1732 - 2007: the oldest warmblood breed in the world celebrates the 275th anniversary

Most warmblood breeders, and especially the Trakehner folks among us, are well familiar with the "history" of the Trakehner breed. Trakehnen is an established name, and we all immediately think of the "Paradise of Horses" in East Prussia, its famed herds that were selected depending on color, the impeccable major sires of the stud farm and of course, the "trek" that ended this stud's existence in the winter of 1944/45.

However, very little is generally known about the 150 years before that ... Trakehnen was established in 1732, and many stories that are worth telling have occurred there. How many times do you think the farm was evacuated in a war-torn Europe? What about Napoleon in Russia? Who had this idea about collecting mares based on their color? And which genius spotted Thunderclap xx or Fetysz ox?

2007 marks the year of the 275 year anniversary of the Trakehner breed and its famous main stud farm. Reason enough for us to bring you an exclusive look at the oldest warmblood breed in the world. Select from the menu above for more.

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Part I: back to the roots East Prussia before 1732 and the foundation of the Royal Stud Trakehnen

Part II: The first Trakehner century Men with visions, the stud of kings, Trakehner trecks and a history lesson

Part III: Trakehnen's first golden era Napoleonic wars, Carl Friedrich von Burgsdorf, and the first foundation stallions