The Trakehner is an older breed originating in what used to be East Prussia and is now part of Poland. The Order of Teutonic Knights established the Trakehnen studs early in the thirteenth century. Schweiken ponies were used as a base and the results were plain and often ordinary, but sturdy and strong. The Schweiken Ponies were descendants of the Konik Pony through the primitive Tarpan. The Trakehner displays the amazing natural strength and powers of stamina the Tarpan possessed. During 1732 the Trakehners had reputation as an elegant coach horse. In the early 1800's Thoroughbred blood began to be introduced in small quantities to improve the horse to be efficient for riding during wartime as well as working of Prussian farms during peacetime. The goal was to add to the size, courage, spirit and stamina of the Thoroughbred to the bulk, strength and dignity of the native breed. Further breed enhancement came with the addition of Arabian blood. Most Trakehner stallions were Thoroughbred by 1913. Perhaps the greatest influence to the foundation of the modern Trakehner would be Tempelhuter, son of Perfectionist, son of Persimmon, who won the English Derby and the St. Leger in 1896. In the late 1950s the breed was imported in significant numbers to first Canada and then later to the United States. Today the Trakehner is a large horse, generally between 16 and 17 hh. It is an excellent performance horse with natural classiness and steadiness. There have been many outstanding Trakehners in the field of dressage, jumping and cross-country. Most outstanding attribute is probably its temperament. The Trakehner is keen, aware and smart, yet very stable and tolerant and eager to please.