…and on the eighth day God created the horse in perfect image, to romp, graze, gallop, play, and make manure wherever it darn well pleases, in divine grace…
The North Swedish Horse is relatively new as far as stud books and registries are concerned, having been established in 1909. (1)
It is descended from an ancient Forest Horse, and over the years, some Friesian, Oldenburg, and other European heavy horse breeds were added in. The Dole Gudbrandsdal, the specialist harness racing breed from Norway was also added, this breed having similar ancestry to those listed above. (2)
Sporting the only cold-blood harness racing trotter in the world, the North Swedish Horse is currently used for light draft work, forestry, and racing.
Two lines exist, a heavier, draft-type and a lighter line that is used for the trotting races.
The lighter lines are registered in the Swedish Coldblood Trotter Studbook, the “Svensk Kallblodstravare.” (3)
The stud book is strictly controlled to preserve the breed characteristics and it is ideally suited for the harsh, Swedish winters.
Horses are tested for pulling capability, temperament, and fertility. Hooves and legs are X-rayed. (4)
This is an attractive, blocky animal, with lots of curves on its arched neck and rounded rump. Robust and drafty, yet small for a big horse, it is easy to train and has an energetic, long stride.
They look like Friesians and Norwegian Fjords in shape, with big, feathery feet. The breed standards have resulted in a very eye-catching animal with a big trot.
The North Swedish Horse comes in at 15 to 15.2HH and is considered a Coldblood. (5)
Originating in Sweden, its colors are black, bay, palomino, chestnut, brown, and dun.
It likes “Taiga environs” or high latitude, northern regions of swampy, coniferous forests, steppes or tundra regions, conducive to Swedish winters.
Often used for logging and forestry, it has a heavy, pony-like head, a crested, arched neck, a long body with strong back, set on shorter legs, and a nice, sloping shoulder.(6)
The numbers of the North Swedish Horse did decline in the mid-20th century, due to mechanization, but there are enthusiasts who pursue the improvement and increasing numbers of the breed.
I like this horse and its looks, and I’m always interested in hearing about rare and different horse breeds from around the world.
Closing for now to the immortal words of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, “Happy Trails to You.”
1,2,5,6: “A Pocket Guide to Horses & Ponies,” by Corinne Clark, Parragon Books, Bath, UK
3,4: Internet/Wikipedia
See image of a typical North Swedish Horse, internet commons