nature of many animals is very ambiguous. Among the stallions you can meet obstinate and even aggressive horses. Some specimens do not like to walk in a team, while others, on the contrary, are ready to work all day. Due to their high level of intelligence and docility, trakens are suitable for any equestrian sport and are easy to train.

Performance

Even in ancient times, the breed was valued for endurance, ability to work and maneuverability. Horses can develop good speed over rough terrain, confidently overcoming obstacles. Trakens are suitable for both sports and farm work. For physical development, a combined training system is used. The more often you train a horse, the better the animal will be in sports form.

Pros and Cons of Content

To make a complete "portrait" of the representative of the breed, we highlight the positive and negative aspects of the Prussian horses. Pros:

Appearance - it is impossible to take your eyes off the graceful steed.
Submissive disposition and friendly nature.
Intelligence, ability to learn and train.
Stamina and courage.
Jumping and running qualities.
Versatile in application.
Hard work and hard work.
Gracefulness.

The disadvantages of German horses include:

Weak immunity, susceptibility to various diseases, frequent death of young animals.
Genetically weak joints, hernias may occur.
Spoiledness, capriciousness in thoroughbred breeding horses.

Flaws in the breed can be easily corrected by providing the horses with the right conditions and systemic care.

Where is it used?

Trakehner horses are versatile in use. Stallions are actively involved in farm work, representatives of the breed achieve great success in equestrian sports. Males are often used in breeding work, improving the quality of the main breeds in the stable.

In large cities, trakens are used in the work of mounted police to patrol the streets. Horses of this breed are used in hiking in areas where it is not possible to drive a car.

Content Features

The basic requirement for keeping horses is cleanliness. Stables are recommended to be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Animals must have constant access to clean drinking water. Horses need to be washed and their hooves looked after.

Requirements for the premises

Each representative of the Trakehner horse breed needs a separate stall in which a feeder and drinking bowl are placed. The bedding on the floor must be fresh and changed at least once a week. There should be no drafts in the room where the horses are kept, and the stable must be ventilated. In regions with a cold climate, walls, floors and ceilings in the room should be insulated.

Competent diet planning

In order for a horse to demonstrate all the advantages of the breed and show genetic qualities, it is important to provide horses with high-quality food and make a balanced diet when feeding, depending on the age and physical activity of the animal.

Basic feeding

The basis of the diet of horses is hay, vegetables and mixed fodder. The amount of feed is calculated based on the age and physical activity of the animal. Feeding rules:

portions should be small;
in winter it is recommended to add a vitamin complex;
new food is introduced in stages;
feeders and drinking bowls must be clean, dishes are disinfected periodically, heat treatment is required;
after feeding the horse, you need to rest a bit, the pet is sent for walking an hour after eating.

Important! In the room where the feeding of artiodactyls is carried out, there should be no rodents. Mice and rats are carriers of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to horses.

As long as the animal is in the stall, it must have access to clean drinking water.

Food supplements

It is recommended to include nutritional supplements and vitamin premixes in the main horse diet. S alt should always be present in the diet of adult artiodactyls. Important Supplements for Horses:

Retinol.
Carotene in oil.
Granuvit E.
Calcium pantothenate.
Trivitamin.
Methane fermentation concentrate.
Yeast.
Lysine concentrate.

In addition to the above supplements, the diet of racehorses and draft horses includes pure vitamins and biologically active supplements such as linseed oil, garlic, dried kelp, nettle and others.

Important! If you decide to diversify the diet of sport horses with supplements, do it with care and follow the dosage, some components can cause a positive doping test.

Hygiene and horse care

For the prevention of disease, the well-being of animals and their neat appearance, pets must be washed.This procedure must be carried out regularly, once a week; in hot weather, horses are bathed more often. The mane and tail are washed with shampoo and conditioner. After bathing, the horses are wiped dry and combed. Keep your pet's bedding clean and dry to prevent hoof disease.

Grazing

Training and horse walking is carried out no earlier than an hour after eating. Active horses need daily walks and grazing in the pasture. The duration of the walk is 3 hours. The more often you train a horse, the better the animal will be in sports and physical shape. Trakens cannot be kept in stables without the possibility of grazing.

Horseshoe

Groomed hooves are an indicator of animal he alth. The horseshoe under the hoof of the horses is selected individually, according to the size. The animal should be comfortable, and its “shoes” should protect the legs from injury and damage. Race horses are shod differently than draft animals.

Vaccinations and disease prevention

Vaccinations made in time will protect riding beauties from a large number of dangerous infectious diseases. In addition to the introduction of vaccines, animals must be regularly dewormed and treated for parasites. Even if your horse looks he althy, he needs regular veterinary check-ups.

When signs of disease are detected, the animal is placed in quarantine. Keep mice and rats out of the stable. Stalls must be regularly disinfected, and the room must be constantly ventilated. Food for artiodactyls is selected high-quality and fresh, because they are prone to poisoning, it is recommended to boil water, and vegetables are pre-dipped in boiling water.

Prospects for breeding

Trakehner breeding stallions are often purchased to improve the domestic breed in a private stable.To preserve the purity of the breed, this is not recommended. Males reach sexual maturity at the age of two years. But in order to obtain he althy offspring, breeders recommend waiting for the age of 3-4 years. Purebred foals are in demand on the market and, while maintaining the pedigree, are valued at a lot of money.

Animal value

Trakehner racers of pure blood are highly respected among professional breeders. Horses of this breed are in demand in sports competitions, where they achieve great success and break records, while they are obedient, easy to train and devoted to people.

Depending on the pedigree, sporting achievements of the animal and age, the price is determined, which can reach half a million rubles. Before buying an animal, read the documentation and get a medical certificate about the state of his he alth. If the price looks too low, then there is a risk of acquiring an old horse. Buy foals at stud farms.

Interesting facts about horses

The Trakehner breed is famous in sports circles and is valued for its intelligence and endurance. Elite Thoroughbred Beauty Race Facts:

On the legs of thoroughbred mares and stallions there is a brand in the form of elk horns, reminiscent of the animal's belonging to the Trakehner breed.
Trakens are the only breed of sport horses that are bred purebred, without crossbreeding with other species.
Victory in the Olympic Games and world championships are in the treasury of the sporting achievements of the breed.
Stamina, elegance, intelligence, character and ability to work are qualities combined in one breed.

Trakens are valued by breeders, the breed is considered elite. Despite the centuries-old history, the breed has been preserved in its purest form and is still one of the best in the sports equestrian arena.