Dornburg/Saale-Holzland-Kreis, May 30, 2026. After exactly seven decades, the traditional Haflinger breeding in Dornburg is facing its end. The state of Thüringen has started the bidding process for the state-owned stud, sealing the end of a defining chapter in Thuringian horse breeding.
- What: Sale and dissolution of the state-owned Haflinger stud
- When: Start of the public bidding process on Friday, May 29, 2026
- Where: Dornburg, Saale-Holzland-Kreis (near Jena)
- Affected animals: 46 Haflingers (including 13 broodmares, 4 breeding stallions, and foals)
- Responsible: Thüringer Landesamt für Landwirtschaft und Ländlichen Raum (TLLLR)
Deep emotional and historical loss for the region
The announcement of the sale has caused great dismay in the Saale-Holzland-Kreis. Since 1956, the characteristic blond horses on the pastures around Dornburg have been a permanent part of the landscape and regional identity. With the dissolution of the stud, the region is losing not only a piece of living cultural heritage but also one of the most significant East German centers for the breeding of Edelblut-Haflingers.
Economic reasons force the state to act
The main reason for the state’s drastic step is economic considerations. The maintenance and continuation of the specialized breeding are no longer financially sustainable under state management, according to the Landesamt für Landwirtschaft und Ländlichen Raum. Currently, 46 Haflingers remain on the site. What happens to the breeding animals after the sale depends on the outcome of the bidding process. Among horse breeders and locals, there is concern that the valuable genetic heritage of the Dornburg breeding line could be broken up by the sale.
🏛️ History & Significance: The Dornburg Stud
Haflinger breeding in Dornburg began in the mid-1950s and quickly developed into a flagship of Thuringian agriculture. The stud was particularly dedicated to refining the breed into the “Edelblut-Haflinger,” characterized by elegance and willingness to perform. In addition to its purely breeding significance, the farm was a magnet for tourists and horse lovers for decades, who visited the animals against the picturesque backdrop of the Dornburger Schlösser.
Source:
End after 70 years of Haflinger breeding – Closure for stud in Dornburg
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.