New Trakehner designation “Classic Breeding”

The Trakehner Verband is the first breeding association to introduce the passport marking “Classic Breeding”.

With the new quality seal “Classic Breeding”, the Trakehner Verband is sending a clear signal in a rapidly changing horse-breeding landscape: as the first—and to date only—horse breeding association, it will in future specifically identify those offspring that were produced in the classic way—without the use of modern biotechnological reproductive methods.

In international horse breeding, modern breeding methods such as embryo transfer (ET) or ovum pick-up (OPU) in combination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are becoming increasingly important, with commercially and sport-oriented breeding progress at the forefront. The Trakehner Verband also provides its breeders with information and practical support for the use of biotechnology. Particularly with regard to the use of rare performance genetics, these reproductive methods undoubtedly offer valuable options. However, the Trakehner Verband deliberately wishes to set an additional—and above all visible—signal in relation to this development in horse breeding: with the designation “Classic Breeding”, all foals will in future be recorded in the horse passport that were conceived through coverings with fresh semen, by natural service, or with frozen semen (TG), and that were carried and raised by the dam. In doing so, the Trakehner Verband creates transparency for breeders, buyers and the interested professional public—and at the same time recognises the work of the vast majority of its breeders, who continue to rely on classic methods of reproduction.

Trakehner breeding has traditionally stood for pure breeding, continuity and the value of its mare lines, some of which have been maintained for more than three centuries. For many breeders, classic breeding is far more than the mere combination of genetics: it includes mating decisions planned across generations, rearing in a familiar environment, and appreciation of the foal’s imprinting and socialisation by the dam.

This transparency is also becoming noticeably more important on the buyer side. For many, the opportunity to experience the origin, rearing conditions and the dam on site is a decisive factor when selecting a young horse.

“Classic Breeding” is expressly not intended as a counter-model to modern technologies, but as a supplementary option and a conscious choice. With this step, the Trakehner Verband underscores its self-image of being open to innovation without losing sight of its breeding roots.
By introducing this designation, the Trakehner Verband aims to take a pioneering role within German and international horse breeding and sends a clear signal for transparency, diversity and appreciation of different breeding approaches.