The Trakehner
Conformation
- Small noble heads are desirable as they show nerve and energy. The neck should be set properly and of significant length. Withers should be pronounced clearly and visible, the shoulder should be long and sloping and the back should be of medium length. The croup should be long, muscular and of oval shape. A deep and wide rib cage should be connected to a substantial frame, representing a horizontal rectangle (in contrast to the square frame of the Thoroughbred) with large joints
- The recommended minimum size requirements for stallions as two and one-half-year olds are 15.3 hands in height with a heart girth of 72 inches and a cannon bone of 7.5 inches
- The recommended minimum size requirements for mares are 15.1 hands in height with a heart girth of 70 inches and a cannon bone which approaches 7.5 inches
- A large horse, standing generally between 16 and 17 hands
- Powerful hindquarters and strong joints and muscles
- To promote this original breed in its particular, Trakehner-specific form and to ensure the best possible progress in breeding through appropriate action
Temperament
- Desired is an uncomplicated, friendly horse that is at the same time willing to work, reliable and has strong nerves, a horse that makes an impression and which, through its appearance and behaviour, displays a good character as well as a calm, balanced temperament
- Also desirable are robust health, good mental and physical resilience, natural fertility and freedom from genetic flaws
- It is keen, alert and intelligent, yet very stable and accepting and anxious to please
Way of Going
- Desired are diligent, cadenced and ground-covering basic paces (walk - four-beat, trot - two-beat, canter - three-beat). Movement should be elastic and energetic, developed from the hindquarters, transmitted over a supple, swinging back to the forehand which freely moves forward out of the shoulder. The direction of movement of the limbs should be straight and forward
- At the walk, movement should be supple, energetic and elevated, with clearly defined steps. At the trot and canter, there should be a clearly recognisable phase of suspension, with movements that are elastic, full of impulse and light-footed, carried with natural elevation of the neck and balance. Some knee action is desirable
- Jumping: Desired is elastic, scopey and deliberate jumping, displaying calmness and intelligence. The jumping sequence should clearly show a phase of collecting, a powerful and quick push-off at takeoff, a distinct, quick angling of the limbs, a rounded back with noticeably projecting withers and a neck that is bent downward while the hind legs open up (bascule). During the entire sequence, the flow of movement and the rhythm of the canter should be maintained