Tradition and modernity.
The Haupt- und Landgestüt Marbach is the oldest state stud of Germany.
Here, tradition and modernity unite to form a successful figurehead. The stud is supported by several Weidemann machines at the same time. The first documented mention of the stud was in 1514. Today, many of the buildings built in the 16th to 19th centuries are listed and protected. Around 130 employees live and work on three farms, including 45 trainees who look after the maintenance and care of the facility and over 500 horses.
Horses are part of European culture.
Horses have a long cultural history in Europe as utility, work, military and sport horses; thus, the preservation of regional races is an important task of the state studs. In Marbach, horses of different races are kept and bred. The stud is particularly proud of the traditional breeding of the Arabian thoroughbred. Several stallions of the proud race as well as a whole herd of breed mares live on the Marbach stud. Besides, breeding stallions of the races Altwürttemberger, Deutsches Reitpferd and Schwarzwälder Kaltblut also have a home in the historic stables.
In particular the Baden-Württemberger see themselves in the responsibility in case of the Altwürttemberger horses, since the old farm animal race is included in the “red list”, i.e. it is threatened with extinction. “With the Black Forest cold blood, we could already achieve good success with our breeding program. Today, there are again enough animals; thus, this race is almost consolidated”, says state stable master Dr. Astrid from Velsen-Zerweck, “We want to accomplish the same for the Altwürttemberger.” In addition, the Haupt- und Landgestüt Marbach was able to gain a very good reputation in foal breeding. Several colt and filly herds in the age group of 6 to 24 or 36 months are carefully and professionally prepared for life.
Mechanical support is required here.
With more than 500 horses, around 850 ha of agricultural land, three locations plus outlying estates, the state riding and driving school and a popular tourist destination, the Marbach team is naturally dependent on mechanical support. The machine park comprises a T4512, a 1370, a 2070 and a 5080T from Weidemann. The Weidemann machines are used on a daily basis. In addition to mucking out and sprinkling the stables, the program also includes collecting leaves and watering flowers. In addition, the machines have to change location regularly. Fortunately, the facilities are not far away from each other.
Moreover, flexibility in use is also important. In the historical buildings, the loaders must be compact and manoeuvrable. “That was a little challenge”, recalls Lorenz Dirr, Area Manager, Weidemann. “Marbach needed machines, which could drive into the stables, load heavy manure and at the same time lift straw bales in the attic. At the end, we could do everything at Fohlenhof with the 5080T.” Horse master Thomas Schick from the outlying estate Fohlenhof says: “We do not need a front loader. We cannot get a better one than Weidemann.” A Hoftrac® 1370 is used in the outlying estate Güterstein and a T4512 on the Marbach stud. Service work is more important here, since the main location is a popular destination for tourists. “Weidemann is perfect for us”, says Thomas Engelhart, “since if you want to produce quality, you have to work with quality.”
