On 15th May, the honorary president of the German Trakehner association, Gottfried Hoogen, celebrated his 80th birthday. The founder and senior headmaster of the breeding farm Gestuet Vogelsanghof
in Kevelaer, Germany, was head of the breeding area Rheinland from 1973 to 1975.
From 1981 to 1991 Hoogen worked as president for the Trakehner association. For his life time breeding achievements he was decorated the Gustav Rau plaque by the German Equestrian federation. Hoogen can be considered the greatest influential breeder of Trakehners in Germany. From his farm great names like Pasteur, Mackensen, and Patron descend.
Currently in his collection of breeding stallions are the 24 year old Mackensen, Sir Chamberlaine (sire of Anky's Gestion Icetnos), Enim Pascha, Kosmonaut ox and Lancer II. Hoogen also bred the successful sport mare Lancade II and the breeding stallion Lancaster.
Belgium imported the Trakehner Excalibur, full brother to Enim Pascha, in 1997 and he finished fourth at the Belgian Young Horse Championships in Gesves.