68 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



for its height, and lacks the action that is admired in a 

 carriage horse. In 1732, Frederick William I, King of 

 Prussia, founded the stud at Trakehner. This soon be- 

 came the home breeding center of East Prussia. Fred- 

 erick furnished this stud with something more than 1100 

 horses collected from the royal studs. There were a few 

 importations from Arabia and a few Thoroughbreds 

 added to the stud from time to time. 



71. The Hanoverian horses are larger than the East 

 Prussian horses. However, they are softer, and their 

 action not so good, due, perhaps, to the Arabian and 

 Thoroughbred blood in the East Prussian horses. They 

 are used more for draft than for saddle purposes. They 

 have strong legs and a good back, on which they can carry 

 a load sufficiently heavy to make them serviceable military 

 horses. These horses are bred by farmers, who work 

 the brood mares on their farms. There is no trace of 

 either Arabian or Thoroughbred blood in their veins. 



72. The Holstein horses are about equal to the Hano- 

 verian in size. They are fine powerful horses, with 

 good legs and free action, are suitable for both riding 

 and driving, and are in great demand ; but it is doubtful 

 whether they are as enduring as the East Prussian horses. 

 For many centuries, Holstein has been noted for its good 

 horses. 



73. Oldenburg horses are, perhaps, the parent of the 

 German Coach horses, and are used for heavy coach 

 work, and as all-purpose horses, but seldom are used 

 as saddlers. Some writers contend that these horses 

 are not of the best quality, but stand in high favor be- 

 cause of their great size, some being seventeen hands 

 high, and broad in proportion. They have good dis- 

 positions, and mature at an early age. 



