The Current Status of Horse Production in Europe and Germany

Abstract

This report describes the situation of horse production in West-Germany and some other important horse breeding countries in West-Europe (figures from 1990 or earlier). The total number of horses in West-Europe (1982: 1, 947, 000) is considerably lower than in all other continents. As for thoroughbred horses, England, France, lreland, Germany, and Italy are the leading countries in Europe (18, 489 foals in 1990). Trotting races are very popular except in the Unitd Kingdom and Ireland . The best trotter horse are bred in France, the Netherlands and in Scandinavian countries . In 1988 about 375, 000 horses (all breeds) were kept in West-Germany. The number of thoroughbred broodmares was 2, 408 in 1990; 2, 384 races were held on a total of 49 race tracks. Trotting races are drawing a high attendance in West-Germany (9, 130 races in 1990; 16 race tracks; 3, 535 broodmares). Nevertheless, in West-Germany the most important breed is the German riding horse (53, 234 registered broodmares and 2072 stallions in 1990). An extensive breeding and selection programm ensures the high quality of the German riding horse. Ponies are very popular as a pleasure and riding horse for children. Draft horses (heavy type horses) represent only a small percentage of the horse population.