Principal and State Stud Marbach

With over 500 years’ history, the Principal and State Stud Marbach is the oldest German state stud. Founded by the Dukes of Baden-Württemberg to improve state horse breeding and stock the royal stables, it is today controlled by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protect as a state-owned enterprise.

The three stud farms in Marbach, Offenhausen and St. Johann and their surrounding pastures are situated in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb. Roughly one thousand hectares of land provide fodder for over 500 horses. This stud is home to purebred Arabians, athletic warmbloods, rare Altwürttembergers and gorgeous Black Forest cold bloods.

The stud keeps two herds of mares. While the warmblood herd is primarily for improving sport horse breeding and preserving rare bloodlines, the Weil-Marbach purebred Arabians serve to maintain the legacy of King William I, who established the first Arabian breeding facility in Europe in 1817.

During the breeding season, in addition to the EU insemination station in the former cloister in Offenhausen, the stud also operates a network of service stations throughout the state. The stud offers breeders a comprehensive service from pairing advice to rearing through to the training and marketing of young horses. In the state-approved performance testing centre for stallions and mares, around 80 years horses a year are tested for temperament and riding performance.

The stud employs 85 members of staff and, with 40 trainees, is the biggest training facility for equine managers in Germany. The state riding and driving school offers courses suitable for all grades, from novices to instructors. Marbach is part of the Centre of Excellence for Horse Breeding, Keeping and Health (KOPF) in Baden-Württemberg and is the headquarters of the European State Studs Association (ESSA).

Throughout the year, Marbach hosts top-class breeding and sports events as well as shows. With stud tours, shows, carriage and wagon rides, the stud puts on a diverse programme of entertainment for visitors. It also offers atmospheric premises for corporate events and family celebrations. The “Julmonds Marbach” children’s club is run to inspire even the youngest of horse lovers, while in the former cloister in Offenhausen, the stud museum provides an insight into the history of horse breeding in Baden-Württemberg..