State Stud Redefin

Performance born of tradition - Redefin has been inextricably linked with the breeding of Mecklenburg horses since the beginning of the 18th century. There was a majestic stud there already by 1710, which provided the royal stables of the ducal palace of Schwerin with horses of the highest standard. The state stud was founded by Duke Friedrich Franz I of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1812 in order to improve horse breeding in Redefin. Over many years, Mecklenburg has supplied the State Stud Celle and others with high-blood stallions, some of which became line founders in the Hanoverian breeding region.

In 1949, the State Stud Redefin was nationalised and in 1959, it was renamed the “Stallion Depot Redefin”, marking the beginning of a new era. Horses from Mecklenburg were particularly saleable and therefore had to be provided to other breeding regions of the GDR in large numbers.

Following political change in 1989, the then still young federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania took over the State Stud Redefin as a business enterprise of the state. Today, it boasts a never-before-achieved variety of services. Providing breeding stallions as well as training and performance testing them remain important functions of the state stud. 200 years’ breeding experience make Redefin a reliable partner for modern horse breeding. With a wide network of covering stations and a state-of-the-art EU insemination centre, this state stud offers the best possible service for breeders near and far. Redefin state sires are highly successful in sports, displaying strong nerves and a willingness to perform.

The integrated state riding and driving school offers training of the highest standard for all horse enthusiasts, from novice to professional, in all the classic disciplines and is the second biggest pillar of the Redefin range of services.
However, the special charm and character of the stud, demonstrated to hoards of people through the stallion parades, has also paved the way for increasing use of the historical premises as a location representative of the state and a tourist attraction. Hence, after 200 years, the state stud is being used more and more for a wide variety of events for the general public, including the classical concerts of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian Music Festival, exhibitions like the LebensArt lifestyle show, filming and photo shoots, seminars, corporate events and much more.