Marbach stud

Marbach was first established as a private stud between 1477, and 1480 by Graf Eberhard V. Christoph, Duke of Württemberg (r. 1550-1568) expanded the stud and in 1573, it was named a court and state stud, after the ruling Dukes realized a need for improvement in local horse breeds. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Marbach used Mecklenburger, Holstein, and English and Norman-bred horses to improve quality in local horses, while heavier breeds such as the Cleveland Bay, Yorkshire Coach Horse and Clydesdale were used to make a larger, more solid horse. Following World War II and the recognition that there was less need for work horses and a greater future in developing sport horses and general light riding animals, the stud added additional lines such as the Thoroughbred and Trakehner, with the Marbach stallion Julmond (1938–1965), a significant contributor of traits that transformed the Württemberger from a work horse into a sport horse.