A few interesting points from: Warmbloods
Today Jan/Feb 2011. “Refining the
Trakehner” by Stephanie J. Corum using
my notes
In 1920, 61% of the entire Trakehner broodmare herd was
Thoroughbred offspring which resulted in a ‘refined, noble horse, which in type
and frame was hardly distinguishable from the thoroughbred.”
Studies in the early 1900s showed that the addition of
Thoroughbred blood resulted in:
Reduction
of bone
Reduction
of depth of girth
Reduction
of girth circumference
Reduction
in body weight
After World War II the influence of the Thoroughbred
declined. Instead, breeders gravitated toward producing a heavier, stronger pulling and
riding horse. While breeders still appreciated the nerve, nobility and athleticism
of the Thoroughbred, they did not want the temperament faults associated with
them.
Gustav Rau – Oberlandstall meister of Prussia (Horse
Breeding Director – Trakehner). Rau developed and implemented modern warmblood
protocols. “I am not interested in picking flaws. I am interested in picking
horses.” Three things he felt were truly problematic: Disproportionality, downhill build and
weediness (lack of bone substance).
Looked for overall rectangular body outlines and smooth, broad &
deep loin coupling.
I am not really into the rectangular frame. I much prefer a squarer frame
This was on the same notes but I didn’t write down who ‘she’
was. Probably one of my most favorite quotes about horses. “Running the equation backward” by which she means ‘a common problem that arises when numbers begin to be more important
than horses.”
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