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. 
