courtesy of the American Trakehner Association

Trakehner horses are the oldest of warmblood breeds, with a studbook dating to 1732. They have been systematically "engineered" for performance--first as cavalry mounts in East Prussia, later as the refined sport horses that have gained the Trakehner breed its international acclaim.

King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia, the father of “Frederick the Great,” saw the changing face of war required a lighter horse, more comfortable to ride over long distances, with more endurance and speed than the heavy horses previously needed to carry armor and haul military equipment. So he chose the best horses from seven of his royal breeding farms, and in the early 1700s moved them all to the new Royal stud at Trakehnen, East Prussia. Through careful crossing of those horses with a hardy native horse called “Schweike” and adding only English Thoroughbred or "oriental" blood, a horse of nobility, elegant movement and great endurance was developed.

Almost 300 years later, strict selection and performance continue to be the hallmarks for today’s Trakehner. The smallest in number of other warmblood breeds, Trakehners are used as refiners for other breeds, resulting in a much higher Trakehner presence than is evident in registrations. For example, Blue Hors Matine, winner of the individual Silver and Bronze medals in dressage at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, was sired by Trakehner stallion Silvermoon but registered as Danish Warmblood. Similarly, KWPN-registered Totilas, holder of three Gold medals in dressage from the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, was sired by Trakehner stallion Gribaldi out of a Dutch Warmblood mare.

Read more: Introducing the Trakehner: The Oldest of Warmblood Breeds

If you have ever seen a horse in one of rodeo’s timed events, enjoyed a leisurely trail ride, watched a Western on the big or small screen or have just seen a group of horses grazing in a pasture, nine times out of 10, you have seen an American Quarter Horse.

These heavily muscled, compact horses were called Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses by English colonists in the 1600s because the horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse. Known for outrunning any horse at the quarter mile, the American Quarter Horse gained popularity. The quarter mile is still the most popular distance for racing American Quarter Horses, and the best blaze the 440 yards in 21 seconds or less.

Whether working cattle on a ranch, taking their owners for a trail ride on a Sunday afternoon or competing in a variety of disciplines, American Quarter Horses are known for their versatility and good temperament. The American Quarter Horse succeeds maneuvers required in reining, working cow horse, barrel racing, cutting, roping and other western events. The American Quarter Horse also excels in English disciplines, including dressage, driving and jumping.

Read more: Profiling the American Quarter Horse, A Very Versatile Breed