As a corollary to cavalry in Germany, prior to the First World War, there an extensive equine industry existed in Germany. While motor vehicles were coming into use, horsepower still made up a large percentage of Germany's transportation needs in the civilian sector. Horses were also viewed by the Germany government as a strategic resource and efforts were made to promote horse breeding as a means of building and maintaining numbers of horses that could be drawn upon in case of war. This even went as far as the German government registering privately-owned horses for use in wartime (sort of a "horse reserve"). Additionally, equestrian sports were encourage, often in cooperation with the military, and that included horse racing.
There were a number of horse racing tracks in Germany that drew large crowds. Many were interested in the horses themselves or were enthusiasts trying to promote horse breeding and the like. Also, there was the gambling that came along with it, much like today. Finally, attending horse races was considered a social event for the upper classes and it was one place that people could see and be seen.
One such track was the Boxberg at Gotha. Founded in 1878, still exists to this day. Below are some pictures:
There were a number of horse racing tracks in Germany that drew large crowds. Many were interested in the horses themselves or were enthusiasts trying to promote horse breeding and the like. Also, there was the gambling that came along with it, much like today. Finally, attending horse races was considered a social event for the upper classes and it was one place that people could see and be seen.
One such track was the Boxberg at Gotha. Founded in 1878, still exists to this day. Below are some pictures:
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| Boxberg during the Kaiserzeit |
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| Boxberg Today |
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