Trakehner Verband

Immerse yourself in the world of Trakehners by traveling with Natalie Rooney Pitts to the Trakehner approvals in Germany. This gala event, held in October, provides the premiere opportunity to learn about every aspect of the breed and all it has to offer.

The 2012 Trakehner Stallion Market in Neumünster is scheduled for October 18-21, 2012, and promises to be a special event, as this is the 50th anniversary of the fall approvals at the Holstenhalle in Neumünster. For Trakehner enthusiasts old and new, the fall approvals with mare show and auction represents the single biggest educational activity in which one could participate, and dovetails with the Foundation's mission of promoting the Trakehner horse of East Prussian origin through education and the fostering of national and international amateur equestrian sports.

This event is a perfect place to learn more about this very special breed. It is also an ideal place to purchase a competition horse, a premium broodmare or buy an unapproved stallion (guaranteed to be a spectacular gelding) for a great price!

Don't miss this tremendous opportunity to combine education, vacation and spectacular horses! You won't be disappointed. The horses are breathtaking.

Natalie is happy to act as chauffeur and tour guide on this incredible adventure!

But please plan early. Plane tickets should be purchased no later than September 1. Hotel must be booked by August 1. Several side trips to local stud farms are always a part of the itinerary as is good German food.

For more information about Trakehners, visit Trakehners International, a website "started as an international friendship of Trakehner lovers from Germany and the United States."

Itinerary

• Thursday
  • Presentation of stallion candidates on the hard surface
  • Presentation of riding Horses and auction mares
• Friday
  • Free jumping of the stallion candidates
  • Presentation of riding horses
  • Triangle presentation
• Saturday
  • Stallion candidates at liberty
  • Presentation of auction mares and foals
  • Selection of Supreme Champion mare
  • Auction of riding horses and mares and foals
  • Grading of the stallions
• Saturday evening
  • Gala Event (not to be missed!)
• Sunday
  • Comments on stallions, Champion and Premium awards
  • Auction of graded stallions and colts and foal raffle

Estimated Costs

• Airline ticket: approximately $1200 (sometimes as low as $900)
• Hotel: approximately $275
• Holstenhalle tickets: 75 euros
• Expenses and shopping: ????, approximately $300-$1000 depending on your inclination
• Purchase of horse - ?????

• In addition, each participant is charged a $200.00 planning fee.

Other Important Trakehner Verband dates for 2012

The annual Trakehner Verband spring stallion inspection will take place February 3 and 4, in Münster–Handorf, Westphalia. Added to the inspection event is a stallion show of stallions stationed in the area. The International Trakehner Bundesturnier (Trakehners-only horse show) is scheduled to take place July 19-22, 2012, in Hanover's Reiterstadion. It will feature competitions at all levels of dressage and jumping and a horse trial for Trakehners from all over Germany and the neighboring countries. In previous years there were competitors from up to 13 different countries. Also planned is a foal auction.