Horse breeds / Trakehner
Photo: Лена · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Trakehner
The Trakehner comes from the Trakehnen state stud in East Prussia, founded in 1732 by Frederick William I to produce a refined, athletic riding and carriage horse for the Prussian army and estates. Breeders blended local stock with Arabian, Thoroughbred, and other warmblood bloodlines, and the result became one of the most influential sport horse breeds in Europe. The stud was lost at the end of World War II, and the breed was rebuilt in West Germany, where the registry continues today.
Trakehners are known for their elegant, floating movement, expressive heads, and an intelligent, willing character. They are sensitive to tone and rider aids, so they reward consistent, calm handling, and they are rarely dull. Experienced riders tend to enjoy them most in dressage, eventing, and show jumping, though a well-started individual can suit an advancing amateur. Beginners are better served by a horse with a quieter, more forgiving temperament.
Day to day, a Trakehner needs regular, purposeful work and daily turnout with other horses. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise, and a bored Trakehner can become impatient or pushy. Steady routines, clear boundaries, and plenty of time with a herd help them stay balanced.
Good for: Experienced riders, dressage and eventing
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1102–1323 lb |
| Height | 63–67 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Prussia |
Trakehners are sensitive and forward, so first-time owners usually do best with an experienced, already-trained individual.
Living with a Trakehner
Exercise
Most Trakehners need roughly an hour of ridden or in-hand work most days, plus turnout. Without enough work and movement, they can become tense, fidgety, or hard to manage under saddle.
Grooming
Trakehners have a fine, short coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing. Their manes and tails are typically fine and may need gentle detangling. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, and clipping is only needed for horses in heavy work during winter.
At home
Trakehners do best with generous turnout, ideally daily time outside with compatible companions. They are generally hardy in temperate climates, though a sensitive skin and thinner coat can call for a sheltered run-in in harsh winters. They rarely do well isolated. Most are moderate keepers; quality forage plus a balanced concentrate suits many, but easy keepers may gain weight quickly.
Training
Trakehners learn quickly and respond best to logical, patient training that builds confidence rather than force. They excel in dressage, eventing, show jumping, and hunter classes, and their athleticism suits trail work for experienced riders. A green Trakehner may be forward, highly reactive, and quick to learn, so expect a sensitive ride that needs steady, consistent guidance over time.
Health
Trakehners are generally sturdy, though like many warmbloods they can be prone to joint and soft-tissue issues linked to athletic use. Ask a veterinarian about breed-specific screening and a thorough pre-purchase exam. Early attention to hoof and leg health is worthwhile for any performance horse.
- Joint and soft-tissue injuries
- Hoof problems
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Trakehner
Forage and water, adult
18–30 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1102–1323 lb, and 11–19 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,300–$5,550
Hay about $2,102, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Trakehner is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Trakehner
Shelters and breed rescues list Trakehners and Trakehner mixes every week. Search adoptable Trakehners on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Trakehner right for you?
- Yes if you want a sport horse with elegant, expressive movement.
- Yes if you enjoy a horse that thinks and responds to subtle aids.
- Yes if you can provide daily work and turnout with companions.
- Think twice if you are a nervous or first-time rider.
- Think twice if you want a calm, low-maintenance trail horse.
Questions owners ask
Is a Trakehner good for beginners?
Usually not as a first horse. Their sensitivity and athleticism suit experienced riders, though a well-trained, quiet individual can work for an advancing amateur.
How much does a Trakehner cost?
Prices vary widely by bloodline, training, and performance record. Well-bred youngsters and proven sport horses can cost substantially more than pleasure-bred horses.
How tall are Trakehners?
Adults typically stand about 160 to 170 centimeters at the withers, or roughly 16 to 16.3 hands.
How long do Trakehners live?
With good care, Trakehners commonly live into their mid to late twenties or beyond, similar to other warmbloods.
What are Trakehners used for?
They are mainly used in dressage, eventing, show jumping, and hunter disciplines, and they also enjoy pleasure riding and driving.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.