 During the 18th and 19th centuries, Marbach used Mecklenburger, Holstein, and English and Norman-bred horses to improve quality in local horses, while heavier breeds such as the Cleveland Bay, Yorkshire Coach Horse and Clydesdale were used to make a larger, more solid horse.Following World War II and the recognition that there was less need for work horses and a greater future in developing sport horses and general light riding animals, the stud added additional lines such as the Thoroughbred and Trakehner, with the Marbach stallion Julmond (1938–1965) a significant contributor of traits that transformed the Württemberger from a work horse into a sport horse.The Weil stud was founded in 1817 at Esslingen by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg for the purpose of breeding Arabian horses.