What is a Trakehner?

The Trakehner is a European warmblood horse of East Prussian origin which can be traced to the main stud farm established in Trakehnen, East Prussia, in 1732. The breed's name and bloodlines are traceable to this Trakehnen Stud where the foundation for the breed was first established. But the really important and decisive development of the breed occurred in the early 1800's. At this time top quality English Thoroughbred and Arabian bloodlines were introduced into the breed in small quantities with the goal of the Trakehnen Stud being directed toward breeding an endurance horse which would prove itself not only highly efficient as a riding horse during wartimes, but also as a working horse on East Prussian farms during times of peace. The goal, ultimately, was to preserve the nerve, nobility and endurance of the Thoroughbred, at the some time eliminating the faults in temperament and character which also came with the Thoroughbred. Further refinement in the breed came from Arabian blood.

The Trakehner of today is a large horse, standing generally between 16 and 17 hands. The breed is characterized by great substance and bone, yet displays surprising refinement, perhaps more so than any other European warmblood breed. It is a superb performance horse, with natural elegance and balance. It excels in dressage because of its elegant way of moving - the light, springy, "floating trot", and soft, balanced canter, made possible by a deep, sloping shoulder, a correct, moderately long back and pasterns of medium length and slope. With its characteristic powerful hindquarters and strong joints and muscles, the breed also produces outstanding jumpers. However, perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Trakehner is its temperament. Trakehners are keen, alert and intelligent, yet very stable and accepting, and anxious to please.

All over the world today, Trakehner horses continue to excel in equine competition. Since World War II, when they were driven from their East Prussian homeland, the primary breeding area has been West Germany. The breed was first introduced into North America in significant numbers in the mid 1950's, being imported first into Canada and then into the United States. There are now several fairly large Trakehner breeding farms in the United States and Canada with new establishments appearing each year and Trakehner horses are competing successfully all over North America.

The members of the American Trakehner Association, Inc. believe the Trakehner is the breed of America's future for Hunting, Jumping, Eventing and Dressage. They are proud of their Trakehners and aware of the heritage they are obligated to preserve through these magnificent horses. The American Trakehner Association, Inc. is dedicated to serving Trakehner enthusiasts in their endeavors to promote and preserve the Trakehner horse in America.

What is The American Trakehner Association?

The American Trakehner Association, Inc. (ATA) is a unification of the North American Trakehner Association (NATA) established in 1977 and the original American Trakehner Association (ATA) established in 1974. It is a public, non-profit organization composed of breeders, owners and friends of the Trakehner horse. The Association has grown from a beginning of 15 organizers into a vital forward-reaching organization with dedicated members in Germany and throughout North America. As stated in the Corporate Regulations, the purpose of the ATA is:

To establish, maintain, and operate a non-profit association of breeders, owners and friends for the promotion and preservation in the Western Hemisphere of the warmblood horse of Trakehner origin; to maintain a public registry of Trakehner horses: to mark, or brand, approved stallions, mares and foals with the Association's corporate seal; to disseminate information to breeders, owners and friends pertaining to the breeding and raising of Trakehner horses: to promote the performance of the Trakehner horse in dressage, three-day eventing, hunting, jumping and driving; and generally do all the things appropriate to encourage a public understanding of the Trakehner horse, its breeding and performance.

The Association is thus committed to the selective breeding standards established in Trakehnen, East Prussia, in 1732, and being continued today in Germany. "... to encourage the development of a riding horse of beauty and harmony, great endurance, mental and physical balance, and possessing an excellent character." By advocating selective breeding standards, maintaining a public registry, and encouraging the use of Trakehners in public equestrian activities, the Association expects to enhance the propagation of the horse in America for the benefit of the public.

Membership in the ATA is not limited to persons owning Trakehner horses and membership is encouraged by all who desire to support the purposes of the Association. However, because the ATA is a breed Association, only owners of full Trakehner horses are eligible to vote on matters pertaining to the registration or branding of horses. For the same reason, our all-important function of creating and maintaining a public registry of Trakehner horses focuses on the full and part-bred Trakehner horse. Preserving the original bloodlines of the breed is the ATA's desire and duty to the Trakehner. To this end, the ATA maintains a close relationship with the German Trakehner Verband, the organization that has guarded the growth of the breed in Germany since 1947.

As with the horses they admire, the members of the ATA are characterized by an attitude -a glow of pride that permeates everything they do. Their dedication to the Trakehner and their sincere, unselfish desire to protect and promote its growth, gives rise to an enthusiasm that sweeps up everyone with whom they come in contact. They believe strongly in their horses and their attributes, and are happy to share them with all who would join with them in the development and preservation of the Trakehner breed.